On 5 February 2026, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), in collaboration with the UR, College of Science and Technology Library Services, successfully organized a capacity-building training titled “Navigating the Research Lifecycle: From Concept to IEEE Publication.”

The session was held at African Centres of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), bringing together postgraduate students, researchers, and academic staff eager to strengthen their research and publishing skills.

The training was designed to support postgraduate students and researchers who aspire to publish their work in IEEE journals and conferences, one of the world’s most reputable platforms for scientific and technical research dissemination.

The workshop provided practical guidance on the entire research lifecycle, from refining a research idea to preparing and submitting a manuscript that meets IEEE’s publication standards.

The session was expertly facilitated by Prof. Ijumba Nelson, Senior IEEE Member, who shared in-depth insights drawn from extensive academic and research experience. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, Prof. Ijumba guided participants on critical aspects such as selecting appropriate research topics, structuring scholarly articles, understanding peer-review processes, and adhering to ethical and quality standards required by IEEE publications.

Participants included library staff, academic staff, and postgraduate students from key academic units, notably the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), the African Centre of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACEESD) and the Eastern Africa Institute for Fundamental Research (EAIFR). The diverse participation enriched the discussions and fostered cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

Beyond technical publishing guidance, the training highlighted the strategic role of academic libraries in supporting research excellence. The UR Library Unit reaffirmed its commitment to empowering researchers with access to knowledge resources, research tools, and professional development opportunities that enhance global research visibility.

IEEE strives to support all authors and readers globally By offering any author a publication venue that is compliant with their circumstances, regardless of their funding status, the publishing mandates they may have in place, or where in the world they may work

The workshop concluded with a strong call for researchers to actively engage with international publishing platforms such as IEEE, positioning their work for global impact. Participants expressed appreciation for the practical nature of the session and its relevance to their academic and research journeys.