It gives me great pleasure to announce the holding of the National Research Week 2026, scheduled from Monday 20 to Friday 24 April 2026.

The National Research Week has now become a flagship national initiative that brings together Higher Education Institutions, research organisations, industry partners, policymakers and civil society to celebrate, showcase and advance research and innovation in Mauritius. Building on the success of the previous edition, this year’s event continues to strengthen collaboration and reinforce the role of research as a key driver of sustainable development and societal progress.

Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research and coordinated by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), the National Research Week 2026 is structured around a theme-based approach, with each day led by a Higher Education Institution focusing on key priority areas for the country.

The overarching theme for this year, “Research for Innovation, Society and Sustainability”, reflects our collective commitment to leveraging research and innovation to address pressing societal challenges, support inclusive economic growth, and contribute to a resilient and sustainable future.

The University of Mauritius is privileged to lead Day 2 (Tuesday 21 April 2026) and Day 4 (Thursday 23 April 2026) of this national initiative.

On Day 2, we focus on “Bio-Health, Medicine and Biotechnology”, bringing together leading experts, distinguished keynote speakers, high-level panelists, as well as representatives from Ministries and public institutions, to address key challenges in the health sector, promote multidisciplinary approaches, and explore innovative solutions ranging from precision medicine to public-private collaboration in healthcare systems. A key highlight of the day will be a vibrant research showcase through poster presentations, providing a unique opportunity for collaborating institutions, industry partners, early-career researchers and students to present their work, share innovative findings, and engage with key stakeholders from academia, industry and policymaking circles.

On Day 4, we turn our attention to “AI, Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0”, where renowned speakers, industry leaders, expert panelists, and representatives from relevant Ministries will lead discussions on advancing AI adoption across key sectors, strengthening cybersecurity, and harnessing digital technologies to transform industries and society. This will be complemented by a research showcase featuring poster presentations as well as interactive displays and exhibits, offering participants a dynamic platform to demonstrate cutting-edge technologies, industry-driven solutions and innovative applications in the digital and AI space.

These two thematic days clearly illustrate the breadth and depth of research at the University of Mauritius and highlight our commitment to addressing both current and emerging challenges through innovation, technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.

I wish to emphasise that research at the University of Mauritius spans a wide spectrum of disciplines, including health sciences, engineering, digital technologies, social sciences, public policy, and the arts and humanities. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths, enabling us to adopt holistic and transdisciplinary approaches to complex global and local challenges.

The National Research Week 2026 provides an invaluable platform to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and create new opportunities for collaboration among academia, industry, government and the wider community. It also reinforces Mauritius’ position as a growing hub for high-quality research and innovation, aligned with international standards and global expectations.

As we engage in this week of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, I would like to reiterate that research is not only about generating knowledge—it is about impact. It is about transforming ideas into solutions, driving innovation, informing policy, and ultimately improving the quality of life of our society.

I wish all academics, researchers, students and stakeholders a very successful and enriching National Research Week 2026. We look forward to the meaningful discussions, collaborations and outcomes that will emerge from this important national event.

Professor Kavi Kumar Khedo

Vice-Chancellor