Research Projects
Our current projects aim to inform pedagogical practices, develop inclusive institutions and have the capacity to influence transnational education in its broadest sense. Many of our projects also form International collaborations which help to develop intercultural engagement and a global outlook among students and staff.
At UNILAK we strive to undertake research that has the potential to change the world. Every project we support is directed by a desire to make a difference. From creating a tool that helps governments test their economic policies before putting them in place to coining the term and concept 'Green Exercise,' our researchers continue to develop ground-breaking research that has the potential to transform lives.
Our Projects
UPLIFT
UNILAK is part of the UPLIFT Project as a partner. The project's full name is “Universities Promoting Linkages for Impactful Training, Innovation and Technology Transfer (UPLIFT) in Agriculture”; the acronym is UPLIFT-Ag. The project is funded by the EUROPEAN EDUCATION AND CULTURE EXECUTIVE AGENCY (EACEA); Erasmus+ (ERASMUS+) under the Call: ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE; Project: 101129421 — UPLIFT-Ag. The project grant amount is 789 900.00 EUR for a project duration of 36 months, starting 1st Dec, 2023, to Nov 30, 2026.
Project-specific objectives (SOs)
The UPLIFT-Ag project supports a multilateral partnership to implement actions that will improve the relevance, quality, modernization, and responsiveness of agricultural higher education in Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Zimbabwe such that they:
- Collaborate and partner effectively with industry and other sector actors in executing their mandates for increased impact (SO#1)
- Implement improved teaching methods and approaches integrated into innovative curricula to provide competency-based agricultural education that transfers technical and soft skills effectively (SO#2)
- conduct high-quality research and innovation and are able to harvest, protect and commercialize their IP successfully (SO#3).
UNILAK/RICEM Project
UNILAK and the Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM) are thrilled to announce a 5-year partnership aimed at fostering academic excellence and enhancing opportunities for students. This collaboration will focus on capacity building. curricula development, joint research activities, and internships for UNILAK students. The partnership is expected to significantly contribute to the academic and professional prospects of students, offering them unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and gain practical experience in their fields of study. Curricula development will be a cornerstone of this partnership, with both institutions working together to design and implement innovative educational programs that meet the evolving needs of today’s job market. This initiative aims to ensure that UNILAK graduates are well prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Internships facilitated through this partnership will provide UNILAK students with invaluable real-world experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings. These internships are expected to enhance students’ employability and provide them with a competitive edge in their careers.
Sustainable Natural Resource Management Project at UNILAK
The growing impact of climate change requires cooperation to ensure sustainable management of natural resources, Chinese and Rwandan scholars and experts said during an international forum on the environment at UNILAK.
The sixth International Conference on Environment, Energy and Development in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, was co-organized by the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the CAS, under the theme of "Sustainable Management of Natural Resources."
It served as a platform to delve into cutting-edge research and highlight best practices and the most recent technologies designed to preserve the earth's resources.
During the conference, meanwhile, the Rwandan Office of China-Africa Joint Research Center of the CAS was inaugurated to be hosted at the UNILAK.
Legal Aid Project
UNILAK’s Faculty of Law has been at the forefront of providing valuable legal aid services through its legal clinic program since 2006. With a vision to extend assistance to vulnerable individuals and those unable to afford the high costs associated with legal fees, the university has become a beacon of hope for those seeking justice in the community.
The legal clinic services are available across all three campuses of the University, ensuring accessibility for individuals residing in various parts of the region. Under the guidance and supervision of experienced faculty members, law students actively participate in offering their expertise and support to those in need.
The legal clinic operates twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During these designated hours, individuals seeking legal aid can visit the clinic without any formal procedure or the burden of paying for legal services.
The legal clinic offers a wide range of services to cater to the diverse legal needs of the community. These services encompass various areas of law, including civil, criminal, family, and property matters. Individuals visiting the clinic can receive guidance on legal procedures, assistance in drafting legal documents, and even representation in court if required.
Since its establishment, the UNILAK legal clinic has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals. By bridging the gap between those in need and the legal system, the clinic has ensured that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their financial constraints.
The UNILAK legal clinic doesn’t not only benefits the community but also provides an invaluable learning experience for the law students involved. By actively participating in real-life cases, the students gain practical knowledge, develop essential legal skills, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility.
As UNILAK legal clinic continues its admirable work, it stands as a testament to the power of education, dedication, and the pursuit of justice. With its unwavering commitment to providing free legal aid to vulnerable individuals, the clinic serves as a shining example for other institutions to follow, ensuring that the principles of justice and equality are upheld for all members of society.
Agribusiness Incubation and Innovation Hub and the Agriculture Knowledge Hub
A consortium made up of Youth Engagement in Agriculture Network (YEAN) in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) and the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK), conducted a one-day event to launch two agricultural knowledge hubs, which are the AGRIBUSINESS INCUBATION AND INNOVATION HUB (AIIH)—UNILAK KIGALI HUB and AGRICULTURE KNOWLEDGE HUB on April 4th, 2023.
The Agribusiness Incubation and Innovation Hub will serve as a space for agripreneurs to facilitate their transition from ideas into strong and successful agri-businesses models. It will provide a co-working space, coaching and mentorship, network and linkages, and knowledge sharing to agripreneurs.
On the other hand, the Agriculture Knowledge Hub is a center for agriculture knowledge production, management and dissemination for effective extension and advisory services to farmers and agripreneurs.
Youth agripreneurs will use these hubs to develop and disseminate agriculture learning products, access incubation services to develop and scale their initiatives in agribusiness and innovation, and facilitate in strengthening youth led resilience programs including youth led private extension and advisory services.
The hubs are part of the implementation of the AIRTEA Project which seeks to contribute to achieving sustainable agrarian livelihoods and rural transformation by fostering an inclusive innovation environment with specific objectives of strengthening the capacities of youth and women in East Africa’s multi-stakeholder innovation platforms and link to solutions within national, regional, and global food systems.
UNILAK and Rwamagana District Project on Soil and Water Analysis for Sustainable Agriculture
The University Of Lay Adventists Of Kigali in partnership with Rwamagana district initiated a two years research project entitled “soil and water baseline analysis and end line survey for sustainable agricultural in Nyirabidibiri wetland, Rwamagana District”
The project aimed at analyzing the soil and water statuses in Nyirabidibiri wetland located in between three sectors of Nzige, Mwurire and Rubona of Rwamagana district.
As part of the project; UNILAK and Rwamagana District held a symposium on Wednesday June 29th, 2022 in Rwamagana District to disseminate the research findings related to the status of soil and water quality in the study area.
Hundreds of scientists, engineers, research scholars, professors and policy makers from various areas of soil science were gathered at the symposium.
UNILAK Groundwater Resource Development Project
A comprehensive Groundwater Resource Development Project has been successfully completed at UNILAK Rwamagana Campus, ensuring consistent access to water for the campus. The initiative, which commenced in the middle of last year, reached its end in December 2023, marking a crucial step towards sustainable water management.
The project aimed to address the water scarcity challenges faced by Rwamagana campus, providing a reliable and efficient water supply system for the entire campus.
A team of skilled technicians and experts were engaged to execute the project, employing advanced technologies and sustainable practices throughout the development process.
The new water infrastructure will not only meet the daily needs of students, faculty, and staff but also contribute to the overall sustainability goals of the university.
The successful completion of the Groundwater Resource Development Project aligns with UNILAK commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. The campus community can now look forward to a more resilient and water-secure future, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the project team.
The successful completion of the Groundwater Resource Development Project stands as a testament to the institutions commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of its academic community.
UNILAK and Yonsei University Living Lab Project
UNILAK and Yonsei University celebrated the official launch of their Living Lab Teaching Approach on January 18th, 2024. This milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on July 27, 2023, cementing the commitment of both institutions to revolutionize education and foster community engagement.
The Living Lab aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world challenges. It brings together students, researchers, and community members in a dynamic environment where they can collectively develop solutions to address pressing issues faced by society.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by representatives from the two institutions and faculty members, marked the official opening of the Living Lab.
The Living Lab will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing learners and researchers to work side by side with community members. This unique approach seeks to provide a holistic educational experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, conduct research, and directly contribute to addressing local and global challenges.
The launch event featured interactive presentations, showcasing ongoing projects initiated by researchers from both universities.
As the Living Lab Teaching Approach begins its journey, both universities anticipate positive ripple effects on the broader educational landscape by emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and fostering a sense of shared responsibility towards societal challenges.
How does the Living Lab work?
In the Living Lab Teaching Approach, classrooms become dynamic spaces where students collaborate on projects, conduct experiments, and interact with professionals in their respective fields. The approach is not confined to science and technology but extends to various disciplines, including business, the social sciences, and the arts.
The concept is simple but powerful: students learn by doing. Instead of passively absorbing information, they actively participate in solving problems, applying theories, and gaining practical skills. This fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
One of the main strengths of the Living Lab Teaching Approach is its ability to prepare students for the challenges they will face in their future careers. By working on real-world projects, students develop problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a sense of responsibility.