Events Repository

Organized on 24 August 2024 through SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshops

Description

An exclusive workshop tailored for Region 8 SIGHT Groups, where we unveil unparalleled funding opportunities within the IEEE. In this engaging session, we will delve into the humanitarian funding domain, focusing on the IEEE Smart Village and EPICS in IEEE initiatives. Our expert speakers will illuminate the path to securing funding, offering insights into the application process, project eligibility criteria, and the crucial details that can elevate your proposal. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to maximize your impact and drive meaningful change within your local community through your SIGHT groups and volunteers.

Speaker

Abdullateef Aliyu is a telecommunications expert with a strong academic and professional background. As General Manager at Phase 3 Telecom, he oversees major fiber-optic network projects across West Africa. He’s also actively involved in IEEE, leading student activities and promoting smart village initiatives. His career is marked by significant achievements in the telecom industry, earning numerous awards for his leadership and innovation.

Samarth Deo is a software engineer leader with a strong background in R&D. Currently heading the Software department at Hitachi Energy, he has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the MACH control platform. Prior to this, he held various leadership roles at ABB, including R&D Manager for the Firmware & SDK team. Samarth is actively involved in the IEEE community, serving as Chair of the EPICS in IEEE committee and IEEE Sweden Section. He has received multiple awards for his contributions and has recently been appointed Chair of the AdHoc on EPICS in IEEE within Region 8. Outside of work, Deo enjoys photography and cooking.

Organized on 4, 18, 25 July and 1 August 2024

Description

As preparation for submitting humanitarian technology project proposals, the SIGHT teams are usually expected to cooperate with a local community to undertake a needs assessment to identify community-specific challenges that can be addressed through the appropriate use of technological innovation. These webinars focus on practical aspects associated with preparing and implementing projects that support local communities through the appropriate use of technological innovation.

Schedule

1. Community Support Program – Focus and Objectives – 4 July
2. Needs Assessment and Community Engagement – 18 July
3. Designing a Community Support Implementation Plan and Budget – 25 July
4. Impact Assessment – 1 August

Hackathon finals were organized during 2024 IEEE R8 SYP Congress on 18 July 2024

Description

IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Technologies Hackathon fosters competition amongst IEEE and SIGHT members through their solutions to specific humanitarian challenges and targets tech proposals around specific UN SDGs. In particular, the 2023 challenges were focused around SDG #4 (quality education), #6 (clean water and sanitation), and #9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure).

Agenda

• Introduction to IEEE Humanitarian Technologies and IEEE Tech4Good & SIGHT
• Humanitarian Technology Activities in IEEE Region 8 and R8/T4G Community Support Program
• Submitting a Strong T4G Proposal and Examples of Past Funded Projects in R8
• Finalists Presentations and Q&A
• Awards Ceremony during Gala Dinner

Organized on 28 April 2024 through Connecting Humanitarian Experts Webinars

Description

Connecting Humanitarian Experts webinars are focused on humanitarian topics based on global Sustainable Development Goals. This webinar is your gateway to understanding Sustainable Development Goal #4, entitled “Quality Education,” and is focused on establishing sustainable education from pre-university to lifelong education.

Speaker

Stamatis Dragoumanos boasts a strong academic background in engineering and computer science. With 18 years of software development experience, he currently excels as a software architect. Beyond technical expertise, his passion lies in education. For 12 years, he’s instilled programming knowledge in students while emphasizing crucial soft skills often overlooked in traditional learning. Stamatis actively contributes to the IEEE in various leadership roles, demonstrating his dedication to advancing engineering education, and is currently chairing the IEEE EAB PreUniversity Education Coordination Committee.

Organized on 24 February 2024 through SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshops

Description

Dive into key topics, including effective management of humanitarian volunteer groups, project coordination, and overcoming challenges in team-community relations. Learn about structuring SIGHT Groups, establishing collaborations for funding, and fostering membership growth. Gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of humanitarian projects.

Speaker

Dr. Kennedy Okafor is a globally recognized expert in AI, cloud data centers, and green energy analytics. With a Ph.D. in digital electronics and computer engineering, he holds multiple leadership roles in academia and industry. As a Senior IEEE Member and recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Okafor has secured over £2M in research grants. His work combines academic excellence with practical industry applications, resulting in impactful projects and contributions to the field.

Organized on 17 December 2023 through Connecting Humanitarian Experts Webinars

Description

Connecting Humanitarian Experts webinars are focused on humanitarian topics based on global Sustainable Development Goals. This webinar, supported by IEEE Smart Cities, is your gateway to sustainable cities and communities.

Speaker

Georges Zissis is a renowned expert in light source science and technology. A distinguished professor at Toulouse III University, he has dedicated his career to researching electrical discharges, lighting systems, and the broader impact of lighting on society. With a strong academic background and numerous awards, including the IEC Centenary Challenge and Energy Globe Award, Zissis is a leading figure in the field. He is actively involved in standardization, quality, and energy efficiency efforts in lighting, and his work has significantly influenced the industry and policymaking.

Prof. Toby Cumberbatch, an electrical engineer, dedicated his career to addressing the needs of impoverished communities. He taught at The Cooper Union from 1994 to 2018, focusing on Engineering for the Middle of Nowhere. Inspired by his childhood in West Africa, he founded SociaLite Lighting Systems in 2017. This nonprofit designs and installs lighting systems and micro-grids in areas without infrastructure. Complete systems provide light, audiovisual facilities, and general charging capabilities for cellphones, small tools, and devices for the measurement of health vitals. Cumberbatch continues to develop these technologies and support SociaLite’s work in Ghana and beyond.

Organized virtually on 25-26 November 2023

Description

The IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Activities Congress aspires to be a vital platform for IEEE members and professionals committed to humanitarian initiatives. This congress fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inspiring discussions on climate change, award-winning projects, and the past and present of IEEE’s humanitarian engagement. We are happy that you joined us to connect with experts, learn from award winners, and shape the future of humanitarian technology in Region 8. Together, we strive to make a positive impact on society and address pressing global challenges

Day 1 Agenda

• Opening Remarks
  • Vincenzo Piuri – Welcome Message from IEEE Region 8 Director
  • Lwanga Herbert – Welcome Message from IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board Chair
  • Theodoros Chatzinikolaou – IEEE Humanitarian Activities in Region 8
• Plenary Presentation on Climate Change
  • Pathmanathan Naidoo – Discussion on the Six Priorities for Decarbonization in Industrialized and Emerging Economies
• Inspiring and Getting Inspired Session
  • Ghada Aouina – ESPRIT Student Branch SIGHT
  • Aziz Haj Ayed – ESSTHS Student Branch SIGHT
  • Ali Hessami – UK & Ireland Section SIGHT
  • Dennis Cherogony – Kenya Section SIGHT

Day 2 Agenda

• SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshop
  • Mohamed Essaaidi – Critical Design Factors for Humanitarian Technologies
• Connecting Past with Present Session
  • Alex Osana – IEEE R8 HuAC Behind the Scenes
  • Vinko Lešić – About IEEE R8 Member Activities
  • Mariela Machado Fantacchiotti – IEEE Humanitarian Technologies
• Open Discussion

Hackathon finals were organized virtually on 4 November 2023

Description

IEEE Region 8 Humanitarian Technologies Hackathon fosters competition amongst IEEE and SIGHT members through their solutions to specific humanitarian challenges and targets tech proposals around specific UN SDGs. In particular, the 2023 theme was focused around climate action, and the challenges included food security, green energy, and oceans.

Agenda

• Opening Remarks and Introduction to Climate Change
• Plenary Presentation on Ocean Sustainability and the Impact of Pollution by René Garello
• Finalists Presentations
• Awards Session and Closing Remarks

Organized on 30 September 2023 through SIGHT Groups Coordination Workshops

Description

In collaboration with the IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force (CSTF), this workshop will delve into the world of design thinking, ideation, and entrepreneurial innovation to create projects that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, valuable insights into the critical importance of climate action will be covered, as will how we can contribute to addressing climate change at the community level using IEEE resources.

Speaker

Sajith Wijesuriya is a leading expert in renewable energy and climate resilience. As a researcher at NREL and Colorado School of Mines, he focuses on grid decarbonization, building energy efficiency, and thermal energy storage. He actively contributes to international clean energy policies through the Clean Energy Ministerial and chairs the IEEE Young Professionals Climate and Sustainability Task Force. Wijesuriya is also a prominent youth advocate for sustainable development, having led initiatives within the UN framework and conducted research on climate impacts in Sri Lanka.

Organized on 29 August 2023 through Connecting Humanitarian Experts Webinars

Description

Connecting Humanitarian Experts webinars are focused on humanitarian topics based on global Sustainable Development Goals. This webinar is your gateway to agribusiness impact on climate change and climate change impact on agribusiness, focusing on the role of technology, as well as the oceans life below water, focusing on climate change challenges and the role of engineers.

Speaker

Victor Grimblatt is a seasoned engineer with a strong academic background in microelectronics and electronics. Currently serving as R&D Group Director and General Manager of Synopsys Chile, he is recognized for his contributions to IoT, EDA, and Smart Agriculture. With a leadership role in IEEE CASS, he’s actively involved in industry associations and has received multiple awards for his engineering excellence and innovation. His research focuses on EDA, Climate Change, and Smart Agriculture.

Dr. Venkatesan is an ocean engineer with extensive experience in marine research and technology. He has played a pivotal role in India’s oceanographic development, particularly in establishing its buoy program. As a leading expert, he holds influential positions in IEEE and MTS, actively promoting ocean science and technology globally. His contributions include fostering academic collaborations, empowering students, and addressing challenges faced by Small Island Developing States. With a strong publication record, patents, and awards, Dr. Venkatesan is a recognized authority in the field.