From today until tomorrow, the 11th Scientific and Technological Conference of Mozambique is occoring under the motto "Scientific Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer as catalysts of Sustainable Development", in the City of Beira, Sofala Province.
This event is organized by the National Research Fund, under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Higher Education and Professional Technician and counts on the participation of government members, academics, scientists and innovators from all the central region of the country.
The Scientific Journeys are platforms of social and scientific interest where scientists or innovators have the opportunity to make a technical-scientific update, promote debates, and share or exchange experiences and reflections and dissemination of research results. And, they also serve as forums that encourage the development and transfer of rigorous evidence-based professional and organizational.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, John Jussar, Program Officer for Research, said that Sweden believes that "research is an important component in the process of developing what is considered a ‘ knowledge society. " And, that this involves the interaction between research and society in general, that is, system of innovation. Research also has an important function as the basis for decision-making. Analytical capacity and experience in specific areas at the household level are essential if the country is to participate as an equal knowledge partner in international discussions on important issues. "
In addition to highlighting the positive aspects, Jussar also pointed out the challenges facing the sector, such as the under-funding of higher education and research in Mozambique, the recognition that women are significantly underrepresented in the area of science and face many barriers in Mozambique, the importance of publishing the scientific results and reluctance of the private sector to finance research, and urged the Mozambican government to take these issues as a priority to find answers to these challenges.
Jussar also made reference to a long and successful cooperation partnership in the area of research between Sweden and Mozambique that has lasted for more than 40 years; whose main beneficiaries are Eduardo Mondlane University and the National Research Fund.
Sweden supports the FNI in the framework of efforts to strengthen its capacity as a funding agency. The FNI plays a very important role in ensuring that funding is channeled to high-quality research and that the innovations produced for the benefit of the population are financed. The current agreement with the FNI from 2016 to 2021 is budgeted at 42.5 mSEK.
