Kenya has efficiently hosted the 9th version of the African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP2026), a biennial summer time programme aimed toward strengthening capability in basic physics and its purposes throughout Africa.
The week-long programme, held from July 6 to 11 at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in partnership with the University of Nairobi, introduced collectively about 65 undergraduate and postgraduate physics college students from universities throughout Africa and past.
The occasion additionally attracted greater than 50 lecturers, researchers and scientists from main establishments worldwide, in addition to over 70 secondary college physics academics, offering a platform for information alternate, collaboration {and professional} growth.
Speaking throughout the opening ceremony, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos, in a speech delivered by Dr. Pius Mutisya, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at CEMASTEA, underscored the significance of partnerships in advancing scientific analysis and innovation.
“The future of scientific discovery depends on strong partnerships among governments, universities, research institutions and industry,” the CS mentioned.
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He referred to as for elevated collaboration by joint analysis programmes, researcher alternate initiatives, shared laboratory amenities, postgraduate supervision and equitable worldwide partnerships that strengthen native scientific capability whereas contributing to international scientific development.
The Cabinet Secretary famous that Africa continues to face main challenges, together with power entry, water safety and climate-related points, which require science-driven options.
He urged stakeholders to take a position extra in each basic and utilized physics analysis by equipping universities and analysis establishments with trendy laboratories, high-performance computing amenities, postgraduate scholarships and sufficient assist for early profession scientists.
The CS additionally challenged establishments of greater studying to strengthen the connection between training and employment by integrating entrepreneurship, innovation, mental property administration and enterprise growth into their educational programmes.
“I reaffirm the Government of Kenya’s commitment to supporting science, technology and innovation as key drivers of national development and global competitiveness,” the CS mentioned.
Switzerland’s Ambassador to Kenya, Mirko Giulietti, reaffirmed his nation’s dedication to supporting training, analysis and innovation in Kenya and globally.
He highlighted the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and Switzerland on training, analysis, know-how and innovation, which focuses on selling collaboration amongst key stakeholders by joint initiatives and sustainable partnerships.
The settlement prioritises areas akin to digitalisation, synthetic intelligence, STEM and Technical and TVET, start-up ecosystems, clear know-how, renewable power and digital well being.
CEMASTEA appearing CEO Gladys Masai mentioned physics stays one of the most necessary disciplines driving scientific and technological development, and the establishment will proceed getting ready physics academics to enhance curriculum supply.
Chairperson of ASP native organising committee, Sister Dr. Mary Simiyu, who can be an alumnus of the ASP programme, mentioned the initiative has change into an necessary platform for creating worldwide collaborations and opening up alternatives for African scientists.
She famous that partnerships fashioned by the programme promote innovation, analysis and abilities growth that may finally create employment alternatives for younger folks.
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Dr. Simiyu noticed that many African establishments nonetheless face shortages of instructing and studying sources in physics, including that ASP helps bridge this hole by bringing trendy scientific tools, experience and sensible demonstrations nearer to African universities and faculties.
She introduced that the subsequent version of the African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications shall be hosted in Ghana, with Kenya anticipated to take part.
The ASP summer time programme targets undergraduate and graduate college students, providing intensive coaching in theoretical and experimental physics, particle detection, knowledge evaluation and scientific computing.
In Kenya, the programme is anchored by a robust community of establishments led by the University of Nairobi’s Department of Physics in collaboration with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU), Taita Taveta University, and the Technical University of Kenya.
By Obegi Malack
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