Theme: Multidisciplinary Research and Sustainable Development Goals in the Digital Age

The Scientific Week is an annual academic event organized by the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), bringing together researchers, scholars, policymakers, innovators, practitioners, faith leaders, and postgraduate students from different disciplines to present and discuss research findings on contemporary global and local challenges. The 2026 Scientific Week focuses on the contribution of multidisciplinary research, digital innovation, and ethical leadership toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Background

The rapid expansion of digital technologies is transforming education, healthcare, governance, agriculture, business, communication, environmental management, and social interaction across the globe. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, digital learning systems, fintech, telemedicine, smart infrastructure, climate technologies, and digital entrepreneurship are increasingly influencing how societies pursue sustainable and inclusive development. At the same time, the global community continues to work toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations as a universal framework to end poverty, reduce inequalities, protect the environment, and promote peace and prosperity by 2030. Achieving these goals requires strong research capacity, innovation, ethical leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration that generate evidence-based solutions to complex societal challenges. The Protestant University of Rwanda, therefore, invites researchers, academics, professionals, theologians, faith practitioners, postgraduate students, and development partners to submit abstracts presenting original qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research aligned with one or more Sustainable Development Goals in the context of the digital age.

2. Conference Aim

The conference aims:

·       To promote multidisciplinary research contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

·       To encourage qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research addressing contemporary societal challenges;

·       To foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, innovators, theologians, faith communities, and development practitioners;

·       To explore the role of digital technologies, ethics, and faith perspectives in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development;

·       To strengthen the contribution of universities and research institutions to evidence-based policy and sustainable transformation.

3. Conference Sub-Themes and SDG Alignment

Sub-Themes 1: Ending Poverty Through Research, Innovation, Digital Inclusion, and Human Dignity (SDG 1: No Poverty)

Suggested Topics:

·       Digital technologies for poverty reduction

·       Financial inclusion and mobile banking

·       Community development and social protection systems

·       Digital entrepreneurship for low-income communities

·       Theology of poverty, dignity, and social justice

·       Faith-based approaches to poverty eradication

·       Church and community economic empowerment

Sub-Themes 2: Food Security, Smart Agriculture, Sustainable Farming, and Stewardship (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)

Suggested Topics:

·       Smart agriculture and precision farming

·       Agricultural innovation and food security

·        Climate-smart farming technologies

·        Digital platforms for agricultural markets

·       Theology of stewardship and food security

·       Faith communities and sustainable agriculture

·       Biblical perspectives on hunger and social responsibility

Sub-Themes 3: Digital Health, Public Health Research, Well-being, and Pastoral Care (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being)

Suggested Topics:

·       Health equity and healthcare accessibility

·       Pastoral care and mental health

·       Theology and holistic health

·        Faith-based healthcare systems and community well-being

Sub-Themes 4: Quality Education, Research, Digital Learning, and Transformative Christian Education (SDG 4: Quality Education)

Suggested Topics:

·       E-learning and digital pedagogy

·       Artificial intelligence in education

·       Educational technologies and learner-centered learning

·       Research capacity development in higher education

·        Christian education and transformative learning

·       Theology and digital learning environments

·       Ethical dimensions of educational technologies

·       Generative Artificial Intelligence and student agency

Sub-Themes 5: Gender Equality, Inclusion, Empowerment, and Faith Perspectives (SDG 5: Gender Equality)

Suggested Topics:

·       Women's empowerment through digital innovation

·        Gender and technology access

·       Digital inclusion for girls and women

·       Gender-responsive policies and leadership

·       Theology, gender justice, and inclusion

·       Women's leadership in church and society

·        Religion and prevention of gender-based violence

Sub-Themes 6: Clean Water, Sanitation, Environmental Health, and Creation Care (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)

Suggested Topics:

·       Smart water management systems

·       Water quality monitoring technologies

·       Sanitation and public health innovation

·       Community-based water sustainability initiatives

·       Water ethics and community responsibility

·       Faith-based responses to environmental health challenges

Sub-Themes 7: Renewable Energy, Green Innovation, Sustainable Technology, and Environmental Ethics (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)

Suggested Topics:

·       Renewable energy technologies

·       Solar, hydro, and green energy innovations

·       Energy accessibility and sustainability

·       Smart energy systems and digital monitoring

·       Ethical dimensions of energy justice

Sub-Themes 8: Decent Work, Entrepreneurship, Digital Economies, and Economic Justice (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Suggested Topics:

·       Digital entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems

·       Youth employment and digital skills

·       Future of work in the digital age

·       Ethics, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development

·        Church involvement in youth empowerment and employment

Sub-Themes 9: Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, Data Science, and Ethical Technology (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

Suggested Topics:

·       Artificial intelligence and industrial transformation

·       Digital transformation in industries

·       Ethics of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies

Sub-Themes 10: Reducing Inequalities Through Inclusive Technologies, Policies, and Social Justice (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)

Suggested Topics:

·       Digital inclusion and accessibility

·       Technology and social equity

·       Disability inclusion and assistive technologies

·       Theology of inclusion and social justice

Sub-Themes 11: Sustainable Cities, Urban Innovation, Smart Communities, and Urban Ministry (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Suggested Topics:

·       Smart cities and urban planning

·       Sustainable transportation systems

·       Urban resilience and disaster management

·       Waste management and environmental sustainability

·       Religious institutions and community resilience

Sub-Themes 12: Responsible Consumption, Production, Circular Economies, and Stewardship (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)

Suggested Topics:

·       Waste reduction and recycling technologies

·       Sustainable business and production systems

·       Consumer behaviour and environmental responsibility

·       Theology of stewardship and responsible living

Sub-Themes 13: Climate Action, Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Eco-Theology (SDG 13: Climate Action)

Suggested Topics:

·       Climate change adaptation and mitigation

·       Environmental sustainability and resilience

·       Climate data systems and forecasting

·       Green technologies and environmental innovation

·        Eco-theology and climate justice

·       Theology of creation and environmental ethics

Sub-Themes 14: Biodiversity, Land Management, Ecosystem Protection, and Creation Theology (SDG 15: Life on Land)

Suggested Topics:

·       Biodiversity conservation and sustainability

·       Land degradation and restoration

·       Forest management and environmental protection

·       GIS and environmental monitoring technologies

·       Theology of biodiversity and creation care

·       Indigenous spiritualties and environmental sustainability

·        Religious ethics and ecosystem protection

Sub-Themes 15: Peace, Justice, Governance, Ethical Leadership, and Reconciliation (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

Suggested Topics:

·       Digital governance and public administration

·        Cybersecurity and data protection

·       Ethics of artificial intelligence and digital systems

·       Peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and technology

·       Religion, governance, and ethical leadership

·       Transitional justice and post-conflict healing

Sub-Themes 17: Partnerships, Multidisciplinary Research, Faith Collaboration, and Sustainable Development (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)

Suggested Topics:

·       Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research

·       Research collaboration and international partnerships

·       University-community engagement

·       Ecumenical and interfaith collaboration for sustainable development

·       Faith-based organizations and SDG implementation

·        Church-university-community partnerships

4. Submission Guidelines

Authors are invited to submit abstracts meeting the following requirements:

·       Abstract length: 250–300 words that include:

-       Title of the paper

-       Author(s)’ name(s)

-       Institutional affiliation

-        Email address

-        3–5 keywords

·       Abstracts should clearly indicate:

-       Research problem or objective

-       Methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods)

-        Expected contribution

-        Relevance to one or more SDGs

·       Submissions should demonstrate multidisciplinary perspectives and research contributions to sustainable development.

·       Abstracts should be submitted electronically to: [email protected]

·       Submission Deadline: 30th June 2026 (Midnight, Rwandan Time)

·       Selected abstracts will be announced within fifteen (15) days after the submission deadline.

·       Successful authors will receive detailed guidelines for full paper submission and presentation.

5. Important Dates

·       Abstract Submission Deadline: 30^th June 2026

·       Assessment of Abstracts and Feedback Release:  15^th July 2026

·       Full Paper Submission Deadline: 31st October 2026

·       Conference Dates: 11th – 12th December 2026

For more information and/or inquiry, please contact Dr. Emmanuel Bizimana, Director of Research: (+250)788552025 or [email protected]