The 11th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium (ZIRS) was officially opened by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde R. G. Mugabe on 17 February 2017 at the Harare International Conference Centre. The President was accompanied by the two Vice Presidents, Hon. Cde E. D Mnangagwa and Hon. Cde P. Mphoko and several government ministers.

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A tour of the 11th ZIRS Young Scientists exhibitions by the Guest of Honour President Cde R. G. Mugabe accompanied by two Vice Presidents Cde E. D Mnangagwa and Cde P Mphoko

After a tour of exhibition stands that included young scientist’s exhibitions, SMEs exhibitions and over forty corporates, the President officially opened the 11th ZIRS. In his official opening speech, the President Cde R. G. Mugabe commended the Research Council of Zimbabwe for consistently organising International Research Symposia.  He noted that the Symposia bring together policy makers, industrialists, scientists and the general public, to dialogue and share new knowledge for commercialisation and other uses.

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H.E the President Cde R. G. Mugabe Officially Opening the ZIRS

In his address, Cde R. G. Mugabe pointed out that the theme “Research for Unlocking Entrepreneurship: Bridging the Gap”, resonates well with the national economic blueprint, Zim Asset and the Ten Point Plan of 2015, which seeks to promote and encourage private sector investment whilst unlocking the potential of Small to Medium Enterprises.

The President acknowledged the support received from the Indian government in sharing its wealth of experience with scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs in Zimbabwe. Special mention was given to the Zim-Indo projects, the Hi-Technology Centre, at Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) set up through a grant provided by the Indian Government

The President also officiated at the 11th ZIRS Awards Ceremony where various researchers received awards. Professor Masimirembwa from African Institute of Biomedical Technology received the prestigious Robert Gabriel Mugabe Award to an individual or team for outstanding research.

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Prof Masimirembwa (centre) receiving the R. G Mugabe Award from the President Cde. R G Mugabe (with back on Camera)