Event Overview

 

The Assises de la Recherche et de l’innovation 2025 2.0 was successfully held on 4th and 5th February 2025 at Le Recif Hotel, Rodrigues. The two-day event brought together researchers, policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to discuss key challenges and opportunities in research and innovation for Rodrigues. 

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Day 1 – 4th February 2025

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Official Ceremony

The event commenced with: 

• A welcome address by Mr Jean-Claude Pierre Louis, Island Chief Executive of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RRA). 

• An introduction by Prof Theesan Bahorun, Executive Director of MRIC. 

• A presentation on MRIC Rodrigues’ achievements under National Roadmap for Research and Innovation 2023-2027 by  Mr. Joseph Jean Maurice Ravina, Responsible Officer of MRIC Rodrigues. 

• A speech by Mr Johnson Roussety, Deputy Chief Commissioner of RRA. 

• A keynote address by Hon. Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, who highlighted national research advancements and opportunities for Rodrigues. 

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Sectoral Discussions

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1. Blue and Green Innovation Panel

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Facilitator: Mr Joseph Jean Maurice Ravina 
Panelists: 

• Mrs Viergine Leopold, Marine Academy and Research Centre (MARC) 

• Mrs Stephania Perrine, Polytechnics Mauritius

 

Key Discussion Points: 
✔ Promote fishing & farming as valuable professions. 
✔ Assess climate change vulnerability in key sectors. 
✔ Strengthen partnerships for sustainable fishing & marine exploration. 
✔ Improve value addition in seafood & agriculture. 
✔ Address research gaps (e.g., lack of research vessels). 
✔ Develop high-quality local "produit terroir". 

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2. Health, Wellness, Social, Grassroots & Tourism Innovation Panel

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Facilitator: Mr Joseph Jean Maurice Ravina 
 

Panelists:

• Dr Davidson Casimir (Commission for Health) 

• Dr Anick Tolbize Azie, Roman Catholic Education Authority Rodrigues (RCEA) 

• Ms Isanna Agathe (Office du Tourism) 

• Mr Aurel Andre, Association du Tourisme Réuni (ATR) 

• Dr Anne Marie Ancia, World Health Organisation (WHO) 

 

Key Discussion Points: 
✔ Investigate mental health causes & mitigation strategies. 
✔ Study developmental milestones of Rodriguan children. 
✔ Adapt school curriculum to Rodrigues’ unique context. 
✔ Boost cultural tourism by researching traditions. 
✔ Study water-absorbing plant species for groundwater replenishment. 
✔ Improve surface water capture methods. 

 

Day 2 – 5th February 2025

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• Mr. Bryan Young Tie Yang (MRIC Research Assistant) summarized Day 1 discussions. 

• Dr Madhou (MRIC Research Coordinator) identified three priority research areas for Rodrigues. 

• Mr. Koushul Narrain  (MRIC Research Assistant) presented available MRIC funding schemes and application processes. 

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Closing Remarks 

Prof. Theesan Bahorun extended gratitude to the RRA, Cotton Bay staff, MRIC teams, and all stakeholders for the event’s success.

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Key Outcomes & Priority Areas

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1. Blue & Green Innovation 

🔹 Improving Fisheries & Farming (value addition, produit terroir). 
🔹 Climate Change Adaptation (water management, marine & agriculture resilience). 
🔹 Valorisation of Traditional Knowledge. 
🔹 Digital Repository & Data Accessibility. 

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2. Social & Health Innovation 

🔹 Addressing Health Issues (mental health, NCDs, telemedicine, traditional medicine). 
🔹 Education Reforms (tailored curriculum for Rodrigues). 

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Cross-Cutting Recommendations 

✅ Simplified funding schemes for Rodriguans. 
✅ Digital archives for easier data access. 
✅ Collaborative platform for researchers, NGOs, and policymakers. 
✅ Incubation programs for youth employment. 
✅ Capacity-building workshops for researchers. 

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​By Mr. Jean Maurice Ravina

MRIC Rodrigues Office