The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA), in collaboration with Lagos State University (LASU), will hold its 16th International Conference and General Assembly from August 16 to 20, 2026, at the university’s Ojo campus in Lagos.

The conference, themed “Convergent Research for Global Impact: Integrating Knowledge, Innovation and Policy,” is expected to bring together academics, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners and civil society organisations from Nigeria and abroad.

The organisers said the five-day event would provide a platform for participants to explore how interdisciplinary research and innovation could address complex societal and global challenges.

According to the NYA, the conference will showcase emerging research, strengthen collaboration between early-career and established scholars, and promote evidence-based policies that support sustainable development.

The programme will feature keynote and plenary sessions, lead paper presentations, oral and poster presentations, scientific awards and networking opportunities.

A pre-conference workshop will also be held on “Building Research Capacity in the AI Era: Grant Writing and Practical Data Analysis Using R.”

The discussions will cover areas including sustainable development, public health, disease prevention, urban resilience, smart cities, energy systems, environmental policy, human-centred technology, rural development, food security and agribusiness.

Other areas of focus include ethics in convergence science and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to governance, planning and risk assessment.

The keynote address will be delivered by Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, while the President of the Nigerian Young Academy, Professor Temitope Onuminya, will host the event.

LASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, will serve as the chief host.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Associate Professor Abdul-Azeez Adeyemi Anjorin of LASU, said the conference would provide an important platform for researchers, professionals and policymakers to exchange ideas and develop partnerships.

Anjorin said the event would also encourage the development of innovative solutions capable of influencing the future of research, innovation and public policy.

The organisers said the conference is open to scholars, students, professionals and stakeholders across academia, government, industry and civil society.

The NYA said researchers were invited to submit abstracts of not more than 250 words between March 1 and June 14, while poster presentation submissions would remain open until July 24.

The Nigerian Young Academy, established in 2010 by the Nigerian Academy of Science with support from the Nigerian Academy of Education and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, is an interdisciplinary academy for outstanding early-career researchers and professionals.

The academy promotes research excellence, leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement. It is affiliated with the International Science Council, Global Young Academy and Network of African Science Academies.

Registration and further information are available through the Nigerian Young Academy’s website.