The International Transdisciplinary Conference & Innovation Expo 22-24 June 2026

Overview

Members of the MCM team, including students and staff, participated in the International Transdisciplinary Conference and Innovation Expo, held from 22–24 June 2026 at Pwani University. The conference, themed “Connecting Communities and Academia: Co-creating Sustainable Solutions for Global Challenges,” brought together diverse disciplines to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions.

The event attracted over 200 participants, including academics, industry professionals, government representatives, community change-makers, and innovators from Kenya and beyond.

Each day of the conference focused on a different sub-theme: Blue Economy, Marine Resources and Coastal Livelihoods; Technology for Inclusive Development; and Cultural Knowledge, Ethics and Equity. This thematic approach ensured focused, substantive conversations, with cumulative progression across the three days.

Highlights

MCM Programme Exhibition

The MCM programme hosted a dedicated exhibition booth throughout the conference, engaging delegates from different sectors and showcasing the programme. The booth attracted strong interest from prospective students, who engaged directly with our team members as well as our current MCM students and learned about the programme. Several prospective students left visibly excited about joining the 4th cohort in September 2026.

The booth also received visits from high-profile dignitaries, including the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Hon. Fikirini Jacobs; the Deputy Governor of County Government of Kilifi, Hon. Flora Chibule; and the CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), Dr. Tony Omwansa, all of whom were intrigued by the unique and pioneering nature of the MCM programme.

Keynote Address: “Surviving Despite AI”

A key highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by our Project Lead, Prof. Sissi Closs, on the second day, under the Technology for Inclusive Development sub-theme titled “Surviving Despite AI”.

The keynote explored the implications of artificial intelligence, highlighting its growing ability to perform tasks while emphasising that it does not replace human beings. Prof. Closs stressed the continuing importance of human agency and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing emerging technological challenges.

Using the MCM programme as an example of a young interdisciplinary discipline, she illustrated how human-centred fields remain essential in an AI-driven environment. The presentation sparked conversations and set an energising tone for the day’s sessions.

Summary & Reflections

Over the three days, the MCM programme engaged with potential students, and established connections with prospective collaborators, through its participation in the conference and exhibition activities.

Overall, the conference highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary programmes such as MCM, as well as the value of transdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex, interconnected challenges facing academics, communities and beyond.