Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry wants to place scientific research at the heart of national priorities
The Polytechnic Institute of the Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry (UGANC) organized on June 12, 2025, the second edition of its Science Day. This year’s theme was ”Engineering and Sustainable Development.” The aim is to promote the results of research, encourage scientific exchanges between disciplines and, above all, propose innovative solutions to local issues through engineering.
The Vice-Rector for Research at UGANC, Prof. Mariama Béavogui, opened this second Science Day. In her speech, she recalled that this day is part of the implementation of the University of Conakry’s strategic plan. “Engineering improves everyone’s quality of life by promoting sustainable development,” she said. Prof. Béavogui also emphasized the importance of training a new generation of engineers who are aware of environmental and social issues.
A rich and cross-disciplinary program
The diversity of topics covered reflects the richness of this edition. Energy and mechatronics, digitalization and artificial intelligence, mining and industry, environment and waste treatment, agro-industry and agribusiness, health, hygiene and safety, infrastructure and urban planning are all areas in which Guinean research aims to provide concrete answers.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Amadou Oury Dieng, recalled that: “This Scientific Day is much more than a simple academic gathering; it embodies a collective commitment to the promotion of research, innovation, and scientific progress.”
For Dr. Mohamed Anssoumane Camara, Vice-Rector for Studies and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, this day aims to put scientific research back at the heart of national priorities. “It must be at the center of our concerns so that we can propose innovative local solutions,” he said.
Engineering as a lever
One of the highlights of this science-filled day was the speech by Dr. Mohamed Tayeb Laskry, Rector of Koffi Annan University in Guinea, who spoke about the importance of artificial intelligence. “We must never denigrate technology. On the contrary, it represents a major opportunity to meet the challenges of development,” he emphasized.
Prof. Mohamed Tayeb Laskry called for national ownership of these tools of the future to accelerate sustainable development.
A multi-stakeholder event
This major scientific event, which aims to be interdisciplinary, brought together scientists, mentors, and students with the goal of passing on knowledge to future generations. Prof. Abdoul Karim Ly, a professor at the Polytechnic Institute, was very enthusiastic and did not hide his satisfaction at seeing this multi-stakeholder Science Day take place in an atmosphere of giving and receiving. “This is an opportunity for me to talk about science, because many young people are in master’s programs and need guidance. We old-timers need to pass on our knowledge,” he insisted.
“This Science Day is a source of pride,” said Lamine Traoré, a student at the Polytechnic Institute of Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry.
Through this initiative, the UGANC Polytechnic Institute is affirming its desire to become a key player in the transition to sustainable development based on innovation and science. This ambition is shared by all those involved, in the hope of making research a real lever for social and economic transformation in Guinea.
This article has been published in French by UniverSciences. It is republished here by courtesy, and translated in english by Afriscitech.
