We are thrilled to announce the opening of the call for abstracts and panel session proposals for UbuntuNet-Connect 2024, the premier conference dedicated to advancing research and education networking in East and Southern Africa. This year, UbuntuNet-Connect will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and hosted by TERNET. As always, the conference offers a dynamic platform for experts, researchers, educators, and industry leaders to convene, collaborate, and explore the latest topics shaping the future of research and education.

Important Dates:

• Call Opens: March 11, 2024
  
• Call Closes: June 30, 2023
  

UbuntuNet-Connect 2024 sets out discuss the theme: Maximizing Technological Advancements in Research and Education. This theme underscores our commitment to exploring the transformative power of technology in the realm of research and education, with a focus on leveraging advancements in network infrastructures, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, high-performance computing (HPC), and more to elevate the quality, reach, and impact of research and education pursuits within the UbuntuNet Alliance region and beyond.

Subthemes Include:

1. Network Connectivity: Discussing the current landscape of connectivity and advancements in networking technologies such as remote connectivity solutions and the adoption of IPv6 across Africa.
2. Artificial Intelligence in Education: Examining the applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing in education.
3. Digital Tools and Open Science: Addressing the adoption of digital tools and platforms for promoting open access, open data, reproducibility, and collaborative research practices.
4. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Exploring strategies and best practices for safeguarding research data, intellectual property, and personal information in the digital age.
5. Cloud Computing Solutions: Evaluating the benefits and challenges of cloud-based services and infrastructure for research data management, scalable computing, and collaborative projects.
6. Digital Inclusion and Accessibility: Addressing the importance of ensuring equitable access to technology and digital resources for all learners, including those with disabilities and from underserved communities.
7. Ethical Considerations in Technology Integration: Discussing ethical frameworks, responsible AI practices, and societal implications of technology adoption in research and education.
8. High-Performance Computing for Advanced Research: Delving into the utilization of HPC systems, parallel computing architectures, and distributed computing frameworks to accelerate scientific simulations, modeling, and data-intensive computations in research fields.

Submission Details: Abstracts and panel session proposals can be submitted via our events platform on Indico using the following link: https://events.ubuntunet.net/event/137/abstracts/.
Please note that the conference is fully physical and does not allow for the recorded or virtual presentations.

Sponsorship: Through

the AfricaConnect3 project, presenters whose abstracts are accepted will be granted sponsorship to attend the conference as follows: Presenters from Institutions within Africa will receive sponsorship covering Return air ticket, Accommodation at the conference venue and meals for the duration of the conference.
Please note that sponsorship is only provided once registration fees have been paid. More details on this will follow.

For more information and inquiries, please contact Harold Bowa at harold.bowa@ubuntunet.net.