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”