Encouraging interdisciplinary research and innovation for the betterment of humanity

Abstract

The Directorate of Research, Linkages and Extension (RL&E) in the Division of Planning, Research and Development (PR&D) at the University of Kabianga (UoK) provides strategic guidance for the improvement of the research culture at UoK. The underlying vision is that the knowledge thus generated and appropriately disseminate will ultimately contribute to improvement of the general well-being of society. This is in line with the three core mandates of institutions of higher learning that include Academics, Research and Extension. In this First UoK International Conference a broad range of papers covering various disciplines were presented under an all encompassing theme “Encouraging Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation for the Betterment of Humanity”, that had three subthemes namely Science and Humanity, Science and Culture and Science and Religion. Of the papers presented, twenty four are published in these proceedings that include a keynote paper and twenty three research papers. While among these there are pure scientific research papers, a large proportion of the publications explore the interface between religion and other disciplines as a way of making the latter more relevant to the norms of our daily lives. There is no doubt that integrating religion with other disciplines will strengthen the moral and ethical considerations in all research areas. Overall this will contribute to ensuring that, to a large extent, research outputs are beneficial to humans and play a crucial role in the sustainability of a productive and healthy environment. Thus, the content of these proceedings provides a window and challenge to the readers to advocate for and carry out research that is responsive to the multi-faceted needs of the various societies. This requires development and execution of projects that incorporate their various ways of life by taking keen interest and in-depth understanding of the cultural and religious beliefs of the target society. Only then shall we succeed in our endeavours to make long-lasting positive impact on the well-being of humanity. On behalf of UoK, the continued financial support by the UoK Council and sponsorship by the various friends of the University now and in future, is acknowledged with gratitude. This will go a long way in the actualization and sustenance of UoK’s Vision - “To be a leading University in Scientific Innovation for the Betterment of Humanity”.