The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Knowledge Management Division, marking a significant milestone in the institute's efforts to preserve and disseminate critical scientific knowledge.
From February 24 to 28, 2026, NISIR hosted a Knowledge Management Expert Visit featuring specialists from the IAEA's Vienna headquarters. The five-day intensive program brought together researchers, information officers, and senior management to explore best practices in capturing, organizing, and leveraging institutional knowledge for long-term scientific impact.
A Strategic Priority for Scientific Excellence
In his opening remarks, NISIR Director General Dr. James Banda emphasized the importance of knowledge management for a research institution. "Scientific knowledge is our most valuable asset," he stated. "Yet too often, critical expertise leaves when researchers retire or move on. This partnership with the IAEA helps us build systems that preserve institutional memory and make it accessible for future generations."
"Knowledge management is not just about storing documents—it's about creating a culture where information flows freely, where lessons learned are captured, and where every researcher builds on the work of those who came before."
Key Areas of Collaboration
Throughout the week, IAEA experts led workshops and working sessions covering several critical areas:
- Knowledge Audits: Assessing NISIR's current knowledge assets and identifying gaps and vulnerabilities.
- Tacit Knowledge Capture: Methodologies for extracting expertise from senior researchers through structured interviews and documentation.
- Digital Preservation: Best practices for ensuring long-term accessibility of digital research records, datasets, and publications.
- Succession Planning: Strategies for transferring critical knowledge before staff departures or retirements.
- Communities of Practice: Establishing cross-departmental networks to facilitate ongoing knowledge sharing.
Hands-On Training and Capacity Building
The expert visit included practical training sessions for NISIR's information management team. Participants learned to use IAEA-developed tools and methodologies adapted to Zambia's research context. The training covered everything from metadata standards for scientific datasets to techniques for conducting effective exit interviews with departing researchers.
Margaret Chisanga, Senior Information Officer at NISIR, described the impact: "We've long recognized that valuable knowledge walks out the door when researchers leave. The IAEA tools give us concrete ways to capture that expertise before it's lost. The training has completely transformed how we think about our role as information custodians."
Building on a Longstanding Partnership
This expert visit builds on NISIR's longstanding collaboration with the IAEA, which has included previous technical cooperation projects in nuclear science, analytical instrumentation, and research capacity building. The Knowledge Management initiative represents an expansion of the partnership into the crucial area of institutional sustainability.
Dr. Elena Vaskova, the IAEA's lead Knowledge Management Specialist, highlighted the significance of the visit: "Zambia is demonstrating real leadership in recognizing that knowledge management is not an afterthought but a core strategic function for any research institution. The commitment from NISIR's leadership sends a powerful message about the value placed on scientific knowledge as a national asset."
Next Steps: Developing a KM Framework
Following the expert visit, NISIR will develop a comprehensive Knowledge Management Framework tailored to its research environment. Key deliverables over the coming months include:
- KM Policy Document: Formalizing institutional commitments and responsibilities for knowledge management.
- Digital Repository Enhancement: Upgrading the existing repository to better capture research outputs, datasets, and grey literature.
- Training Program: Rolling out knowledge management awareness and skills training across all research departments.
- Pilot Projects: Implementing knowledge capture initiatives in select high-priority research areas.
The IAEA has committed to continued technical support throughout the implementation phase, including follow-up virtual consultations and a potential return visit to assess progress.
Implications for Zambia's Research Ecosystem
The knowledge management initiative at NISIR has implications beyond the institute itself. As Zambia's premier industrial research organization, NISIR's approach to knowledge preservation could serve as a model for other research institutions, universities, and government agencies across the country.
Dr. Banda concluded: "What we're building here is not just for NISIR. It's about ensuring that Zambia's scientific knowledge—our collective expertise as a nation—is preserved, accessible, and building a foundation for future discoveries. This partnership with the IAEA helps us fulfill that national responsibility."
