The 2024 Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) conference, themed “It takes a village to raise a child,” took place from September 3–5, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Maputo, Mozambique. This gathering focused on promoting collaboration across research management, innovation, and administration fields, attracting research managers from across Africa to share ideas, network, and enhance their skills.
Day 1: Workshops and Welcome Event
The first day kicked off with pre-conference workshops, including one led by the Gates Foundation focusing on science communication and storytelling. Another interactive session guided participants on how to manage and mitigate risks in research contracts, fostering an understanding of compliance, negotiation, and financial management. These sessions reflected the overall goal of strengthening the skills necessary for effective research management.
The day concluded with a welcome event, providing delegates an informal platform to connect and exchange insights about their institutions’ practices. The atmosphere was lively and conducive to building new partnerships and professional relationships.
Day 2: Opening Ceremony and Parallel Sessions
The second day opened with a keynote speech by Mozambique’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Prof. Eugenia Cossa, followed by a plenary session and parallel tracks. These sessions delved deeper into the conference’s theme, addressing topics such as soft skills for technology transfer, ethics and integrity in research, and effective grant management.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of various institutions, including the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), which received the SARIMA Excellence Award for Organisational Growth in Innovation Management. The award ceremony took place during the gala dinner, which offered attendees a relaxed setting to celebrate their achievements and further connect with peers.
Expanding Regional Inclusion
This year’s SARIMA conference also marked a significant step towards regional inclusivity by offering certain tracks in Portuguese and supporting the participation of Lusophone members from Mozambique and Angola. The organizers aimed to attract a more diverse group, extending invitations to delegates from Portugal and Brazil, ensuring the conference’s relevance across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
This conference underscored the importance of collaboration in research management, emphasizing that fostering impactful research and innovation is indeed a communal effort. By promoting knowledge sharing and professional growth, SARIMA continues to be a vital platform for research institutions across Africa.