WHAT IS INGSA

The International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) is a collaborative platform for policy exchange, capacity building, and research across diverse global science advisory organisations and national systems. INGSA works to increase the capability, resilience, and positive outcomes of these systems and the people that comprise them. Through a global network of regional and thematic working groups, workshops, conferences, and a growing catalogue of tools and guidance, the network aims to enhance the global knowledge-to-policy interface and improve the potential for evidence-informed policy formation at all levels of governance.

ABOUT INGSA2024 – The Transformation Imperative

INGSA2024 will be governed by an overarching theme of diversity and inclusion within the iterative and dynamic process of science advice. We want to reflect the complexity of the evidence/policy.society interfaces and the challenges that these interfaces need to address. The meeting will therefore be structured around three conceptual topics:

Transformation

There is no doubt that global communities are now compelled to address large-scale transformations in our socio-ecological and socio-technical systems if we are to curb the worst effects of climate change and inequalities.  Thus, as the framing of issues and the remit of science advising moves beyond just technical diagnoses and solutions to discrete policy problems, and towards broader and more complex transformative approaches, how will this shift change the principles and practices of science advice?

Expanded Evidence

Science advice for transformation of socio-ecological and socio-technical systems must assist decision-makers to parse and manage the interconnected, multi-level, transboundary and often deeply polarising problems that societies face.  To do so means transcending conventional definitions and boundaries to expand and apply broader evidence from across cultures, languages, demographies, geographies, ideologies, epistemic traditions, and geopolitical alliances, to name a few.

Inclusion

The world is experiencing a crisis of trust.  Trust in the institutions of governance, the institutions of knowledge, and in the relationship between these has eroded in recent years for all sorts of reasons. Observers and experts have identified numerous drivers and conditions, but it is generally now agreed that diverse audiences must be included in the processes that affect them for their trust in institutions – and the social cohesion this brings – to be (re)built and maintained.  In turn, the shared values and civic reason generated can underpin and perpetuate trust in institutions.


RWANDA

As a regional leader and ambitious country that is actively investing in its evidence-to-policy ecosystems, Rwanda is the perfect location for INGSA’s first conference in the Global South. As the next step in INGSA-Africa’s mission to provide world leading opportunities and skills development to practitioners at the science-to-policy interface, INGSA has established the INGSA-Africa Hub Rwanda. This Hub will help to understand, coordinate, and strengthen the national and regional science advice ecosystems by acting as a focus point for training and networking opportunities in Africa.

It will also be a critical partner in bringing the INGSA2024 conference to Rwanda!

CONFERENCE VENUE

The Kigali Convention Centre (KCC), inaugurated in July 2016, located just 5 kilometres from the bustling city centre and Kigali International Airport (KGL), has quickly emerged as the leading conference venue in the region. Its iconic dome-shaped exterior, resembling a traditional Rwandan king's palace, serves as a striking symbol of the nation's rich cultural heritage. The translucent dome, adorned with impressive illuminations, creates a captivating spectacle, casting a remarkable light show that wows the entire city. With 18 diverse venues accommodating over 5,000 delegates simultaneously, the KCC combines state-of-the-art technology with personalised service to ensure the success of any event.

INGSA2024 COMMITTEES:

The invaluable contributions of both the Program Committee and the Local Organizing Committee have ensured the INGSA2024 conference operations were seamless. Therefore, we extend our sincere appreciation to the esteemed members of these committees.

  • • Rémi Quirion: President | INGSA

    • Kristiann Allen: Executive Secretary | INGSA

    • Rhona Mijumbi: Co-Chair | African Evidence Network

    • Mahouton Norbert Hounkonnou: President | Network of African Science Academies

    • Lassina Zerbos: Emeritus Executive Secretary | CTBTO

    • Temilade Sesan: Adjunct Lecturer | Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

    • Mike Hughes: Former Advisor | Rwanda’s Ministry of Education.

    • Alfred Bizoza: Team Leader | INGSA Africa Hub Rwanda, University of Rwanda

    • Hon. Valentine Uwamariya | Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family Promotion

    •Eva Liliane Ujeneza: Co-Chair | Rwanda Young Academy of Science

    • Heide Hackmann: Director | Future Africa University of Pretoria

    • Daan du Toit: Deputy Director-General | International Cooperation and Resources at the South African Department of Science and Innovation

    • Asma Ismail: Professor | Emerita Academy of Sciences

    • Kana Asano: Chief of S&T Diplomacy Group | Japan Science And Technology Agency

    • Chagun Basha: Chief Policy Adviser | Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser - Policy Analytics & Insights Unit

    • Sujatha Raman: Director of Research | Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science

    • Cathy Foley AO: Chief Scientist | Government of Australia

    • Mona Nemer: Chief Science Advisor | Government of Canada

    • Alan Bernstein: President | Emeritus Canadian Institute for Advanced Research

    • Naser Faruqui: Director of Education and Science | International Development Research Centre

    • Tarmo Soomere: President | Estonian Academy of Sciences

    • Pedro Conceição: Director of Human Development Report Office | UNDP

    • Toby Wardman: Head of Communications | SAPEA

    • David Mair: Head of Unit | Joint Research Centre

    • Jan-Marco Mueller: Coordinator for Science Diplomacy and Multilateral Relations | European Commission, DG Research and Innovation

    • Alexandre Fasel: State Secretary | Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

    • Charlotte Watts: Chief Scientific Adviser and Director for Research and Evidence | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

    • Tolu Oni: Global Diet and Physical Activity Research Group | MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge

    • James Wilsdon: Professor of Research Policy | UCL-STEaPP

    • Peter Gluckman: President | International Science Council

    • José Manuel Restrepo: Rector | EIA University

    • Sudip Parikh: Chief Executive Officer | AAAS

    • Cassidy R. Sugimoto: Professor | School of Public Policy Georgia Institute of Technology

    • Thierry Damerval: President and CEO | French National Research Agency (ANR)

  • • Pascal Gatabazi: Chief Technical Officer | Ministry of Education (Chair)

    • Alfred Bizoza: Team Leader | INGSA HUB Rwanda

    • Grant Mills: Programme Officer | INGSA Secretariat

    • Virginie Auger: Principal Advisor | INGSA and International Affairs, Office of the INGSA President

    • Marie Christine Gasingirwa: Vice President | Rwanda Academy of Sciences(RAS)

    • Kristiann Allen: Observer and Secretariat | INGSA

    • Richard Glover: Regional Programme Officer | INGSA-Africa

    • Soni Kayinamura: Founder and CEO | Clarity Communications

    • Betsy Mwiza: Digital Communications Associate | Clarity Communications

    • Vickie Uwase Ruzindana: Events and Communications Associate | Clarity Communications

    • Christina Mugambi: Graphics Design Lead | Clarity Communications

    • Jessica Ingabire: Analyst | Strategy and Policy Council (SPC)

    • Eva Liliane Ujeneza: Co-Chair | Rwanda Young Academy

    • Magnifique K. Kaneza: Events Coordination Manager | Rwanda Convention Bureau

    • Valence Gitera: Rwanda Convention Bureau

    • Melissa Umutoni: Rwanda Convention Bureau

    • Bernadette Murenga | Rwanda Convention Bureau

    • Louis Sibomana: Head of Department | Science, Technology Development and Outreach (NCST)

    • Marie Chantal Cyulinyana | Science and Technology Foresight Analyst (NCST)

FAQs

  • The International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) is a collaborative platform for policy exchange, capacity building, and research across diverse global science advisory organisations and national systems. INGSA is a New Zealand-based International Organisation hosted at the University of Auckland by Koi Tū: Centre for Informed Futures.

  • INGSA2024 holds significant importance because it reflects a recognition of the evolving and pressing challenges facing the world in the 21st century. This theme highlights the need for a fundamental shift in the way science advice is conceptualised and applied. Here's why this theme is significant:

    Addressing Global Challenges: The theme acknowledges the urgent need to address major global challenges, particularly climate change and inequalities. These challenges are of unprecedented scale and require transformative approaches rather than traditional technical solutions. The theme recognizes the imperative of taking bold actions to mitigate the most severe impacts of these challenges, emphasising that business-as-usual approaches are insufficient.

    Expanding the Role of Science Advice: "The Transformative Imperative" signals a broadening of the scope of science advice. It emphasises that science advising should no longer be limited to technical diagnoses and isolated policy solutions but should encompass comprehensive, interconnected, and multi-dimensional approaches to address complex socio-ecological and socio-technical systems.

    Incorporating Diverse Perspectives: The theme underscores the significance of expanding the evidence base for decision-making. It recognizes that to tackle complex, transboundary issues, science advice must draw from a wide range of sources, including diverse cultures, languages, demographies, and geopolitical alliances. This inclusivity is critical for understanding the full spectrum of challenges and for developing effective, context-specific solutions.

    Rebuilding Trust: The theme also acknowledges the erosion of trust in institutions and the importance of involving diverse audiences in decision-making processes. Inclusion of various stakeholders in the policy and decision-making processes is seen as a means to rebuild and maintain trust in institutions. This renewed trust can contribute to social cohesion and shared values, which are essential for effective policy implementation and societal well-being.

  • INGSA2024 has an in-person format, with a primary focus on facilitating in-person interactions among participants. Unlike some events that adopt a hybrid format (combining in-person and virtual elements), INGSA2024 does not have any planned hybrid sessions.

    However, there is a provision for some panel speakers to participate in their sessions remotely. This means that while the conference primarily promotes in-person attendance, there may be limited opportunities for remote participation for certain speakers who are unable to be physically present.

  • INGSA2024 will bring together a diverse range of attendees, including 500 delegates from various sectors. The attendees will come from academia, policymaking, diplomacy, and the private sector. The conference aims to comprehensively examine the role and function of science-policy-society mechanisms at all levels of government. The attendees can expect sessions and discussions related to science advice, science diplomacy, and the role of inclusion and diversity.

    It's important to note that the conference is open to all members of INGSA. This inclusivity means that those who are part of the INGSA network, which includes individuals involved in science advice and related fields, are invited to attend the conference.

    As with previous conferences, there are no costs for registration but attendees and speakers need to cover their own travel and accommodation.

  • No, We are focusing on in-person interactions for this conference. All Plenaries and Parallel Sessions will however be made available on the INGSA YouTube platform.

  • Become a member of INGSA for free or update your details by filling in the form at ingsa.org/join

    You can also connect with INGSA on social media.

    Twitter

    LinkedIn

    YouTube

    President of INGSA

  • Photographs and video will be taken at the INGSA2024 Conference. Sessions will be recorded and shared on INGSA’s social media.

    By taking part in this conference you grant the conference organisers full rights to use the images resulting from the photography/video filming, and any reproductions or adaptations of the images for fundraising, publicity or other purposes to help achieve the organisation’s aims.

    These photos and videos are for INGSA’s use only and may appear on the INGSA website, newsletter, conference brochures, social media outlets, or other future INGSA Conferences.

    Please contact the conference coordinator at ingsa@communicateclarity.com if you have any concerns or if you wish to be exempted from this activity.