KEMRI, Kagoshima University Explore New Areas for Research and Training Collaboration

By Lisper Mokaya

KEMRI is exploring potential areas of collaboration with Kagoshima University in research, training and innovation, following discussions with the university’s President, Prof. Akio Ido, who visited the Institute.

Prof. Ido, accompanied by Chief Representative of the NUITM Project Prof. Shingo Inoue, and Mr. Tadashi Suzuki, International Cooperation Division, Kagoshima University, held discussions with KEMRI scientists on areas where the two institutions could work together, building on the long-standing relationship between KEMRI and Japanese institutions.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the KEMRI CEO/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Songok, Dr. Martin Bundi welcomed the discussions and the opportunities presented by the university, noting the potential to deepen collaboration in areas of shared scientific interest.

“We welcome you to KEMRI for these discussions and to explore areas where we can work together. Japan has had a very long-standing relationship with KEMRI, not only in infrastructural development, but also in capacity building and several research projects. We are therefore pleased that your areas of interest include infectious disease research, One Health and capacity building, which are also among our key research priorities,” he said.

Prof. Ido noted that the proposed collaboration could strengthen the capacity of young researchers through exchange programmes. ” This will give students and young researchers from Kagoshima University an opportunity to come to KEMRI, interact with and learn from KEMRI scientists, while KEMRI researchers would have similar opportunities to visit Kagoshima University and gain new experiences and skills.” He added.

The meeting brought together senior KEMRI research scientists including Dr. Ernest Wandera,Dr. Janet Masaku , Nicole Tanchu, Patrick Mutinda representing the Director Strategy and Compliance and JICA alumni represented by James Nyang’au many of whom have interacted with Japanese institutions through training, exchange programmes and research initiatives.

As a next step, Dr. Robert Onsare, Deputy Director, One Health, representing the Directorate of Scientific Programmes, Partnerships and Grants Management (DSPPGM), was tasked with compiling the key areas identified during the discussions for further deliberation.

The compilation will help map the areas proposed by Kagoshima University against KEMRI’s research priorities and identify where opportunities for collaboration may be developed. The discussions build on KEMRI’s broader engagement with Japan, which has over the years supported research, capacity building and exchange opportunities. Through partnerships involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), KEMRI has been involved in initiatives including the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) and the NUITM Project, as well as collaborations with institutions such as Nagasaki University.

These partnerships have also provided opportunities for KEMRI staff to undertake training and exchange programmes in Japan, strengthening scientific networks and exposing researchers to new approaches, technologies and areas of expertise.

For KEMRI, the discussions with Kagoshima University offer another opportunity to build on these existing links and explore new possibilities.