IPID research workshop and course series

IPID research workshop

SPIDER’s International network for Postgraduate Students in the area of ICT4D (IPID) arranged a research workshop at Örebro University on June 8-9. Fifteen IPID members, representing seven different countries, attended for two full days of discussions and support for their research papers, project proposals and thesis work. The ICT4D-research discussed, ranged from IT security for developing countries to civil mobilization with the use of social media. The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the networking between researchers and to improve their understanding of the most significant current research issues and share research ideas and practices within various different academic disciplines involved in the field of ICT4D.

IPID course series completed

The International Post Graduate Student Network (IPID) has also finished this spring’s series of courses on “Blended technologies for development”. The aim of the course was to give all students interested in ICT4D some hands-on experience and practical information about which technologies can be used for development.

It was considered important to introduce students to a variety of different technologies in order for them to not by default conduct research or take action with only one technology in mind. The technologies covered this spring were mobile communication, satellite communication and broadband/fibre optics. Some 30 different students participated from Örebro University, Stockholm University, Royal Institute of Technology, Göteborg University, Jönköping International Business School, Uppsala University and Blekinge Institute of Technology. 

The first seminar, on mobile technologies for development, was arranged by Ericsson who shared their view on what is happening in the field of M4D, and informed about what actions they are taking in regards to environmental-friendly solutions. IPID members were also physically introduced to different solutions for base-stations, antennas and power supplies.

The second seminar on fibre optics, cables and broadband opportunities for developing countries was arranged by Professor Björn Pehrsson from KTH who shared his knowledge and experiences from Africa. Main topic of the day was challenges and opportunities for building networks in developing countries – a discussion that was further enriched by all participants’ experiences. The third seminar on satellite communication was arranged by the consultant Olavi Trydhed who shared his knowledge and expertise on the potentials for satellite communication within developing and under-developing regions. Topics of the day were different types of satellite communication, their bandwidth cost and comparisons to other contemporary technologies.

Please visit IPID’s website to read more about the PG network: http://www.humanit.org/PID/

The website now also features a wiki: http://www.humanit.org/PID/wiki/index.php/Main_page