YSI-DIaDeRC Workshop and Sustainabilty Conference

This project is a collaborative Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) workshop and innovation-focused program embedded within the DIaDeRC Workshop and Network Conference on Climate Change, Food Security, and Human Capital Utilisation, hosted at Bells University of Technology. It is designed to bring together early-career researchers, practitioners, and innovators to explore how interdisciplinary research and market-based solutions can address some of the most pressing challenges facing the Global South.

The project focuses on the interconnected themes of climate resilience, food systems transformation, and human capital development, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusive economic growth. In addition to these core areas, the workshop introduces a distinctive focus on digital and market-based innovations—such as financial inclusion tools, clean energy systems, and data-driven platforms—as practical pathways for translating research into real-world impact.

Participants will engage in a dynamic, multi-format program that combines academic rigor with practical application. The event will feature keynote lectures and panel discussions from leading academics, policymakers, and industry experts, providing insights into current research and policy debates. In parallel, dedicated YSI sessions will create space for early-career scholars to present their research, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful intellectual exchange within an international network supported by the Institute for New Economic Thinking.

A key highlight of the program is its strong capacity-building component. Participants will take part in hands-on workshops on grant writing, academic publishing, and interdisciplinary research collaboration. These sessions are designed to equip attendees with the tools needed to advance their academic and professional careers while increasing their ability to secure funding and publish in reputable journals.

Beyond traditional conference activities, the project also incorporates an innovation and ideation lab where participants will work in teams to design practical solutions to challenges related to climate change, food security, and human capital utilisation. This provides a unique opportunity to move from theory to application, encouraging participants to develop solutions that are scalable, policy-relevant, and grounded in local realities.

The project is highly collaborative and inclusive, drawing participants from across Africa and beyond, including members of the African Scholars Mentorship Network (ASMN), researchers from partner institutions, and professionals working in development, policy, and the private sector. This diversity fosters rich interdisciplinary dialogue and creates opportunities for long-term partnerships.

Participants who attend can expect to gain valuable research feedback, practical skills, and access to a growing international network of scholars and practitioners. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to tangible outputs such as policy briefs, working papers, and collaborative research proposals, as well as join ongoing research clusters and digital communities for sustained engagement after the event.

Ultimately, this project is more than a conference—it is a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation. It is designed for individuals who are not only interested in understanding development challenges but are also motivated to actively contribute to designing and implementing solutions that advance sustainability and inclusive development in Africa and other emerging economies.