The Closing Session should leave participants with a strong, forward-looking message while bringing the WAITRO Summit 2026 back to its central theme: “Leading the Path of Implementation.” Rather than concluding with another discussion of global challenges, the session will focus on what needs to change in the way research and innovation are funded, connected and implemented. The central question is: How can we build international research and innovation ecosystems that turn knowledge and promising solutions into lasting impact?

Three complementary perspectives will address this question:

  • Luiz Felipe “Lupe” Leal, CNPq, Brazil — the perspective of research funding, international cooperation and the Global South.
  • Michael Browne, CEO and Co-founder of Crowdhelix, United Kingdom — the perspective of international research collaboration, consortium building and a rapidly changing funding landscape.
  • Israel Smart, Founder of Smartel Agri-Tech — the perspective of an entrepreneur and innovator working to translate technology and research into scalable solutions for communities.

Together, the three contributions create a progression from funding → partnerships → implementation and impact

Closing Remarks

Details

Scheduled for:
October 28 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm UTC+3

Led by:

Explore More Summit Sessions

  • 28th WAITRO General Assembly

    01:30 pm - 04:00 pm

  • From Innovation to Impact – Introducing the Concept for the WAITRO Project Development and Advancement Program (PDAP)

    10:00 am - 10:30 am

  • Catalyzing Change Together – Outcomes of Co-Creation Workshops

    09:00 am - 10:00 am