Kyambogo University is proud to announce the third edition of its STEAM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Festival, an initiative pioneered by the Faculty of Science. This festival serves as a platform to showcase and disseminate groundbreaking research innovations and pedagogical interventions from various faculties. Initially centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics, the festival has evolved to encompass Vocational Studies, Special Needs Education, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Studies, Art and Industrial Design among others, reflecting Kyambogo University’s commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive knowledge dissemination.

The STEAM Festival not only recognizes existing partnerships but also fosters collaborations with stakeholders to address societal challenges through scientific advancements. Emphasizing the university’s pivotal role in community development, this year’s theme, “Demystifying Science, Technology, and Innovation for Community Development,” underscores the importance of bridging the gap between knowledge creators and consumers.

Goals and Objectives

The overarching goal of the festival is to cultivate an appreciation for the pivotal role of science and technology in community development. Through engaging exhibitions, discussions, and interactive sessions, the festival aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Inspiring Future Innovators: Encourage young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation, fostering a sustainable pool of next-generation scientists and innovators.
  2. Empowering Researchers: Enable researchers to identify and address public concerns through their work, promoting solutions-oriented research that addresses societal needs.
  3. Enhancing Access to Science: Facilitate greater access to scientific research and its applications, ensuring that knowledge reaches those who can benefit most from it.
  4. Strengthening Policy-Focused Research: Promote policy-focused research within higher education institutions, driving evidence-based policymaking for societal advancement.

Proposed Activities for the 3rd Edition

Building upon the success of previous editions, the 3rd STEAM Festival proposes an array of activities to enrich the participant experience and extend the festival’s impact:

  1. Cross-Faculty Participation: All faculties and schools within Kyambogo University will participate, showcasing their scientific, technological, and artistic discoveries through exhibits, performances, and discussions.
  2. Engagement of Selected Schools: Selected schools, particularly those who participated in previous editions, will be invited to share their stories, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and collaboration.
  3. Digital Platform: A dedicated website will host information and materials before, during, and after the festival, ensuring accessibility and enabling broader engagement beyond physical boundaries.
  4. Pre-STEAM Conference: A two-day pre-festival conference will be held to encourage staff and postgraduate students to disseminate their research findings. Additionally, science communication training will be provided to enhance their ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
  5. Collaborative Opportunities: Public universities receiving research grants will be invited to share their findings, fostering potential collaborations and joint applications for international grants.
  6. Research and Documentation: A research project will document the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from organizing the STEAM Festival, contributing valuable insights to the broader discourse on science communication and engagement in Africa.
  7. Engagement of Informal Sector: Recognizing the untapped potential of informal sector innovators, efforts will be made to incorporate their perspectives and innovations into the festival, providing a platform for scaling up grassroots innovations.

Proposed Subthemes

  1. Exploring the Diverse Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Education.(Inspired by Large language models that have resulted in AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard/Gemini, Spinbot, Youchat, etc. Some of these are being used by students, corporations, and staff to do repetitive tasks or even assignments. This sub-theme will explore the extent to which these should be acceptable and how well can the education system leverage their opportunities without compromising academic standards)
  2. Unveiling the Wonders of Space Science for Community Advancement. (Inspired by Uganda’s launch of its satellite. While Uganda’s space ventures may seem distant from daily concerns, this discussion underscores the tangible benefits they can bring back to Earth. Throughout history, Ugandan cultures held diverse beliefs regarding celestial bodies and their significance in influencing times and seasons. This discussion will not only serve as a platform to brainstorm how Uganda can leverage its satellite technology to develop homegrown solutions for local challenges but also to acknowledge the historical role of these cultural beliefs in fostering a sense of responsibility, promoting self-reliance and economic growth.)
  3. Strategizing for the “Beginning of the End” of the Fossil Fuel Era to mitigate the effects of climate change.(Inspired by The COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, in Nov, 2023. Because most discussions during the conference showed that progress was too slow across all areas of climate action, there was a call on governments to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels to renewables such as wind and solar power in their next round of climate commitments. This sub-theme will be centered on what different stakeholders can bring on board to achieve this ambitious goal.)

In conclusion, the 3rd edition of the Kyambogo University STEAM Festival promises to be an enriching and transformative experience, bringing together diverse stakeholders to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation for community development. Join us from the 22nd to the 26th of April 2024 at Kyambogo University and be a part of this extraordinary journey towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

 

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