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Research should not end with publications and conference presentations but must translate into innovation, practical application and tangible improvements in people's lives, University of Botswana (UB) Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, has said.

Speaking at the official opening of the International Conference on Engineering and Built Environment for Sustainability and Resilience (ICEBE-SR’26), Professor Norris said research must serve as an engine of development by moving deliberately from knowledge creation to innovation and, ultimately, societal and economic impact.

“We must move from research to innovation, innovation to application, application to societal and economic impact,” he said.

The three-day conference at the UB Library Auditorium, brought together researchers, engineers, professionals, innovators and development practitioners from across Africa to examine how engineering and the built environment can contribute to sustainable and resilient development.

Professor Norris said the conference was particularly important because it brought together research, innovation, training, professional practice and policy around challenges that directly affect communities and economies.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Professor Richard Tabulawa, reinforced the need for stronger links between research and practical implementation. He said research achieved greater impact when its findings were translated into technologies, professional practices, policies and projects capable of addressing real-world challenges.

The conference explored a wide range of issues, including sustainable engineering, advanced materials, project management, climate change adaptation, engineering education, smart technologies and resilient infrastructure.