Despite the growing body of climate science research in Rwanda, there remains a lack of a dedicated platform for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to engage, collaborate, and translate scientific findings into impactful climate action. This symposium seeks to bridge that gap by fostering knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue. 

Join us for the very first Rwandan climate science symposium. 

The two-day symposium will bring together climate science professionals, early career scientists, and students, policy makers, private sector professionals and representatives of funding institutions to discuss climate science from a variety of perspectives. It will feature keynote speakers, scientific presentations on the latest findings on climate change in Rwanda, moderated panels, funding opportunities and a research poster session. 

Rwanda’s landscape of research actors that work on climate change-related matters is diverse, spanning from public and private higher learning institutions to civil society organisations’ “action research”. There is a substantial body of scientific knowledge on climate change in Rwanda and research has intensified in recent years through numerous studies, the establishment of Centres of Excellences and international science cooperations. 

Networking is a critical component of the scientific process as it enables collaboration, access to resources, data sharing, publication, and dissemination of research findings. The need for active networking will contribute to the effective and efficient implementation of Rwanda's vision, policies and strategies related to climate action for sustainable development. 

Objectives of the Symposium 

Against the backdrop of Rwanda's ambitious climate and development policy and international agreements and processes, such as the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is crucial to leverage the existing wealth of knowledge and make it "actionable". The enhanced participation and networking of Rwandan research institutions and researchers is a necessity to meet the requirement to generate and use the "best available science" – as requested in the Paris Agreement – and also to implement the spirit of the Kigali Declaration: Climate science for a sustainable future for all1 of the World Climate Research Programme (WRCP). 

The symposium has three interrelated objectives:  

1. Networking of researchers working on climate change (related) topics in Rwanda. 

2. Providing a platform to communicate and present ongoing research findings and results on climate change in Rwanda. 

3. Providing an opportunity for stakeholders outside the science community to connect with it: These include policymakers, development partners, (research) funding institutions, and practitioners. 

Structure of the Symposium 

In accordance with the three objectives, the symposium is structured as follows: 

1. Research stream : Researchers present their current research topics and research results (with a clear reference to Rwanda) – see call for abstracts 
2. Evidence-based policy advice : Structures, challenges, and best practices of evidence-based policy advice with reference to climate science and policy are presented and discussed 
3. Networking stream : The need for networking is explored and a way forward drafted, knowledge bearer and hubs are identified, cooperation potentials identified 
4. Funding and supporting climate research : This stream deals with the (financial) funding opportunities for climate research, both at national and international level. 

Target group – who should attend the Symposium? 

The primary target audience for this symposium consists of scientists and researchers who are actively engaged in climate change-related research on Rwanda. This includes experts from public and private higher learning institutions, research centres, government institutions and organizations focused on climate science. The symposium is specifically designed for those researchers working on topics presented under the research stream (section 3, above). Students and graduates from these fields are also targeted. 

Additionally, the symposium aims to involve representatives from the private sector, particularly those, whose work intersects with climate research and innovation. This includes companies involved in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, forestry, and environmental technology, where scientific research is integral to advancing climate action and achieving Rwanda's carbon-neutral goals. 

The symposium also targets a selected group of policymakers and representatives from funding institutions who play a crucial role in shaping and supporting climate research in Rwanda. This includes government officials responsible for climate and environmental policies, as well as representatives from international organizations and development agencies that fund climate-related research projects. 

The involvement of these stakeholders is essential for bridging the gap between research and policy, ensuring that scientific findings are effectively translated into actionable policies and strategies.

About the organizer

The Rwanda Climate Science Symposium is an initiative of the Rwandan-German project ‘Capacity Development for the Implementation of Rwanda's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)’, which is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and GIZ-Rwanda, as well as various public and private organisations and institutions active in Rwanda, namely

• Rwanda Meteorological Agency
• Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA)
• Rwanda Space Agency (RSA)
• National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)
• Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (CoEB)
• AKADEMIYA2063
• African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) - Research Innovation Center (RIC)