Chapter Engagement

IEEE Region 8 Sensors Council Chairs Meeting

“Building a Sustainable Sensors Community Across The Continents”

Event Details: Organized in conjunction with IEEE Sensors@25 2026

Date: December 13, 2026 – Preceding the main Sensors@25 Event
Attendees: Chairs/representatives from IEEE Region 8 Sensors Council Chapters (Africa, Europe, Russia) and Chairs/representatives from Section Chapters of Member Societies
Goal: To strengthen Chapters’ viability, sharing of best practices, foster cross-border collaboration, discuss obstacles and increase technical activities and membership retention.

AGENDA

Time

13 December 2026

12:00 – 12:30

Opening Remarks & The State of R8 Sensors Council

Welcome from Sensors Council President Prof. Anil Roy 7 minutes)
Greetings from R8 President (7 minutes), Egypt section Chair (7 minutes) and Chapter Engagement Committee Chair (7 minutes)

12:30 – 13:00

Networking Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Session 1: Showcasing Excellence – R8 Chapter Spotlights

Moderator: Prof. Paola Saccomandi

Objective: To allow the Chapters to know each other, to create synergies and fostering ideas on new initiatives.

Part A (60 mins): 3-Minute Lightning Talks from each of the 13 R8 Chapters
Part B (30 mins): Roundtable Experience Sharing – Theme: Budget, Attendance, Industry Support

15:00 – 15:30

Coffee & Networking

15:30 – 17:00

Session 2: The Obstacle Wall – What Blocks Us? What Can Council Fix?

Moderator: Prof. Enakshi Bhattacharya

Objective: To create a transparent, two-way conversation where Chapter Chairs voice their systemic challenges, and Sensors Council leadership clarifies what is solvable globally vs. locally.

Part A (30 mins): “The Wall” – Anonymous Clustering
- Themes: Finance, Volunteer workload, Industry Access, University Policies, IEEE Bureaucracy.
Part B (60 mins): “Can You Fix This?” – Leadership Response
- Finance issue (management of funds + applying for funds) – Anil Roy
- MGA (vTools) and other reporting (CEE)
- How to prepare a successful BID for conference

Outcome: A photographed “Wall” that becomes a tracking document. Chairs leave knowing exactly what to expect from the Council.

17:15 – 17:30

Closing

Moderator: Prof. Paola Saccomandi

17:30

Group Photo

Time

13 December 2026

12:00 – 12:30

Opening Remarks & The State of R8 Sensors Council

Welcome from Sensors Council President Prof. Anil Roy 7 minutes)
Greetings from R8 President (7 minutes), Egypt section Chair (7 minutes) and Chapter Engagement Committee Chair (7 minutes)

12:30 – 13:30

Networking Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Session 1: Showcasing Excellence – R8 Chapter Spotlights

Moderator: Prof. Paola Saccomandi

Objective: To allow the Chapters to know each other, to create synergies and fostering ideas on new initiatives.

Part A (60 mins): 3-Minute Lightning Talks from each of the 13 R8 Chapters
Part B (30 mins): Roundtable Experience Sharing – Theme: Budget, Attendance, Industry Support.

15:00 – 15:30

Coffee & Networking

15:30 – 17:00

Session 2: The Obstacle Wall – What Blocks Us? What Can Council Fix?

Moderator: Prof. Enakshi Bhattacharya

Objective: To create a transparent, two-way conversation where Chapter Chairs voice their systemic challenges, and Sensors Council leadership clarifies what is solvable globally vs. locally.

Part A (30 mins): “The Wall” – Anonymous Clustering
- Themes: Finance, Volunteer workload, Industry Access, University Policies, IEEE Bureaucracy.
Part B (60 mins): “Can You Fix This?” – Leadership Response
- Finance issue (management of funds + applying for funds) – Anil Roy
- MGA (vTools) and other reporting (CEE)
- How to prepare a successful BID for conference

Outcome: A photographed “Wall” that becomes a tracking document. Chairs leave knowing exactly what to expect from the Council.