UDSM to Honour Top Researchers, Innovators and Industry Partners at 11th Research and Innovation Week
By Donald Boneka, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) will recognize outstanding researchers, innovators, students and strategic partners during its 11th Research and Innovation Week (RIW) 2026, as the institution celebrates excellence in research, innovation and knowledge creation that contributes to national development.
The awards, which will be presented during the closing ceremony of the three-day event on June 11, 2026, are among the highlights of this year's Research and Innovation Week, underscoring the University's commitment to fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and impactful research.
Speaking during a press conference ahead of the event, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research, Prof. Nelson Boniphace, said the awards are intended to recognize individuals and teams whose work has demonstrated exceptional impact in addressing societal challenges, advancing innovation and supporting Tanzania's development agenda.
“Research and innovation are at the heart of national transformation. Through these awards, we are recognizing and celebrating the outstanding efforts of researchers, innovators, students and partners who are contributing solutions to real-world challenges while strengthening Tanzania's knowledge economy,” said Prof. Boniphace.
The 11th Research and Innovation Week takes place from June 9 to 11, 2026, at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Mlimani Campus under the theme “Harnessing Tanzania's Mineral Wealth for Renewable Energy, Digital Transformation and Societal Security.”
The event will feature exhibitions, public lectures, academic conferences, policy dialogues, networking sessions and innovation showcases designed to demonstrate how research and technological innovation can support the country's industrialization and sustainable development aspirations.
Nine Prestigious Awards to Recognize Excellence
A major highlight of this year's Research and Innovation Week will be the recognition of outstanding achievements across research, innovation, consultancy and strategic partnerships. The University will honour researchers and innovators whose work has demonstrated exceptional impact, creativity and contribution to national development.
Awards will recognize multidisciplinary research teams that have generated significant societal impact, researchers who have successfully secured major research funding through collaboration, and individuals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding research and innovation achievements.
The University will also celebrate excellence among students by recognizing the most outstanding postgraduate and undergraduate innovation projects, reflecting UDSM's commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
In addition, awards will be presented to projects that have driven strategic institutional transformation, strengthened collaboration between academia and industry, and secured high-value consultancy funding that contributes to the University's research and development agenda.
Prof. Boniphace said the awards are designed not only to celebrate achievement but also to inspire a culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation across the University community.
"The challenges facing our society require multidisciplinary approaches, strong partnerships and innovative thinking. These awards acknowledge those who are demonstrating leadership in these areas and creating measurable impact through their work," he said.
He added that particular emphasis will be placed on initiatives that have successfully translated research findings into practical solutions, strengthened university-industry linkages and generated innovations capable of improving livelihoods, supporting economic growth and advancing Tanzania's development priorities.
Research and Innovation supporting National Transformation
This year's Research and Innovation Week is themed around the strategic importance of Tanzania's mineral resources in advancing renewable energy technologies, digital transformation and societal security.
Prof. Boniphace noted that minerals such as graphite, lithium, nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements and gold are increasingly becoming critical components in renewable energy systems, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing technologies.
“We cannot talk about renewable energy, digital transformation or future industrial development without recognizing the importance of these strategic minerals. Tanzania has a unique opportunity to leverage its mineral wealth to accelerate sustainable development and economic transformation,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of value addition and local processing of mineral resources to maximize benefits for Tanzanians while creating employment and industrial growth opportunities.
The theme aligns with Tanzania Development Vision 2050, the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and UDSM's Vision 2061.
Prof. Boniphace revealed that private-sector participation and sponsorship of Research and Innovation Week have continued to grow over the past four years, reflecting increasing confidence in the University's research and innovation ecosystem.
He further announced that UDSM has registered at least six patents this year, demonstrating the growing impact of research outputs and innovation activities undertaken by the University.
University's growing investment in community-based research
Meanwhile, the Director of Research and Publications, Dr. Mathew Senga, highlighted the University's growing investment in community-based research through support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
According to Dr. Senga, several projects have worked directly with local communities to address social and economic challenges, including improving agricultural value addition and post-harvest preservation technologies.
“Our research is increasingly focused on generating practical solutions that improve livelihoods and address challenges faced by communities across Tanzania,” said Dr. Senga.
The Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Prof. Lilian Kaale, said UDSM continues to strengthen entrepreneurship and commercialization pathways to ensure research outputs reach the market and create economic opportunities.
She revealed that the University received more than 700 applications for this year's Imbeju Challenge Startup Programme from final-year students seeking to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses.
“From more than 700 applications, we have identified 30 promising startups with the potential to contribute significantly to community development, job creation and economic growth,” said Prof. Kaale.
Public Lecture by Singapore President
As part of the week's activities, UDSM hosts a special public lecture by the President of Singapore, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who will be in Tanzania on an official visit.
Prof. Boniphace said the lecture will provide a unique opportunity for students, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to learn from Singapore's development experience and explore pathways for strengthening innovation-driven growth.
The 11th Research and Innovation Week will officially be opened by the Minister for Minerals, Hon. Anthony Peter Mavunde, while the closing ceremony and awards presentation will be officiated by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Carolyne I. Nombo.
As the University prepares to celebrate excellence across research, innovation and partnership building, the awards ceremony is expected to highlight the transformative role that universities play in generating knowledge, driving technological advancement and shaping Tanzania's future development.