By Lynnette Nzioki

On August 7, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) hosted a Postgraduate Research Day & Conference. This hybrid academic event brought together over 100 participants under the compelling theme "Advancing Knowledge, Leadership, and Innovative Solutions for Global Complex Challenges." The conference proved to be a dynamic platform where cutting-edge research met real-world applications, showcasing how USIU-Africa's postgraduate scholars are contributing to solving some of the world's most pressing issues through rigorous academic inquiry and innovative thinking.

Faculty members, students, and fellow researchers engaged in meaningful dialogue about the practical implications of these studies, fostering an environment where academic excellence translated into tangible solutions for society.

The full-day conference featured presentations from postgraduate students across various disciplines who participated in the Visualize Your Thesis (VYT) and Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competitions, highlighting groundbreaking research that addressed contemporary global challenges ranging from sustainable development and technological innovation to social justice and economic transformation. The winners in these competitions were as follows: Bovet Mureti, Master of Science in Information Systems & Technology, received the People’s Choice Award; Caroline Moraa, Master of Arts in Communication Studies emerged first in the Three Minute Thesis category, with Victor Machoka, PhD, International Relations, coming in second, and Esther Wamagata, MSc. Information Systems & Technology placed third; Sarah Fatuma, PhD, International Relations, claimed first place in the Visualize Your Thesis category, followed by Caroline Moraa, Master of Arts in Communication Studies, and Bovet Mureti, Master of Science in Information Systems & Technology, respectively.

This event exemplified USIU-Africa's commitment to nurturing research leaders who understand that true scholarship extends beyond the classroom to create meaningful impact in our interconnected world. The successful gathering reinforced the University's mission of providing "Education to take you places" and established a benchmark for future research conferences at the institution.

SGS appreciates all the conference participants and the student competitors. Be on the lookout for the 2^nd Edition of the Conference that will be held in Summer 2026.