A Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry of Ajayi Crowther University, Gloria Elemo, says people need to start embracing key technologies to help drive the digitalization of research in Nigeria.
Elemo, a former Director-General of Federal Institute for Raw Research, Oshodi (FIRRO), said this at a plenary session of the fifth Research and Innovation Fair of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, which continued on Wednesday in Lagos.
The theme of her lecture was “Digitalisation Research for 21st Century Challenges.’’
She said that embracing digitalization would enhance research capabilities, and help the country to join the developed world in accelerating scientific discovery and address complex problems of the century.
The don said that key technologies driving digitalisation in research include data visualisation tools, collaborative tools and platform, open science technologies and big data analytics.
“Others include cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), internet of things (IOT) and block chain technology.
“Digital technologies are transforming research practices, especially in the developed countries, by enabling researchers to leverage the power of data, automation, collaboration and connectivity.
“The significance of digitizing research in the 21st century lies in its potential to catalyze scientific breakthroughs, enhance collaboration, accelerate knowledge dissemination, drive innovation, and address complex societal challenges.
“Embracing digitalization in research practices empowers researchers to navigate the ever-evolving research landscape, unlock new avenues for exploration, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and sustainable development in the digital era,” she said.
Prof Elemo said that the 21st century had presented and continued to present many complex and diverse challenges.
“Research and Development (R&D) is one of the important tools for addressing these challenges.
“Universities are expected to play vital roles in national growth and development by contributing to various aspects of society and the economy.
“They should serve as catalysts for innovation, agents of change, and drivers of sustainable development, positively impacting society and shaping the future of a nation.
“Government should support by contributing to public policy formulation and decision- making processes.
“Government needs to offer research-backed perspectives on various issues, ranging from healthcare and climate change, to social inequality and governance,” she said.
The don said that the benefits of digitizing research in Nigeria were so much, adding that, embracing digitalization could contribute to the growth, visibility, and advancement of research in Nigeria, which will drive national development.
“Barriers to digitalization include infrastructural limitations, insufficient digital literacy, lack of standardization, intellectual property and copyright.
“Different strategies are available to improve digitalization, but the key is investments,” Prof Elemo said.
