The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) held its 3rd Annual Distinguished Public Lecture on Friday, 29 August 2025, at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Tanzania. The event brought together academics, policymakers, students, and members of the public in-person and online to reflect on the theme: “Exploring the Intersections of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Research Management: Options, Challenges, and Prospects for Universities in Africa”

Topic: “Exploring the Intersections of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Research Management: Options, Challenges, and Prospects for Universities in Africa.”

The discourse will examine the increasing and pervasive role of intellectual property rights (IPR) in shaping societal development, with a specific focus on education and research. Informed by recent global and continental regulatory dynamics propelled by, among others, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AU Agenda 2063, and the adoption of the AfCFTA Intellectual Property Protocol in 2023, all of which point to the increased importance of research and innovation in addressing societal challenges.

Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) of ARUA met today at the University of Dar es Salaam to review and discuss the Alliance’s ongoing projects and programs. The meeting provided an opportunity for the DVCs to assess ARUA’s progress and share insights on strengthening its initiatives.

The Second ARUA Distinguished Public Lecture has been held on July 30, 2024. Over 160 people joined the online lecture delivered by Professor Funmi Olonisakin, Vice-President of International, Engagement & Service at King’s College London (KCL).

The ARUA Board is delighted to announce the Second Annual Distinguished Public Lecture, which will be delivered by Professor Funmi Olonisakin. Her lecture will explore the theme, “Collaboration in Higher Education as Service to Society.”

ARUA held its first Distinguished Annual Public Lecture at the auditorium of Future Africa, University of Pretoria on 14^th September 2023.

The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, cordially invites you to the 1^st ARUA Distinguished Public Lecture.