Egerton University is working on an academic partnership with the University of Nottingham in a move aimed at developing research capacity and sharing facilities as well as expertise through a network of peers.
Through the partnership, the two institutions will exchange students and develop joint scientific and technological research projects, among other things.
Egerton University Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Bernard Aduda, said the purpose of the collaboration is to develop academic cooperation on the basis of equality and reciprocity and to promote relations and mutual understanding between the two universities.
“The envisaged collaboration spells a bright future for our students and faculty. We are seeking collaboration in areas of joint research activities, and the joint organisation of conferences, workshops, and webinars,” he explained.
Speaking after holding a meeting with Yash Mahida, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, Prof. Aduda indicated that major areas of collaboration would be medicine and health sciences, among others.
Prof. Mahida’s visit is part of the ongoing collaboration between the United Kingdom and Kenyan institutions through the Kenya UK Health Alliance (KUKHA), which focuses on health matters.
The two shared knowledge and ideas on topics of international importance such as public health, food security and the environment.
Professor Aduda disclosed that to strengthen the partnerships, researchers from the Faculty of Health Science will be appointed to drive the collaboration forward.
The partnership intends to build and increase capacity in doctorate degrees as well as shine a spotlight on the quality of supervision of post-graduate research projects.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor indicated that strengthening supervision of post-graduate research projects will build the capacity to support more candidates to complete their studies.
According to the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Dr Samson Obure the collaboration between the University of Nottingham and Egerton University would advance scientific knowledge, promote innovation, and address healthcare challenges.
“By leveraging the expertise and resources of both institutions, this partnership holds great potential for groundbreaking research in the field of health sciences,” Dr Obure added.
Professor Mahida said they were exploring a model that will enable PhD Studentships from the two universities to gain access to expertise and build research capacity.
“We also want to partner with Egerton University, in strengthening our programmes in health sciences,” stated the Don.
He added “The venture is profoundly justifiable as the challenges encountered in PhD studies are alarming, especially the rate of completion within the stipulated time,”
Professor Mahida indicated that University of Nottingham is committed to building international partnerships to nurture global citizenship, engage the global research community and attract talented students and funding.
“We are seeking partnerships to increase the visibility and reputation of University of Nottingham and its partners in eastern Africa and improve collaboration and knowledge transfer between our institutions for future activities, including research income and funding opportunities, “he said.
The University of Nottingham is a public research university in Nottingham, England. It was founded as University College Nottingham in 1881, and was granted a royal charter in 1948. The University of Nottingham belongs to the research-intensive Russell Group association.
By Jane Ngugi and Angela Cherotich
