Introduction

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) was established by the Science and Technology Act Number 16 of 2003 to advise the Government and other stakeholders on all science and technology matters in order to achieve a science and technology led development. The mission of the NCST is to promote, support, coordinate and regulate the development and application of research, science, technology and innovation in order to create wealth and improve the quality of life. In pursuit of this mission NCST in collaboration with its partners, is organizing the 5th National Research Dissemination Conference, whose theme is “Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship Towards a Productive and Resilient Nation” to be held from 26th to 28th August, 2025 at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe. The objectives of the conference are:

 To provide a platform for researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their research outputs.
 To promote collaboration, networking and partnerships among researchers, innovators, policy makers and the industry.
 To facilitate evidence based policy dialogue and decision making; and
 To promote knowledge exchange, uptake, transfer and commercialisation of research outputs.

The conference has three components for work-showcase. Component A shall be a show- case of research results through paper-based presentations. Component B is a show-case of technologies/innovations through presentations. Component C focuses on poster presentations and technology exhibitions will support these two components.

2. Abstracts
   NCST is, therefore, inviting researchers, innovators, technologists and all those mentioned under eligibility below to submit abstracts from their recent work in components A, B and C. Applicants are free to submit research abstracts and/or abstracts for their technologies and innovations either for paper-based presentation or for poster presentation or exhibition. Each submission should clearly indicate the component for which the abstract has been provided. All submissions will be screened. Abstracts that will pass the screening stage will undergo technical review. Applicants whose abstracts emerge successful will be asked to prepare full papers. Only applicants with full papers will present at the conference.
3. Format for Abstracts
   The abstracts should be in Ms Word not exceeding 300 words, Single spacing, Times New Roman font 12.

3.1 Research Abstracts
The abstract should contain;
 Title,
 Author, Co-authors and contacts mobile number, Email (include institutions Affiliation,
 Sub-theme (Thematic area),
 Introduction,
 Purpose/Objectives,
 Methodology,
 Results,
 Conclusion and
 Keywords.

3.2 Abstracts for Technologies/Innovations
The abstracts should contain the following;
 Name of the technology/innovation
 Name/s of the inventors/innovators
 Sub-theme (Thematic area)
 Brief description of the technology (include latest pictures/video link)
 Current impact of the technology/innovation (include statistics of communities benefiting from technology/innovation)
 Description of the market size and scale-up requirements

4. Eligibility
   This call for abstracts in all the components is open to all Malawian researchers; innovators; entrepreneurs; academicians; ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); non-governmental organizations; development partners; the private sector.

5. Deadline for submission
   Abstracts should be submitted by close of business on Friday, 27th June 2025 Friday. All successful applications will be required to submit full papers of their presentations by 30th July 2025.

6. Thematic Areas
   The abstracts in all the components should fall under any of the following thematic areas based on the National Research Agenda (NRA).