Somalia Researchers’ Night
Over the past 30 years, research on Somalia has primarily been conducted by humanitarian organizations. Most of these publications have focused on specific projects and donor reports. However, in the past five years, Somali scholars have significantly increased the amount of research conducted within the country. Their work has extensively covered areas such as health, education, business, economics, technology, and other sectors. The findings from their studies are often published in high-impact academic journals and cited worldwide.
To encourage these achievements, the Somali Researchers Association (SRA) will host the Somalia Researchers’ Night, inviting researchers who published their work in 2024, whether as authors or co-authors.
The objectives of the Somalia Researchers’ Night are as follows:
- To recognize and commend researchers for their publications in 2024 and encourage them to further increase their research output and publications in 2025.
- To showcase how the research conducted can benefit government and non-governmental institutions.
- To highlight existing research opportunities and foster collaboration among researcher stakeholders
- To encourage researchers to produce high-quality research in 2025 that can contribute to the development of the country.
The Tentative
It was an important event where Somali scholars and researchers gathered, organized by the Somali Researchers Association (SRA). The purpose of this gathering was to promote and enhance research practices in Somalia while encouraging collaboration and networking among researchers, businesses, universities, and government institutions. The main theme of the Somalia Researchers’ Night 2024 was:
Theme:
Advancing Research: Bridging Academia with society and empowering researchers to publish.
The event began with the welcoming and registration of attendees. The opening was marked by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, which set a blessed tone for the occasion. Following this, Prof. Dr.Abdalla, a member of the SRA board, welcomed the participants and facilitated an introductory session where researchers and stakeholders engaged in networking and informal discussions.
The event officially commenced with an opening speech by Dr. Shafie, who emphasized the importance of research in supporting societal and economic development. Throughout the evening, motivational speeches highlighted the significance of research in advancing culture, education, and the connection between research and business.
Key Speeches:
- Osman Yusuf Osman, Chairman of the Academy of Arts and Culture, spoke about the role of research in preserving and promoting Somali culture and arts.
- Abdulkadir Mohamed Hassan, Chairman of the Union of Schools in Banadir Region, emphasized the importance of education and collaboration between schools and researchers.
- Husein Sabriye from Telecommunications Department at Hormuud Telecom, shared insights on how businesses can support research and innovation.
- Hassan Sheikh Ali Nur, Lecturer at the Higher Institute for Security Studies, focused on the link between research and national security.
- Abas Ali Ahmed, Manager of Signjet Printing Company, discussed the role of businesses in fostering research.
- Ahmed Isse Haji, Representative from Somtel, highlighted how technology and research can complement each other.
Panel Discussion:
A panel discussion was held where researchers explored the challenges and opportunities in Somali research, including how to increase the publication of research findings, the use of research by businesses and government, and the barriers faced by female researchers in publishing academic articles. Participants engaged in lively debates, and the audience was given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
During the session, attendees actively participated by asking two questions and sharing three insightful comments on the topics discussed. These interactions enriched the discussion and provided valuable perspectives for the panellists.
Key topics of the discussion included:
How published research can benefit businesses and government.
Opportunities for research funding available to scholars.
Addressing the lack of published research and increasing academic outputs.
Challenges faced by women researchers and strategies to overcome them.
Closing and Recognition:
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, group photos, and a networking dinner. Attendees were encouraged to continue their research initiatives and collaborations, with the event serving as a source of inspiration and renewed hope for Somali researchers.
Key Highlights:
Somali Researchers’ Night brought together scholars from various disciplines, providing a platform for networking and collaboration. Motivational speeches emphasized the critical role of research in societal development.
The panel discussion explored practical solutions to challenges in the research ecosystem, including funding, publication, and inclusivity for women researchers.
The inclusion of questions and comments from the audience made the discussions more dynamic and insightful.
The event successfully promoted the value of research, inspiring participants to contribute further to the advancement of Somali academia.
This remarkable evening underscored the importance of research in driving progress and innovation in Somali society, fostering collaboration across diverse sectors for a brighter future.
