Directorate of Research.
Brief history of the Directorate :
The directorate of research was initiated in 2008 under the direction of Professor Evison Bhebhe (PhD) who continues to lead this unit. In his activities, the director works hand in hand with the ISAE Research and Publications board as well as the Directorate of Consultancy and Technology Transfer.
The goal of this directorate is the creation within the ISAE of an environment that fosters the spirit of research and publication. To this end the directorate has put into effect several activities that encourage staff and students to conduct research that is relevant to the development of agriculture as an industry in Rwanda and comparable to the top research from various scientific communities around the globe.
Research activities Currently in 2009 there has been a first call for proposals resulting in the submission of a variety of potential projects from all departments. The top four projects were awarded funding representing over 15 faculty members from the departments of Rural Development, Food Science and Technology, Animal Production and Farm Mechanization. A second call for research proposals is scheduled for the second part of the year and is expected to be very competitive.
The department is very optimistic as opportunities increase both internally and externally. There is an increasingly positive atmosphere for research from all faculty and staff. In support of the research program, Professor Bhebhe has initiated a seminar series that will involve presentations from in-house faculty and visiting lecturers alike.
The directorate also actively identifies sources of external funding for research and seeks partnerships with national institutions as well as other institutions beyond Rwandan territorial borders. The directorate is in the process of organizing an internal publication so that the research that is being conducted can be presented in a professional refereed journal format.
Many challenges face this young directorate among these limited financial resources loom large. It is however envisaged that as the research activities of members of the institute get published and members make presentations at various forums the research office will get a following and with that potential partners for its programs.
Contact information
For more information contact the research directorate through : director.rtt@isae.ac.rw
