Belarusian State University has put forward cooperation proposals in science and innovation to Zimbabwean higher learning institutions.
This happened during the visit of the university’s delegation to Zimbabwe.
The visit took place on the sidelines of the state visit of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko from January 30 to February 1, 2023, the press service of the university have said.
The Belarusian State University delegation was led by Rector Andrei Korol. The delegation took part in the Belarus-Zimbabwe business forum “Expanding Horizons: Dynamic Solutions for Economic Development”, as well as in a number of events in education and science.
Belarusian State University cooperates with Zimbabwe within the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development of Zimbabwe.
“Cooperation between the countries will gain steam in the near future. We are set to flesh out this document and sign new agreements in the field of education and science. The first result for Belarusian State University was the signing of six memorandums of understanding with the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Open University, Lupane State University, the National University of Science and Technology, the Harare Institute of Technology, the Chinhoyi University of Technology.
“The documents lay out the general terms and conditions for inter-university cooperation in education and science and the implementation of joint projects in various areas. There are plans to scale up academic exchange programs for students and specialists, to launch research and education projects, exchange materials, plans, publications and other relevant information,” the press service said.
During the visit, the rector of Belarusian State University met with the administration of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development of Zimbabwe, took part in roundtable sessions, meetings with counterparts from Zimbabwe’s leading universities.
“BSU presented its cooperation proposals to the National University of Science and Technology, the Harare Institute of Technology, the Chinhoyi University of Technology, the University of Zimbabwe, Lupane State University.
“These proposals cover multiple fields of expertise, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, water management, water purification, geology, exploration of mineral deposits, biotechnology, environmental protection, soil science, etc.
“In particular, BSU informed its African counterparts about its projects in the field of production of medicines, ultrasonic gas meters, services for the mining industry, purification of polluted waters. The most promising joint projects in agriculture might include projects to study the impact of soil salinity on plants and crops, the environmental impact of climate change. Academic partnerships might include the training of Zimbabweans at the Institute of Further Education, English-language courses in various post-graduation programs.
“We also suggested developing joint educational programs, participating in scientific conferences, arranging guest lectures, running internships for teachers and students from Zimbabwe. In total, BSU put forward more than 20 proposals,” Belarusian State University informed.
