IUIU and TOGÜ Strengthen Global Academic Partnership Through 2nd International Symposium on AI-Driven Engineering Systems
The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) strengthened its growing international partnership with Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (TOGÜ) of Türkiye by hosting the 2nd International Symposium on AI-Driven Engineering Systems (ISADES 2026) from 19th to 20th June 2026, attracting 140 research papers and scholars from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The symposium, held under the theme “Advancing Engineering Systems Through Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Sustainability and Global Collaboration,” brought together engineering scholars, researchers, academicians, innovators, students, and industry professionals from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
ISADES 2026 attracted a total of 140 academic papers, reflecting the growing global interest in artificial intelligence and its application in engineering systems. The papers covered a wide range of emerging areas, including intelligent automation, predictive maintenance, smart infrastructure, autonomous systems, digital manufacturing, data analytics, image processing, natural language processing, advanced communication networks, and sustainable engineering solutions.
This year’s symposium marked the second edition of ISADES. The first edition was held at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University in Türkiye, while the second edition was hosted by IUIU in Uganda. This shift in the symposium's venue from Türkiye to Uganda demonstrates the growing strength of the academic partnership between the two universities and their shared commitment to advancing research, innovation, and international collaboration.
In his keynote address, the Rector of the Islamic University in Uganda, Assoc. Prof. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, represented by the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jamilu Serwanga, welcomed participants to IUIU and described the symposium as an important milestone in the University’s academic journey. “This symposium marks an important milestone in our academic journey and reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting research, innovation, and international collaboration in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ” the Rector said.
He noted that artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a specialized research field into a transformative force that is reshaping industries, economies, and societies across the world.
According to him, AI is revolutionizing engineering systems through intelligent automation, predictive analytics, smart infrastructure, autonomous systems, digital manufacturing, sustainable energy solutions, healthcare technologies, and advanced communication networks.
“As universities, we have a responsibility not only to contribute to these technological advancements but also to ensure that they are developed and applied ethically, inclusively, and sustainably, ” he said.
The Rector emphasized that ISADES 2026 provided an excellent platform for researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and students to share cutting-edge research, discuss emerging trends, showcase innovative solutions, and explore collaborative opportunities that can respond to real-world challenges.
He further noted that the hosting of the symposium at IUIU was a testament to the strong and
A growing partnership between IUIU and TOGÜ, a partnership established through academic cooperation and strengthened through shared research interests, staff development, knowledge exchange, and institutional collaboration.
“The hosting of this symposium is a testament to the strong and growing partnership between IUIU and TOGÜ, ” the Rector said.
The symposium also came at an important time in IUIU’s institutional growth, as the University prepares to start the Faculty of Engineering and Technology in August 2026. The hosting of ISADES 2026 therefore provided a timely platform for positioning the new faculty within a wider international academic and professional network.
The Rector said IUIU remains committed to producing graduates equipped with the skills, competencies, and ethical foundations required to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He added that the University continues to invest in research, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships that position it as a centre of excellence in higher education and technological innovation.
Speaking on behalf of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, the TOGÜ team leader warmly appreciated IUIU for its hospitality and described the symposium as more than a scientific event. He said ISADES represents a concrete outcome of the bridge of friendship established between the two universities, two countries, and two academic communities. “Today, we are not merely inaugurating a scientific event. At the same time, we are witnessing a concrete outcome of the bridge of friendship established between two universities, two countries, and two academic communities, ” he said.
He recalled TOGÜ’s previous visit to IUIU under the Erasmus programme, describing it as an unforgettable experience of friendship, brotherhood, and hospitality. He said the sincerity shown by IUIU’s administration, academic staff, and students laid a strong foundation for future cooperation between the two institutions. “Sometimes academic collaborations begin with official correspondence; however, lasting collaborations are often strengthened through sincerity, trust, and shared ideals. Our visit to Uganda carried exactly this meaning for us, ” he said.
The TOGÜ team leader further explained that the cooperation between TOGÜ and IUIU should not be viewed merely as an institutional protocol but as a relationship of brotherhood built on shared values, common goals, and a commitment to producing knowledge that benefits humanity.
“Knowledge is a universal value that transcends borders. Scientific studies have the power to bring different geographies, different cultures, and different experiences together around the same table, ” he added. He said the ISADES symposium is one of the first important outcomes of this shared will, noting that what began as an idea had grown into an international scientific organization through meetings, committee work, mutual effort, and dedication.
The symposium also featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Mayur Kumar Chhipa, IEEE MTT-S Region 8 Africa Coordinator, Vice Chair of IEEE Uganda Section, Counselor of IEEE ISBAT University Student Branch, and Head of the Faculty of Engineering and ODeL at ISBAT University.
Dr. Chhipa delivered a keynote presentation on “AI-Driven Photonic Integrated Circuits for Next-Generation Data Centers and 6G Communications. His presentation explored the role of photonic integrated circuits, silicon photonics, photonic crystals, optical communication systems, and their relevance to the future of high-speed data transfer, next-generation data centres, and 6G communication systems. “Photonics technology allows us to manipulate light in ways that have not been possible before,”
Dr. Chhipa noted in his presentation. His presentation showed that photonic integrated circuits are becoming increasingly important in addressing the rising demand for bandwidth, speed, energy efficiency, and reliability in the age of artificial intelligence, big data, Internet of Things, and advanced communication networks.
The involvement of IEEE was also recognized as a major boost to the scientific quality, professional relevance, and international visibility of the symposium. Through IEEE’s participation, ISADES 2026 provided a platform that connected academic research with global engineering standards, professional networks, and emerging technological developments.
The symposium also highlighted Africa’s opportunity to benefit from AI-driven engineering solutions. With a youthful population, expanding digital infrastructure, and increasing technological adoption, Africa has great potential to apply AI in agriculture, healthcare, energy access, transportation, environmental management, education, industrial productivity, and sustainable development.
Beyond the presentation of papers, ISADES 2026 created space for networking, mentorship, institutional visibility, and future collaboration. It opened opportunities for joint research projects, joint publications, staff and student exchange programmes, workshops, innovation partnerships, and future international academic events between IUIU, TOGÜ, IEEE, and other participating institutions.
institutions. Special appreciation was extended to the administration of IUIU, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, IEEE, the organizing committee, the scientific committee, keynote speakers, paper presenters, reviewers, students, volunteers, and all guests who contributed to the success of the symposium.
The successful hosting of the 2nd International Symposium on AI-Driven Engineering Systems at IUIU therefore stood not only as a celebration of scientific research but also as a reaffirmation of friendship, brotherhood, innovation, and shared academic vision between Uganda, Türkiye, and the wider international academic community.
