Innovation Research Symposium

Annual Innovation Research Symposium at the University of Nairobi

The Annual Innovation Research Symposium is held each year to coincide with the Nairobi Innovation Week hosted by the University of Nairobi. The Innovation Research Symposium offers a platform for multi-disciplinary knowledge exchange for researchers on matters that affect the region. The focus is on innovative solutions that address societal challenges, especially those that are multi-disciplinary.

• Innovation Research Symposium 2018

  March 6, 2018 – March 6, 2018

  The Innovation Research Symposium provides a platfrom for academics and researchers to showcase research processes and methodologies that drive innovation.  The theme for the 2018 Symposium is:

  "Innovation for a better tomorrow"

  Papers should target a multi-disciplinary audience. 

• Innovation Research Symposium 2017

  March 7, 2017 – March 7, 2017

  Foreword

  On behalf of the University of Nairobi and on my own behalf, it is my pleasure to present the proceedings of the first Innovation Research Symposium that was held at the University of Nairobi during the Nairobi Innovation Week 2017. I was honoured to be at the symposium to listen to research paper presentation and engage in the research discourse. The University of Nairobi is a research intensive university with a reputation for excellence and a strong and vibrant research culture. It is our objective to ensure that our research, across all disciplines remains relevant by positively impacting the community and the region.As we all know, research is the backbone to development, providing solutions to societal problems through the transfer of knowledge and technologies, interactions and reflection, thereby improving community livelihoods.

  The UoN Research Policy recognizes that the existing gaps that underlie the realization of development agenda cannot be adequately addressed without inputs of institutions of higher learning and research.As such the University of Nairobi in its strategic direction remains alive to the significance of research and how it impacts development, making conscious and deliberate efforts to achieve the same. At the national level, the Vision 2030 also recognises the role of research and development, science and technology and innovation in improving the economy and human development. These strategies can be achieved when there is a balance in the quality of research undertaken, prioritising societal problems, utilizing existing knowledge on the societal problems, availing financial capacity to address the problems and building and availing the necessary critical resources for utilisation. 

  Research and extension is therefore a function of the government as decision makers, the public as target population, industry as commercial partners and researchers as creators of the new knowledge. With this platform, the goal of high quality research underpinning knowledge creation and technology transfer is within our reach. Institutions of higher learning and research institutes working together with government working together can promote relevant research geared towards national development. It is essential that Higher Education Institutions position themselves to collaborate and share knowledge and innovation with governments and development agencies to impact positively on national development. The Innovation Research Symposium is one such avenue where the key stakeholders can come together and share knowledge and experiences. These proceedings, therefore, provide a permanent record of the presentations by the various researchers.  We hope you find them useful, look forward to your participation in future symposia.

  Prof.Lucy Irungu
  Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension
  University of Nairobi

   

  Editors' Foreword

   The world today is faced with complex challenges in the areas of health, education, technology, urbanization, environment, among many others. Such complexity calls for innovative solutions. Researchers are best placed to provide pathways towards innovative solutions by engaging in knowledge exchange. The Innovation Research Symposium offers a platform for multi-disciplinary knowledge exchange for researchers in the region. During the event, about 50 researchers from diverse backgrounds, discussed the importance of innovation in their different disciplines.

  A befitting welcome address was given by Prof. Lucy Irungu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research, Extension and Production (DVC-RPE) at the University of Nairobi. The DVC-RPE urged researchers to take the lead in solving the pressing local and global challenges, in keeping with the 2017 theme of Nairobi Innovation Week. The address was followed by a keynote speech on ‘driving innovation through advanced research in Africa’ delivered by Dr. David Moinina Sengeh of IBM Research – Africa.

  The morning session of the symposium was a plenary discussion, in which researchers presented their work. Their presentations provoked lively discussions about the need for local solutions that take into account the global context of innovation; the researchers were challenged to consider how their proposed solutions can be replicated in other regions, given the shared challenges around the world.

   The plenary discussion was followed by a more interactive, poster presentation session in the afternoon termed as the ‘marketplace’. At the marketplace, researchers displayed their findings in the form of posters and exhibitions, with the audience going around the room to engage with each presenter. During this session, presenters had a chance to explain aspects of their work in detail, as the audience got to experience actual innovations.

   The afternoon session culminated in the launch of the first ‘Research cafe’, in which a panel of eminent researchers presented their views on how innovation research can be advanced in the region. The panelists motivated the audience to discuss the challenges of carrying out and disseminating research, given the resource constraints faced by most academic institutions in the region. The 2017 Innovation Research Symposium is the first in a series of annual symposia, that will propel innovation research in the region.

  Prof. Madara Ogot and Dr. Amollo Ambole
  Co-Editors, 2017

  
  

2ND AFRICE CONFERENCE - (JUNE 18TH-19TH, 2015)

Upcoming 2nd AFRICE Conference to be held on
18-19 June, 2015 at the Kenya Science Campus

• AFRICE International Conference, 2015

  June 18, 2015 – June 19, 2015

Infectious Disease Symposium

Theme: Antimicrobial use and resistance in Eastern Africa

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health security threat. AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

Resistance has been observed in organisms causing prevalent infections (e.g. multi drug resistant TB, extremely drug resistant TB, and multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoea). Microorganisms resistant to antibiotics in animals have also been shown to spread to human populations. Poor surveillance in health and animal sectors, weak laboratory support and low regulatory capacity in many countries has led to this dire situation.

The prevalence of artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains is gradually increasing. Parasite resistance has been detected in some South East Asian countries. Resistance is occurring as a result of poor treatment practices, inadequate patient adherence to prescribed antimalarial regimens, the use of oral artemisinin based monotherapies and substandard drugs. Currently there is no available antimalarial drug with the same level of efficacy and tolerability as artemisinin based combination therapies. A global spread of resistance will seriously harm our ability to control malaria in the region.

Research that generates reliable data is the foundation for sound global strategies and public health actions. However, there is a major gap in knowledge concerning the magnitude of antibacterial and antimalarial resistance in Eastern Africa. Identifying the source, geographical distribution and significance of antimicrobial resistance is a critical component in control of drug resistance.

The Unit of Clinical Infectious Disease at the Department of Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi and the Infectious Diseases Society of Kenya (IDSK) invite you to participate in the upcoming symposium to be held in Nairobi from 18 to 19 June 2015.

• UON INFECTIOUS DISEASES SYMPOSIUM 2015

  June 18, 2015 – June 19, 2015

   

  Infectious Disease symposium 2015

   

  

• UON INFECTIOUS DISEASES SYMPOSIUM 2015

• Infectious Disease Symposium - I

  January 22, 2016 – May 22, 2016

3RD INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE : 10TH - 12TH JUNE 2015

THEME: RESEARCH AS A DRIVER FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FOR HEALTH

3rd International Scientific Conference: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health (10th – 12th June, 2015) The University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences and Kenyatta National Hospital will host a conference whose theme is: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health, 10th – 12th June, 2015 at the Kenyatta National Hospital Campus.

The Conference will bring together seasoned and upcoming scientists and health care practitioners from both public and private sectors to share knowledge and experiences that influence and shape health care delivery to achieve evidence based quality health care. This is what the citizenry expects of leaders and policy shapers in health research and service delivery.

Sub Themes:

1. Reproductive Health
2. Quality Control and Assurance
3. Medico-Legal Issues in Health
4. Non communicable Diseases
5. Infectious Diseases
6. Oral Health
7. Maternal Child Care
8. Diagnostics Science
9. Mental Health
10. Sports Medicine
11. E-Health; Policy and Application
12. Health Systems Policy Application
13. Health Support Systems (Health Insurance and Social Works)
14. Research Ethics in Developing Countries

The conference targets scientists from all over the world who will participate in activities such as oral and poster presentations of their original research work, plenary talks, and symposia. All are welcome, particularly those from Africa and other developing countries, to come and actively participate in this forum, get updated and enjoy the favorable climate and social activities.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Late breaker abstract submission deadline - 15th April 2015

Submit Abstract

Early Registration Deadline -15th April 2015

Regular Registration Deadline -15th May 2015

Late Registration - After 15th May 2015

REGISTRATION DETAILS

KENYAN PARTICIPANTS:

KENYAN STUDENTS - KSHS. 2, 125.00

• EARLY REGISTRATION - KSHS. 3, 825.00 (9th March - 15th April 2015)
• REGULAR REGISTRATION - KSHS. 4, 250.00 (16th April - 15th May 2015)
• LATE REGISTRATION - KSHS. 4, 675.00 (After 15th May 2015)

• EARLY REGISTRATION - USD 50.00 (9th March - 15th April 2015)
• REGULAR REGISTRATION - USD 60.00 (16th April - 15th May 2015)
• LATE REGISTRATION - USD 75.00 (After 15th May 2015)

• EARLY REGISTRATION - USD 70.00 (9th March - 15th April 2015)
• REGULAR REGISTRATION - USD 90.00 (16th April - 15th May 2015)
• LATE REGISTRATION - USD 120.00 (After 15th May 2015)

Register Online

Apply for Scholarship

• 3RD INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

  June 10, 2015 – June 12, 2015

  3rd International Scientific Conference: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health (10th – 12th June, 2015) The University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences and Kenyatta National Hospital will host a conference whose theme is: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health, 10th – 12th June, 2015 at the Kenyatta National Hospital Campus.

   

  The Conference will bring together seasoned and upcoming scientists and health care practitioners from both public and private sectors to share knowledge and experiences that influence and shape health care delivery to achieve evidence based quality health care. This is what the citizenry expects of leaders and policy shapers in health research and service delivery.

   

  The conference targets scientists from all over the world who will participate in activities such as oral and poster presentations of their original research work, plenary talks, and symposia. All are welcome, particularly those from Africa and other developing countries, to come and actively participate in this forum, get updated and enjoy the favorable climate and social activities.

   

  Date: 10th – 12th June 2015

   

  Venue: College of Health Sciences, Kenyatta National Hospital Campus Important Dates

   

  IMPORTANT DATES:

  Late breaker abstract submission deadline - 15th April 2015

  Submit Abstract

  Early Registration Deadline -15th April 2015

  REGISTRATION DETAILS

  KENYAN PARTICIPANTS:
  

  KENYAN STUDENTS - KSHS. 2, 125.00

  OTHER KENYANS:

  • EARLY REGISTRATION - KSHS. 3, 825.00 (9th March - 15th April 2015)
  • REGULAR REGISTRATION - KSHS. 4, 250.00 (16th April - 15th May 2015)
  • LATE REGISTRATION - KSHS. 4, 675.00 (After 15th May 2015)
  EAST AFRICAN PARTICIPANTS:
  EAST AFRICAN STUDENTS - USD 30.00
  OTHER EAST AFRICAN PARTICIPANTS
  
  • EARLY REGISTRATION - USD 50.00 (9th March - 15th April 2015)
  • REGULAR REGISTRATION - USD 60.00 (16th April - 15th May 2015)
  • LATE REGISTRATION - USD 75.00 (After 15th May 2015)
  NON-EAST AFRICAN PARTICIPANTS:
  NON-EAST AFRICAN STUDENTS - USD 30.00
  OTHER NON-EAST ARFICAN PARTICIPANTS:
  • EARLY REGISTRATION - USD 70.00 (9th March - 15th April 2015)
  • REGULAR REGISTRATION - USD 90.00 (16th April - 15th May 2015)
  • LATE REGISTRATION - USD 120.00 (After 15th May 2015)
  
  
  PAYMENT INFORMATION:
  Payment can be made by Cheque or Cash at Kenyatta National Hospital or College of Health Sciences.
  
  Bank details:
  Account name: College of Health Sciences
  Account number: 1039385
  Bank: Barclays Bank of Kenya
  Branch: Hurlingham
  Bank code: 045
  Swift code: BARCKENX
  
  Account name: Kenyatta National Hospital Revenue
  Account number: 1003058005200
  Bank: National Bank of Kenya Ltd
  Branch: Hospital Branch
  Bank code: 012025
  Swift code: NBKEKENXXX
  
  Please send a copy of the transfer details addressed to Principal, CHS, P.O. Box 19676 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya or scan to isc@uonbi.ac.ke or CEO Kenyatta National Hospital P.O. Box 20723 - 00202, Nairobi, Kenya or a scan to knhresearch@gmail.com
  
  The University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences and Kenyatta National Hospital thanks you for your kind sponsorship and support.
  Register Online
  Apply for Scholarship

9TH BIENNIAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION OF THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (FVM)

9^TH BIENNIAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION OF THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (FVM)

3^RD – 5^TH SEPTEMBER, 2014: FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UPPER KABETE CAMPUS

• 9TH BIENNIAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION OF FVM

  September 3, 2014 – September 5, 2014

  9^TH BIENNIAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION OF THE FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (FVM)

   

  3^RD – 5^TH SEPTEMBER, 2014: FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, UPPER KABETE CAMPUS

5th SEANAC Conference, 9th–13thJune, 2014, Reef Hotel, Mombasa - Kenya

 “From Wet Chemistry to Nano-Chemistry”-The Role of Analytical Chemistry in Building Vibrant Economies, Industries, Food Security and Environmental Management.

SEANAC is organizing a five days Conference to discuss advances in broad areas of analytical Chemistry from Wet Chemistry to nanochemistry in building sustainable economies, industry, food security and environmental management. The Conference is jointly organized by International SEANAC Secretariat and the University of

Nairobi (local Secretariat). The conference will bring together experts from Academic Institutions, Government Departments, Industries, Entrepreneurs and Policy makers to discuss the role and contribution of Analytical Chemistry in national development. The conference themes will include:

• Accreditation, Quality control and Quality assurance
• Mining and petroleum industry
• Biosensors and biomakers
• Pesticides and fertilizers
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Nano chemistry/ Nano technology
• Clinical Medicine and health applications
• Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
• Food science and food technologies

• 5th SEANAC Conference, “From Wet Chemistry to Nano-Chemistry”

  June 9, 2014 – June 13, 2014

  SEANAC is organizing a five days Conference to discuss advances in broad areas of analytical Chemistry from Wet Chemistry to nanochemistry in building sustainable economies, industry, food security and environmental management. The Conference is jointly organized by International SEANAC Secretariat and the University of

  Nairobi (local Secretariat). The conference will bring together experts from Academic Institutions, Government Departments, Industries, Entrepreneurs and Policy makers to discuss the role and contribution of Analytical Chemistry in national development. The conference themes will include:

  • Accreditation, Quality control and Quality assurance
  • Mining and petroleum industry
  • Biosensors and biomakers
  • Pesticides and fertilizers
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Nano chemistry/ Nano technology
  • Clinical Medicine and health applications
  • Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
  • Food science and food technologies

WFATE Second Bi-annual Conference November 7-9, 2012

World Federation of Associations for Teacher Education (WFATE) Second Bi-annual Conference to be held on 6th to 9th November 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya at Safari Park Hotel.

The main theme of the conference will be Educating the World’s Children: Challenges and Strategies for Teacher Development which was approved at the Orlando Board meeting.

www.wfate.org

• WFATE Second Bi-annual Conference November 7-9, 2012

  November 7, 2012 – November 9, 2012

  The World Federation of Associations of Teacher Education(WFATE) second Bi-annual conference will be held from November 7th to 9th in Nairobi, Kenya at the Safaripark Hotel.

  The main theme for the conference is Educating all the World's Children: Challenges and Strategies for Teacher Development. This theme has the strands

  • The role of teacher education in Education for All
  • Partnerships and networks
  • Preservice education: Policies for attracting and retaining quality teachers
  • Continuing professional development
  • ICT and teacher education
  • Balancing local and global issues: Knowledge creation, pedagogy, curriculum, professional experiences
  • Moving the Education for All agenda beyond 2015

  The Conference will be officially opened by:

  Professor George I. Godia, EBS

  Permanent Secretary,

  Ministry of Education,  Kenya

   

  Key Speakers:

  
  

  1. Prof. Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo
  

  Executive Dean:

  College of Education, UNISA, RSA

   

  2. Dr. Peggy Boateng
  

  Snr. Programme Specialist for Science & Technology

  UNESCO, Nairobi

   

  3. Mr. C. K. Tirop,
  

  Chairman,

  Sec. Head Teachers’ Association and Principal Nairobi School

   

  4. Prof. P. Digolo
  

  Faculty of Education

  University of Nairobi

  
  

   

2nd International Scientific Conference (June 19th- 21st, 2013)

The University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences and Kenyatta National Hospital will host a conference whose theme is: Research and Training for Quality Health Care in June 2013 at the Kenyatta National Hospital Campus.

The conference targets scientists from all over the world who will participate in activities such as oral and poster presentations of their original research work, plenary talks, and symposia. All are welcome, particularly those from Africa and other developing countries, to come and actively participate in this forum, get updated and enjoy the favourable climate and social activities that will flavour the conference.

• 3rd International Scientific Conference: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health

• 3rd International Scientific Conference: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health

  3rd International Scientific Conference: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health (10th – 12th June, 2015) The University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences and Kenyatta National Hospital will host a conference whose theme is: Research as a Driver for Science, Technology and Innovation for Health, 10th – 12th June, 2015 at the Kenyatta National Hospital Campus.

   

  The Conference will bring together seasoned and upcoming scientists and health care practitioners from both public and private sectors to share knowledge and experiences that influence and shape health care delivery to achieve evidence based quality health care. This is what the citizenry expects of leaders and policy shapers in health research and service delivery.

   

  The conference targets scientists from all over the world who will participate in activities such as oral and poster presentations of their original research work, plenary talks, and symposia. All are welcome, particularly those from Africa and other developing countries, to come and actively participate in this forum, get updated and enjoy the favorable climate and social activities.

   

  Date: 10th – 12th June, 2015

   

  Venue: College of Health Sciences, Kenyatta National Hospital Campus Important Dates

   

  Abstract Submission Deadline - 31st January 2015

• 2nd International Scientific Conference:Research And Training For Quality Health Care

  June 19, 2013 – June 21, 2013

  The University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences and Kenyatta National Hospital will host a conference whose theme is: Research and Training for Quality Health Care in June 2013 at the Kenyatta National Hospital Campus.

  The Conference will bring together seasoned and upcoming scientists and health care practitioners from both public and private sectors to share knowledge and experiences that influence and shape health care delivery to achieve evidence based quality health care. This is what the citizenry expects of leaders and policy shapers in health research and service delivery.

  The conference targets scientists from all over the world who will participate in activities such as oral and poster presentations of their original research work, plenary talks, and symposia. All are welcome, particularly those from Africa and other developing countries, to come and actively participate in this forum, get updated and enjoy the favourable climate and social activities that will flavour the conference.

   Theme:  Research and Training for Quality Health Care

   Sub Themes:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Nursing Science
  • Teaching and Research in Health
  • Internal Medicine
  • Laboratory Medicine
  • Quality Control and Assurance
  • Culture and Health
  • Nutrition
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmaceutical Care
  • Oral Health
  • Pediatrics and Child Care
  • Surgical Sciences
  • Imaging Science
  • Medico-legal Issues
  • Public Health and Related Issues
  • Environmental Health
  • Biomedical Science

   Downloads

  • Call for Papers Submission Form
  • Conference Registration Form 

  
  ALL SUBMISSIONS TO BE MADE TO isc@uonbi.ac.ke

African Mobile Money Research (AMMREC)- 2012

Background

The uptake of mobile money (MM) especially in developing countries has been tremendous. The impact of the uptake has equally been felt including increasing financial inclusion and changing people’s lives. There is need to explore ways to further increase the scale and sophistication of MM. evaluating adoption; impact and design of various MM applications need a solid research foundation. Kenya’s success of M-Pesa and the general MM sub-sector has continued to set the pace for the rest of the world.

The School of Computing and Informatics (SCI) wishes to launch an interdisciplinary MM research team with a clear aim of enhancing MM adoption and impact in Africa. This is part of execution of the research strategy of the Multi-disciplinary Centre of Excellence in Computing for Societal Development (MCCSD), a centre of excellence associated with the School of Computing and Informatics in the University of Nairobi that carries out multidisciplinary research in collaboration with internal and external partners.

For more information on AMMREC visit the site ammrec.uonbi.ac.ke

• AMMREC2012

  April 2, 2012 – April 3, 2012

  Mobile money is an emerging area of research, AMMREC expects to build a Conference Community that will ensure an exciting and high quality networking environment, providing an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to share knowledge and experience with potential research or practitioner partners. By mobile money weinclude mobile money transfer, mobile banking, agency banking, other financial services through a mobile platform.

  AMMREC is a multidisciplinary mobile money research initiative focusing on innovation, adoption and impact. AMMREC is part of the execution of the research strategy of the Multi-Disciplinary Centre of Excellence in Computing for Societal Development (MCCSD), a centre of excellence associated with the School of Computing and Informatics at the University of Nairobi. MCCSD carries out research in collaboration with internal and external partners.

  The vision of AMMREC is to be a global authority in MM research by:

  • Conducting research on relevant areas of MM and building a body of MM research knowledge
  • Supporting development and piloting of MM applications through our students body
  •  Developing capacity in MM research
  • Sharing MM research knowledge generated with researchers, practitioners and policy makers

   

  Objectives of the conference

  • To review progress made in MM and consider opportunities, trends, and growth strategies relevant for this important sector of the industry.
  • To show case innovations in MM beyond money transfers, particularly from the region
  • To highlight the value of research in extending the MM ecosystem
  • To develop networks that can spur growth of MM ecosystem Venue of the conference Kenyatta International Conference Centre has been proposed. It’s central and able to support multiple meetings and exhibitions.

Kenya Vet Golden Jubilee Celebration

Theme: Evolving the Veterinary Profession towards safeguarding the Human well-being in a dynamic enviroment

• Kenya Vet Golden Jubilee Celebration

  April 25, 2012 – April 27, 2012

  The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will be celebrating 50 years of its existence in April 2012 and part of that celebration is a joint scientific conference between the Faculty and Kenya Veterinary Association.

   

  JOINT FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (FVM) 8TH BIENNIAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE &

  46TH KENYA VETERINARY ASSOCIATION (KVA) ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

  DATE: APRIL 25TH – 27TH 2012
  VENUE: SAFARI PARK HOTEL, NAIROBI
  THEME: Evolving the veterinary profession towards safeguarding the human well-being in a dynamic environment

   

   

   

  Subthemes:

   

  The role of the veterinary profession in achieving Kenya’s vision 2030

  Veterinary education and training for the future, food safety and security, veterinary ethics and governance

  One health and climate change

  Changing disease patterns in animal and human, sustainable management of livestock and wildlife, effect of climate change in animal production, human-wildlife and livestock-wildlife interphase, response to predicted disease epidemics, drought and flooding, disease prevention and control (including ethnoveterinary medicine)

  Innovative and relevant research and technology

  Regional disease mapping and prediction, improving and sustaining local animal genetic pool, challenges in sustainable animal
  production, value addition and marketing of animal products, non-conventional livestock research

   

  Stakeholders in the animal industry, scientists and veterinarians are invited to attend the conference.