Mbarara University of Science and Technology held its 9th PhD symposium at the Kihumuro campus. Dr. Fred Kaggwa, Chair of the event and one of the proprietors of the PhD symposium, stated that the symposium helps students exchange knowledge and experiences with fellow PhD students in related topics, both regarding research and working towards a PhD. He also highlighted that the doctoral symposium offers an excellent opportunity to introduce research to fellow researchers internationally and to receive feedback from senior researchers in the field.
The Director of Research and Graduate Training, Assoc. Prof. Vincent Batwala, welcomed all researchers and said the event marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of talented doctoral students, showcasing their intellectual prowess, groundbreaking research, and unwavering commitment to knowledge advancement.
Batwala stated, “Today, we gather to celebrate the culmination of years of dedicated research, countless hours of intellectual exploration, and unwavering perseverance. Our PhD students have tackled the frontiers of knowledge, pushing the boundaries of their respective fields, and contributing to the global discourse of scholarly thought.” He thanked the organizers for their commitment and dedication to making the event a success.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nixon Kamukama, urged the presenters to be vigilant with the comments from the panel. He said, “This symposium serves as a platform for our students to present their findings, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and receive valuable feedback from esteemed faculty and peers. It is an opportunity for you to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, inspire innovative thinking, and cultivate a vibrant intellectual community.” He encouraged the presenters to actively participate in the presentations, ask insightful questions, and engage in stimulating discussions. “Let us create an environment that encourages open dialogue, critical thinking, and the exchange of ideas,” he added.
The PhD Symposium was officially opened by Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
In her keynote address titled “Embracing the Challenges and Pursuing a PhD Journey,” she encouraged PhD candidates to attentively incorporate feedback from their supervisors to ensure a smoother journey. She also expressed gratitude to the supervisors for their ongoing mentorship and support of the candidates.
Panelists actively engaged PhD candidates in discussions regarding feedback on their proposals and research papers. They provided in-depth insights and constructive criticism, guiding candidates on how they can refine their research approaches and strengthen their methodologies.
Supervisors and PhD candidates took a moment to pose for a photo together, capturing a memorable snapshot of their collaborative journey. Researchers went for break-away sessions in the following categories: science and technology, humanities, social and management sciences, and cross-cutting/multi-disciplinary research.
