ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD SOUTH EAST ZONE 5TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE AT AEFUNAI

OWSD South East Zone Successfully Hosts 5th Biennial Conference on Translating Research into Real Impact for Sustainable Development

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), South East Zone, Nigeria, successfully hosted its 5th Biennial Conference at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, marking a significant milestone in the Zone's commitment to advancing women in science, research, innovation, and sustainable development.

With the theme, "Women in Science: Translating Research into Real Impact for Sustainable Development," the conference attracted over 400 participants, both physically and virtually, including distinguished scientists, researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners, industry experts, students, and emerging women scientists from across Nigeria.

The conference represented the successful realization of a vision conceived in 2025, transforming an ambitious idea into one of the most impactful scientific gatherings in the South-East region. It provided an outstanding platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, networking, and strategic dialogue on translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions capable of addressing pressing societal challenges in healthcare, climate change, food security, education, technology, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

Activities commenced with a Pre-Conference Capacity-Building Workshop, designed to promote both professional development and healthy living among participants. The workshop featured a Health Walk, free medical screening and health checks, as well as an intensive Grant Writing and Grantmanship Training by Prof. Robert Onyeneke, where participants acquired practical skills on developing competitive research proposals, securing research funding, and translating innovative ideas into impactful projects.

The official opening ceremony, hosted by Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), was attended by members of the University Management, distinguished guests, award recipients, development partners, researchers, and students.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Daniel C. Nwachukwu, commended OWSD for its unwavering commitment to promoting scientific excellence, gender inclusion, and research-driven development. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and academic excellence while assuring participants of continued institutional support for initiatives that advance science and sustainable development. He emphasized that universities must remain centres of impactful research capable of generating practical solutions to societal problems and accelerating national transformation.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Laura Okpala, described the conference as a landmark academic event for both AE-FUNAI and the South-East Zone of OWSD Nigeria. She emphasized that the gathering would strengthen collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and scientific excellence while creating opportunities for women scientists to contribute more effectively to national development.

Welcoming participants, the Zonal Coordinator of OWSD South East Zone, Nigeria, Dr. Chioma Ogochukwu Anorue, reaffirmed the organization's vision of empowering women through science, research, innovation, and leadership. She noted that the conference theme was deliberately chosen to challenge researchers to move beyond knowledge generation by translating research outcomes into practical innovations that improve lives, influence policy, create economic opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

The conference featured outstanding scientific sessions comprising both physical and virtual oral presentations, showcasing cutting-edge research from scientists across diverse disciplines. Participants benefited from stimulating discussions on emerging scientific challenges and innovative solutions relevant to national and global development.

A major highlight of the conference was the keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Florence O. Nduka, who spoke extensively on the conference theme, emphasizing the strategic role of women scientists in advancing research, innovation, technology, and sustainable development. She advocated stronger institutional support, increased investment in research, effective policy implementation, and expanded mentorship opportunities for women researchers.

The conference also featured an inspiring virtual keynote presentation by Prof. Eucharia Nwaichi, alongside impactful virtual scientific contributions from Prof. Sammy Olufemi Sam-Wobo and Dr. Ekwutosi Cynthia Okeh, whose presentations enriched discussions on research excellence, innovation, and sustainable scientific advancement.

One of the most exciting highlights of the conference was the Science Quiz Competition involving secondary school girls from various schools across Ebonyi State. The competition was organized to stimulate early interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among young girls and showcased exceptional brilliance, confidence, and scientific potential. Faith Academy Secondary School, Abakaliki, emerged as the overall winner after an outstanding performance.

In recognition of exemplary leadership and unwavering support for research and scientific advancement, the OWSD Leadership Excellence Award was presented to the Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Daniel C. Nwachukwu, for his impactful leadership and commitment to promoting research, innovation, and women's participation in science. Other outstanding women in received awards for their achievements in science.

Beyond the academic sessions, participants enjoyed valuable networking opportunities, including the elegant All-White Cocktail Evening, which fostered professional interactions, mentorship, collaborations, and lasting partnerships among women scientists, early-career researchers, policymakers, and development partners.

The successful hosting of the conference further reinforces OWSD South East Zone's unwavering commitment to empowering girls and women through STEM education, scientific research, mentorship, leadership development, health promotion, entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional networking. Through school outreach programmes, laboratory exposure, regional scientific conferences, capacity-building workshops, recognition of excellence, and strategic partnerships, OWSD South East Zone continues to inspire the next generation of women scientists, bridge the gender gap in STEM, strengthen research capacity, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable scientific and socio-economic development in Nigeria and beyond.

As the conference concluded, participants renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration, supporting women in science, promoting research commercialization, and translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions that address societal challenges and accelerate sustainable national and global development.