Strengthening International Research Collaboration and Innovation
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) on Monday, 12th May 2025, welcomed a distinguished team of researchers from the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, in a significant step toward strengthening international research collaboration and innovation.
The visit, held at the university's Seminar Room, was facilitated by researchers from Taita Taveta University and aimed at exploring opportunities for joint research projects that support both academic excellence and community development. The German delegation included Nora Horn, Holger, Siejhash Haedichu, and Susanna Ketther, who specialize in Water Science, Wood Science and Technology, Energy, and Hydrology & Integrated Water Resource Management.
During the session, the German researchers showcased various innovative items made from trees, seeds, and other biodegradable materials, such as eco-friendly trays. These products reflect their broader mission to create sustainable, community-useful solutions that also support academic advancement.
JOOUST expressed strong interest in the collaboration and shared some of its active and planned research initiatives. These include the production of biscuits from crickets as an alternative source of protein, water harvesting and treatment technologies, biogas production, and the extraction of bioethanol from water hyacinths. The university is also actively engaged in research on climate change, health, and environmental sustainability. Central to these efforts is the Blue Economy Research Hub, a facility located near Lake Victoria, which serves as a base for innovation focused on water and environmental management.
The visiting team expressed interest in partnering with JOOUST’s School of Engineering and Technology, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, and the School of Biological, Physical, Mathematical and Actuarial Sciences. In turn, JOOUST recommended deeper collaboration in the fields of Hydrology, Integrated Water Resource Management, and Renewable Energy.
Several JOOUST lecturers and researchers attended the meeting and welcomed the potential partnership as an opportunity to enhance research capacity, promote student exposure to global knowledge, and drive innovation. Both institutions exchanged contacts and agreed to follow up with feedback and communication that will pave the way for the commencement of joint projects.
This visit signifies a critical step toward building impactful, cross-border research alliances that are grounded in solving real-world challenges and advancing higher education in Kenya and beyond.
