The IAD Graduate Student Lightning Talks (GSLT) are designed to showcase the diverse research, field experiences, and scholarly work of Cornell graduate students with a research focus on African development.   In the fast-paced format, each participant delivers a 10-minute presentation highlighting their current projects, research findings, or fieldwork experiences. The event creates an opportunity for students to share their work with the broader community while fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on issues related to African development and global engagement. The program is planned to launch in Fall 2026 and aims to become a recurring platform for scholarly exchange within the institute.

We invite graduate students currently participating in IAD programs and receiving IAD grants and fellowships to participate in the Lightning Talks. This event provides a supportive environment for students to present their ideas, receive feedback, and engage with faculty, peers, and practitioners interested in African development. Students at any stage of their research are encouraged to share their work and contribute to this collaborative academic exchange.

For more information about the IAD Graduate Student Lightning Talks or participation details, please contact IAD@cornell.edu.