Lomé, Togo
16th WARIMA Annual Workshops and Conference
The 16th WARIMA Annual Workshops and Conference took place in Lomé, Togo, from 27th to 30th January 2025. A total of participants attended from various universities and research institutions across West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, The Gambia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, and Ivory Coast. The conference focused on research governance, funding, research impact, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
- Université de Lomé
Pre-Conference Workshops
Two pre-conference workshops were conducted between January 27 and 28, 2025:
- Research Governance, Compliance, Ethics & Integrity
- Research Management Professional – Funding, Project Management, Grant Writing Support, Research Impact
Workshop 01
Chaired by: Elizabeth Batchilly & Dr. Akindele Olupelumi Adebiyi
Facilitators:
- Elizabeth Batchilly, Medical Research Council of The Gambia
- Dr. Akindele Olupelumi Adebiyi, University of Ibadan
Sessions:
- Evolution of Research Ethics – Elizabeth Batchilly
- Governance and Strategy – Dr. Akindele Adebiyi
- Ethics and Governance – Batchilly & Adebiyi
- Operationalising Research Governance Principles – Dr. Akindele Adebiyi
- Getting Compliance Right – Elizabeth Batchilly
- Monitoring Compliance and Addressing Non-Compliance – Batchilly & Adebiyi
Workshop 02
Chaired By: Prof. Eme Owoaje
Facilitators:
- Prof. Eme Owoaje, University of Ibadan
- Jean Pierre Nguessan, University of Abidjan
- Nana Oye Akuffo, University of Ghana
- Nnenesi Kgabi, South Africa
Sessions:
- Funding – Professor Eme Owoaje
- Project Management – Jean Pierre Nguessan
- Grant Writing and Submission Support – Nana Oye Akuffo
- Transforming Academic Knowledge and Output to Measurable Research Impact – Nnenesi Kgabi
- Challenges of Managing Research Office – Nana Oye Akuffo
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
Pre-Conference Workshops
- Hotel Sarakawa
16th WARIMA Conference
29th – 30th January 2025
Postal Presentations
Day 1 of ConferenceÂ
Venue: Hotel SarakawaÂ
Group Picture
Planery Sessions
16th WARIMA Annual Workshops and Conference
Theme: Facing the Emerging Trends in Research as Research ManagersÂ
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Conference Theme
Theme
Facing the Emerging Trends in Research as Research Managers
The research ecosystem is one of the fastest changing ecosystems in the world with constant changes in policies, practices and regulations. These constant changes mean that research managers must continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn new concepts, and apply them in the conduct of research. Emerging concepts such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), open science, data science and researcher leadership have brought new challenges and opportunities that research managers must be able to address as part of their daily operations.
Sub-themes
- Innovation and Commercialisation​
- Research Goverance
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Research Impact
- Research Management Standard
01
Innovation and Commercialisation
Current trends in innovation and commercialisation governance involve the integration of AI-driven analytics for market intelligence, agile strategies for adapting to rapidly changing landscapes, and increased emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible practices. Looking forward, the future may see a rise in blockchain technology for transparent IP management and further incorporation of AI in decision-making processes to optimise innovation portfolios.
02
Research Governance
Current trends in research governance include heightened focus on ethical considerations, increased adoption of data protection measures, and the integration of AI for more efficient compliance monitoring. Looking ahead, the future of research governance may involve advanced technologies like blockchain for secure data sharing, continued emphasis on open science practices, and evolving regulations to address emerging challenges in fields such as artificial intelligence and genomics.
03
Artificial Intelligence
In using AI for research administration and governance, current trends include leveraging machine learning for grant proposal evaluation, using natural language processing for policy analysis, and implementing AI-driven tools for compliance monitoring. Additionally, there is a focus on enhancing transparency and accountability in decision-making processes through explainable AI techniques.
04
Data Science
Current trends in data science include the widespread use of machine learning and deep learning techniques, increased focus on interpretability and explainability, and the integration of data science into various industries. Challenges include addressing biases in data, ensuring ethical use of AI, and coping with the ever-growing volume of data. Future trends may involve advancements in federated learning, increased automation through AI, and a continued emphasis on ethical considerations in data science applications.
05
Research Impact
Current trends in research impact include a growing emphasis on societal relevance and practical applications, increased use of alternative metrics (altmetrics) alongside traditional measures, and a focus on open access to maximise dissemination. Future trends may involve a deeper integration of digital tools for tracking and assessing impact, greater collaboration between academia and industry for real-world applications, and continued efforts to measure and communicate the broader societal contributions of research.
06
Research Management Standards
Current trends in research management standards include a move towards greater standardisation and interoperability in research data, increased adoption of open science practices, and the development of comprehensive frameworks for research integrity and reproducibility. Challenges involve balancing standardisation with the diverse nature of research, addressing data privacy concerns, and ensuring global alignment on standards. Future trends may include advancements in AI-driven tools for research management and an ongoing effort to establish international consensus on standardised practices.
Themes for the Pre-Conference Workshops
Workshop Venue
Université de Lomé, 01 BP 1515, Lomé, Togo
Date: 27th - 30th January, 2025Â
Conference Venue
Hotel Sarakawa, Boulevard Du Mono, Lomé, Togo
Date: 29th - 30th January, 2025Â
Hotels to Consider
We have selected 5 Hotels (discounted) that you can lodge in for the period of your stay.
Book HotelRegister
Vision
To be the foremost regional Leader in Research and Innovation Management in the West African Sub-region through global engagements, capacity building and collaborations.
info@warima.org
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