The School of Sciences of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has held the 2nd edition of its International Conference on Science, Technology and Health Innovation for Sustainable Development (STHISD) under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Futures through Environment, Health, ICT and Food Security: The Role of Emerging Scientists.”
The conference drawn together academics, policymakers, industry leaders, students, and international participants to deliberate on pressing global challenges and explore the role of young innovators in addressing them.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the School of Sciences, Professor Samuel Fosu Gyasi, expressed profound gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, university management, the Local Organizing Committee, industry partners, faculty, students, international participants, and the media for their contributions to the success of the gathering. He described the conference as a timely platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and empowerment of emerging scientists, urging participants to share ideas openly, forge lasting networks, and position Sunyani as the birthplace of transformative innovations for a sustainable future.
Opening the conference, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, highlighted the interconnectedness of global challenges such as climate change, health, ICT, and food security, calling for interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches. He described emerging scientists as the “architects of tomorrow” and reaffirmed UENR’s commitment to serve as a “living laboratory” for nurturing innovators equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to drive sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Akbar M. Saeed of Wilfrid Laurier University emphasized the urgent ethical challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly algorithmic bias. Drawing on 17 years of research in technology ethics, he cautioned that unchecked AI systems risk reinforcing systemic inequalities. He cited examples of biased algorithms, from recruitment platforms favouring men to exam monitoring software disproportionately flagging non-white students, illustrating AI’s far-reaching implications in hiring, healthcare, credit scoring, and criminal justice.
Professor Saeed called for a socio-technical approach that integrates accountability, transparency, fairness, and respect for user rights across the AI lifecycle—from data collection to post-deployment monitoring. Looking to the future, he advocated for deeper research into explainable AI, the development of global fairness standards, and stronger government oversight.
The conference featured 56 poster presentations and several paper sessions that explored key areas including Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), climate change solutions through nature-based approaches, big data and artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things, cyber security and digital forensics, resilient and inclusive economies, as well as research on emerging and re-emerging diseases.
