In an effort to promote innovation and raise awareness about intellectual property rights, the Midlands State University Research and Innovation Division recently organized a two-day training program for faculty members.

Held on the 19^th and 20^th of September 2023, the event was attended by representatives from four faculties: Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management; Science and Technology; Business Sciences; and Education.

This training program aimed to provide faculty members with a comprehensive understanding of the innovation process and intellectual property rights in the context of Zimbabwe.

The program emphasized the critical role of innovation in the development of various sectors and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights for the benefit of innovators and the nation.

During the training, participants were engaged in interactive sessions that covered various aspects of innovation, from conception to implementation.

The program also provided a thorough overview of the legal and practical aspects of intellectual property rights, including patenting, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Participants learned about the potential advantages and legal protections associated with each, as well as how to safeguard their creations and ideas within Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework.

Key topics discussed during the training included patenting, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, potential advantages and legal protections associated with each.

The Research and Innovation Division also introduced the faculty members to the various support services available to them, ensuring that they are aware of the resources and assistance they can access in their innovation endeavours.

Enthusiastic participation and engagement of faculty members underscored the success of the event, indicating a growing awareness and interest in innovation and intellectual property matters.

This training represents a step forward in nurturing a culture of innovation and responsible intellectual property management within the academic community, promising a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s innovation landscape.