OWSD Nigeria: 7th Biennial International Conference
OWSD Nigeria held its 7th Biennial Conference (6–10 July 2025, FUTA), bringing women in STEM together to advance science, innovation, and tackle global challenges.
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Nigeria National Chapter successfully held its 7th Biennial International Conference from July 6–10, 2025, at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). Themed “Fostering a Smarter Scientific and Technological Ecosystem,” the conference brought together more than 400 participants, including scientists, researchers, scholars, students, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.
The program opened with pre-conference workshops for early-career, mid-career, and established female researchers, focusing on mentorship, research leadership, and academic growth. Highlights included keynote addresses, plenary sessions, technical presentations, poster sessions, networking forums, and the Triple Helix Leadership Summit, which explored collaborative roles of academia, industry, and government in national development.
Presentations covered diverse topics such as climate change, food security, biotechnology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, human health, and gender equity in science. Awards were presented to outstanding women scientists for leadership, innovation, and service. The conference also prioritized student participation through travel support and emphasized wellness with on-site health screenings.
The event concluded with the election and inauguration of new OWSD Nigeria executives, with Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe installed as National Chairperson. In her address, she reaffirmed OWSD Nigeria’s commitment to empowering women in science, strengthening research networks, and leveraging innovation for national and global impact.
The next biennial conference will be hosted in 2027 at the University of Abuja.