2026 Institutional Research Week
Institutional Research Week 2026
Call for Abstracts
Theme: “Advancing Knowledge and Technological Innovations for Sustainable Development” — research that works for Namibia and beyond.
Background
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) cordially invites academics, researchers, postgraduate students, industry partners, innovators and other stakeholders to submit abstracts for the 2026 Institutional Research Week (IRW). The occasion provides an interdisciplinary platform for disseminating impactful research findings, exchanging knowledge, promoting innovation, and strengthening partnerships that contribute to national development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Abstract Themes
Four faculties, one shared agenda — find the theme closest to your work.
Sustainable Business and Economic Development
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Small Business Development
Public Policy, Governance and Public Administration
Human Resource Management and Organisational Development
Leadership, Ethics and Corporate Governance
Education, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Innovation
Social Development, Community Engagement and Inclusion
Tourism, Hospitality and Creative Industries
Financial Management, Accounting and Auditing
Transportation and Logistics Systems
Criminal Justice Reform and Policy Development
Marketing, Consumer Behaviour and Digital Commerce
Communication, Language, Linguistics and Literacy Studies
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
Data Science, Big Data and Business Analytics
Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (IoT)
Software Engineering and Emerging Technologies
Smart Cities and Digital Government
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience
Blockchain Technologies and FinTech
ICT for Sustainable Development
Architecture, Planning and Construction
Renewable Energy and Green Technologies
Smart Infrastructure and Sustainable Construction
Water Resources Engineering and Environmental Management
Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
Mining, Geological and Materials Engineering
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Urban Planning and Sustainable Cities
Engineering Innovation and Product Development
Circular Economy and Sustainable Engineering Solutions
Public Health and Health Systems Strengthening
One Health: Human, Animal and Environmental Health and Epidemic Preparedness
Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences
Occupational Health and Safety
Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation
Wildlife Conservation, Ecotourism and Protected Area Management
Rangeland Ecology and Sustainable Management
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience
Nutrition and Food Safety
Water Security, Agriculture and Natural Resource Management
Regulatory Science and Health Policy
Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences
Water Quality, Sanitation and Environmental Health
Genomics, Bioinformatics and Precision Medicine
Applied Biological and Chemical Sciences
Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Resource Management
Health Innovation and Digital Health Technologies
AI and Data Science Applications in Health and Environmental Sciences
Blue Economy and Sustainable Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
Circular Economy, Waste Valorisation and Resource Efficiency
Submission Tracks
Please indicate your preferred track when submitting.
Peer-reviewed research presentations grouped by thematic area and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and impact storytelling.
Industry panels, policy dialogues, intellectual property and commercialisation case studies, and co-produced research. Suitable for researchers with active industry/community partnerships.
Dedicated to undergraduate (final-year/honours), master’s and doctoral students — oral presentations, poster sessions and 3MT pitches. Faculty representatives are to ensure student participation.
Presentation Formats
10-minute presentation, and 5 minutes Q&A. Suitable for completed or near-completion research.
Displayed throughout IRW 2026, with a dedicated poster walkabout session.
Students present their research and its significance in three minutes, using one static slide, to a non-specialist audience.
Live demonstration of a prototype, app, pilot or community solution.
Jointly authored presentation with an industry, government or community partner.
Submission Requirements
All abstract submissions must include the following information:
Title — maximum 15 words
Abstract — max 150 words: Problem | Aim/objectives | Methodology | Findings/Expected Results | Conclusion/Practical Implications
Language — English | File format — Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx)
Font — Calibri, 11pt, 1.5 spacing, 2.5cm margins
Keywords — five (5) keywords
Authors — name(s), corresponding email, institution, ORCID (optional)
Student category — Undergraduate | Honours | Master’s | PhD
Authors will be required to submit full papers before the research week for presentation consideration and possible publication in the Proceedings of Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Research Week.
Special Competition Submissions
The NUST 3MT competition challenges Master’s and PhD students to communicate the significance of their research in just three minutes, using a single static slide. This is a flagship event of IRW 2026.
Eligibility — NUST Master’s and PhD students (current registration required)
Format — 3 minutes maximum; one static slide, no props or animations; English
Judging — Clarity, significance and impact, engagement with a non-specialist audience
To enter — Submit your abstract and select ‘3MT Competition’
Prizes — 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; certificates for all finalists
Teams of students and academics from each faculty pitch a practical, SDG-aligned solution to a real-world challenge. Qualifier pitches on Day 2, Final on Day 3.
Team — mixed teams of students and academic staff
Abstract format — title, problem/challenge, proposed solution, impacts, feasibility, SDG alignment
Final format — A1 poster; 5-slide deck; 5-minute pitch + Q&A; optional demo
To register — Submit your abstract and select ‘Sustainable Solutions Cup’
Prizes — winning team awards; certificates for all participants
Important Dates
How to Submit
All abstracts should be submitted through the link below.
Selection Criteria
All submitted abstracts will undergo a double-blind peer review process, and the outcome will be communicated to the authors. By accepting an invitation to present a paper, the author or at least one co-author commits to attending the conference.
Awards and Recognition
Professorial inauguration — inaugural lecture and investiture
Best Paper Award — top presentation in Track A (Research Frontiers)
Best Student Paper / Poster — top student submission in Track C
3MT Winner — 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, plus People’s Choice
Sustainable Solutions Cup Award — winning faculty team and runners-up
People’s Choice Awards — Best Poster and Best Research Reel
Certificates of Participation are awarded to all finalists and competition participants.
Who Should Submit?
Early-career researchers, interdisciplinary teams, and student-academic collaborative projects are especially encouraged to submit. IRW 2026 is designed to be inclusive – there is a stream for everyone.
Enquiries and Contact
Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP)
pmabuku@nust.na or uakah@nust.na
HTTPS Building, 6th Floor, Room 003, C/o Brahms and Beethoven Street, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, Namibia
Committee Members
Dr Patrina Mabuku
Marketing, Infrastructure, Industries & Partners Sub-Committee
Ms Kuda Brandt (Sub-committee Chairperson)
Mr Charles Kake
Mr Abraham Shilomboleni
Mr Nigel M’kwaira
Mr Mbaeva Benhard
Mr Muhongo Evaristus
Mr Jeremiah Mwiinga
Ms Shipanga Victoria
Prof Jeremiah Andrew (Sub-committee chairperson)
Prof Nicodemus Angula
Prof Haileleul Woldemariam
Prof Awofolu Omotayo
Prof Shaanika Irya
Dr Utibe Akah
Dr Elize Nghalipo
Mr Nigel M’kwaira
Ms Rennie Munyayi
Ms Joy Hambabi
Mr Verinjaerako Kangotue
Mr Naftali Indongo
Ms Van Wyk Alisa (Sub-committee chairperson)
Ms Rufaro Musiyarira
Ms Jansen Nadia
Ms Selma Kronelius
Ms Irene Kunamwene
Ms Sam Hannelora
Ms Maletzky, Mercelyne
