Adanyro Atilago is on a crusade to turn a devastating invader into an energy solution. His goal is to make fuel from the water hyacinths that are choking the lakes and rivers of his West African homeland.

“We want to go from waste to energy,” explained the PhD student from Benin who is spending a year conducting research in the lab of Environmental Science & Technology Professor Stephanie Lansing. “Many rivers and lakes are covered by water hyacinths. So, it’s very challenging for the people to access the water easily, for fishing and traveling by boat. Our objective is to help the people remove these water hyacinths and produce biogas stoves.”

Water hyacinth is an aggressive invader that not only hinders navigation, but shades out other plants and starves aquatic ecosystems of oxygen. West African communities affected by them can face increased rates of malaria, schistosomiasis, cholera and devastating food insecurity.

Atilago, who studies at the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering in Burkina-Faso, is eager to benefit from Lansing’s world-renowned expertise in bio-digestion and biogas production research.

“I came here to learn about biogas production,” Atilago said, “but I realized that there is also a lot of equipment here that I can use to understand better about the water hyacinths and how to optimize biogas production from them.”

Atilago’s story represents more than his own entrepreneurial efforts to solve an environmental problem. It exemplifies the growing wave of young African scientists traveling abroad for higher education. And AGNR’s specific areas of expertise, with our focus on real-world applications, offers an attractive draw that the college is actively working to advance.

“Demographics tell us that we should position ourselves as a place individuals from developing countries want to come to,” said Jimmy Smith, director of AGNR’s International Programs. “As the number of American students is dropping, students from the developing world are seeking out new opportunities abroad, and it is important that we continue to reach out to them and build new partnerships with universities in these regions.”

Since arriving at AGNR in 2023, Smith and his office have been working to facilitate educational and research projects through our partnership with Daystar University in Kenya, and to help AGNR become a partner institution with the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF). Atilago is the first of what we hope will become many visiting RSIF scholars.

Run by the African-led Partnership for skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology, RSIF sends African doctoral students to partner colleges throughout the world with the aim of training 10,000 professional scientists over the next 10 years and building a critical mass of highly skilled African professionals to address issues of climate, food security, health and energy.

There are good reasons for prioritizing such partnerships. For one, they represent a growing market. According to International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF) the number of internationally mobile Sub-Saharan African students has grown by 21% over the past five years. A mobility rate of 4.8% compared to the world average of 2.7%.

Another good reason for welcoming these scholars is that the world is shrinking–economically and healthwise we are much more connected to people on the other side of the planet than ever before–and building STEM capacity is critical to global well-being and stability. Although the college-aged population of Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to double by 2050, only 9% of that age group is currently enrolled in higher education. If that condition holds, it will almost certainly limit economic growth and social development and could worsen security issues on the continent.

As Africa seeks to educate its youth abroad, the competition for these students is growing. France has always been the largest host to African scholars, and even though the U.S. has enrolled 20% more students from the region in the last five years, Canada and Morocco saw increases of 67% and 61% respectively. And African student enrollment rates in Turkey have grown by a whopping 187% over five years. U.S. colleges must make a concerted effort if they hope to tap this growing pool of students.

With the caliber of our experts and our focus on big issues such as modernizing sustainable agriculture and solving food insecurity, AGNR is competitively positioned in that market. And as a Land Grant college, our deep roots working in communities through Extension creates a synergy for young scientists who intend to apply what they learn in communities back in their home countries.

Dr. Lansing’s work in bio-digestion and biogas production for example, is a very topical field in places where both energy infrastructure and waste management are integral to a sustainable society. Both here in the U.S. and abroad, converting waste to energy can be used to solve two major concerns with an environmentally sustainable footprint.

That’s what drew Dr. Chibueze Achi to come to the U.S. in 2018. Now a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, Achi was a Fulbright scholar who did research in Lansing’s lab towards earning this Ph.D. As he was preparing for his doctoral studies on converting manure to energy, Achi realized he didn’t have the proper resources, and he began searching Google for a university that could provide what he needed.

“I was trying to improvise, to devise some sort of crude method of generating biogas,” he recalls, “when I saw Stephanie Lansing’s work in that area, I was excited, and I decided to make her my first choice for my Fulbright application.”

As with Atilago, Achi found more learning opportunities than he originally expected once he arrived at the University of Maryland.

“When I came, I was thinking only about the lab research, but I realized that I could actually learn from observing the culture of the classroom environment here,” Achi said. “I learned about the mode of teaching, and active learning where students are involved and engaged.”

Achi said he also learned more about writing grants and publishing in peer reviewed journals and developed a network of colleagues in the U.S. He has since brought those experiences back to his students and colleagues in Nigeria, which has one of the youngest populations in the world and is expected to become the third largest source of international higher education students this year.

And the learning goes both ways. Lansing noted that visiting researchers from other parts of the world contribute a perspective to her lab culture that connects her lab’s work to its global applications.

“It is important for our students designing bioenergy systems in the U.S. to better understand scale and use of waste in other societies, and to think about their research through a broader lens,” Lansing said. “Student research exchange is definitely a two-way interaction in that we learn from their perspective while teaching how to incorporate our technologies in an appropriate manner. I have learned much from these student exchanges beyond publications and network development by gaining input from diverse perspectives.”

by Kimbra Cutlip : Momentum Magazine Summer 2024

https://agnr.umd.edu/momentum-magazine/summer-2024/courting-new-wave/

The Sixth Call for applications for the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) PhD Scholarships is now open, offering a remarkable opportunity for aspiring researchers across sub-Saharan Africa. With 20 scholarships available, this program is designed to support 3 to 4 years of doctoral training in critical fields such as ICT, food security, minerals and materials engineering, energy, and climate change. Successful candidates will also have the chance to undertake a 6 to 12-month placement at an international partner university, research institute, or private company, providing them with global exposure and collaboration opportunities.

For the students who secure this scholarship, it is more than just financial support—it is a gateway to becoming the next generation of African leaders in applied sciences, engineering, and technology (ASET). These scholars will be at the forefront of research and innovation, addressing pressing challenges and contributing to the continent’s socio-economic transformation. By fostering highly skilled scientists and innovators, Rsif is working to bridge the human resource gap in ASET fields, creating a lasting impact on Africa’s development.

Rsif’s mandate is clear: to increase the number of qualified researchers across Africa, particularly in areas vital for growth and development. By investing in talented young Africans, especially women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, Rsif is shaping the future of research and innovation on the continent. This scholarship is not just an opportunity; it’s a commitment to driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for millions.

As the deadline for applications approaches on 16th September 2024, this is the moment for aspiring PhD candidates to seize a life-changing opportunity. With full support for tuition, research, living expenses, and international placements, the Rsif PhD Scholarship is the key to unlocking your potential and making a significant impact on Africa’s future. Don’t miss out—apply now and become part of Africa’s research and innovation revolution.

Find out more details about the scholarship here. See scholarship in English | French | Portuguese.

Nairobi, Kenya – Eight Vice Chancellors of leading universities in Kenya visited the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Duduville campus in Nairobi on 25 July 2024. The universities represented were: University of Embu, Meru University, Riara University, Daystar University, University of Nairobi, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Masai Mara University, and Rongo University of Science &Technology. The Vice Chancellors were on a study tour to discuss scientific training, research and commercialisation of research outputs, with emphasis on technology transfer processes.  The visit was facilitated by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), a government parastatal established by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Act, No. 28 of 2013.

This visit underscores the critical role of research and technology transfer in addressing national development challenges. Research and technology transfer are essential for driving innovation, economic growth, and societal progress. Research generates new knowledge and understanding, while technology transfer bridges the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace. By transforming research findings into practical applications, technology transfer facilitates the creation of  new products, services, and industries, ultimately improving people’s lives. Additionally, technology transfer creates a cycle of innovation collaboration between academia and industry, and fosters an environment where scientific advancements improve the quality of life and socio-economic transformation.

Dr Abdou Tenkouano, the Director General of icipe welcomed the Vice Chancellors to icipe, and emphasised the crucial role universities play in the research and development space. He highlighted the universities’ contribution to knowledge generation and the potential to empower the youth through start-ups based on research outputs. He encouraged the Vice Chancellors to go and tell others about what they have seen at icipe, and invited the universities to explore more collaborations with icipe in research and capacity building for the next generation of science leaders. icipe implements capacity-building programs, such as the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS) and the Dissertation Research Internship Programme (DRIP) in producing science leaders, which the Vice chancellors appreciated. icipe currently hosts several postgraduate students from Kenyan universities in these programmes, including 40 students (22 of whom are women) from the universities that visited.

Professor Daniel Mugendi, Chairman of the Vice Chancellors’ Committee and Vice Chancellor of the University of Embu, commended icipe’s research excellence and success in commercialization. He stressed the need for universities to adopt similar practices to enhance their technology transfer processes and evolve into entrepreneurial centers of excellence. The Vice Chancellors appreciated the significance of Intellectual Property (IP) policies in promoting research commercialization, and emphasised the need for universities to explore various IP rights options and alternative commercialization channels like technology licensing.

A highlight of the visit was the mixed-method approach employed to help guests appreciate icipe’s entire research pathway to commercialization. The event featured a mini-exhibition showcasing icipe’s research products in biopesticides, Insects for Food and Feed (INSEFF), bees, and silk; followed by a high-level presentation highlighting icipe’s research outputs in various health themes, including Animal, Environmental, Plant, and Human health. Other capacity-strengthening initiatives under icipe like the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), which collaborates with universities in and outside of Africa to support the training of PhD and MSc students, and  the BioInnovate Africa Program, which supports researchers in building entrepreneurial skills and commercializing their research outputs, were highlighted.

The Vice Chancellors’ visit to icipe shows a commitment by Kenyan universities to drive innovation and address national challenges through research and technology transfer. The Vice Chancellors acknowledged the need to create enabling environments for research and innovation within their respective universities, especially by strengthening their Technology Transfer offices.

Key recommendations were that universities should update Intellectual Property policies, ensure research is value-driven, explore private sector partnerships, offer entrepreneurial training, engage with policymakers, and enhance procurement and operational efficiencies. On the side of icipe more community and stakeholder engagement to broaden its impact was suggested. These steps aim to foster a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Africa, strengthen collaboration between research institutions and government agencies, and contribute to Africa’s economic growth and social progress.

This visit serves as a catalyst for future partnerships and knowledge exchange, positioning Africa at the forefront of scientific advancement and development.

The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif) proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of Dr Jonas Bayuo, a Cohort 3 Rsif PhD Graduate from Ghana. Jonas recently completed his PhD in Minerals, Mining, and Materials Engineering at The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in record time—just 3 years and 7 days. His thesis, titled “Optimization of Arsenic (III) and Mercury (II) Removal from Non-Competitive and Competitive Sorption Systems onto Activated Carbon,” marks a significant milestone in environmental engineering and public health.

Throughout his PhD journey, Jonas achieved numerous academic feats, including 13 scientific publications in prestigious journals such as Elsevier and Springer Nature, and presenting over 10 papers at international and local scientific conferences. His groundbreaking research has garnered over 645 citations and boasts an impressive H-Index of 13, reflecting his work’s high impact and relevance.

With the support of the DOCTAS Grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York (CCNY), Jonas’s research led to the design and development of a dynamic batch adsorption reactor. This innovative reactor can remediate various pollutants, particularly heavy metals, from aquatic environments, with applications at both laboratory and industrial scales.

In addition to his research contributions, Jonas has been a dedicated contributor to the academic community. He is an active reviewer for over 30 peer-reviewed international journals, including top-tier publications from Nature, Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. With over 200 peer-reviewed records recognized and verified by the Web of Science, Jonas’s dedication to academic excellence and integrity is evident.

Reflecting on his journey, Jonas expresses his gratitude: “Let me use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the management of the Rsif Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) for all the support rendered to me throughout my PhD journey and many more supports that are yet to be received.”

Dr Jonas Bayuo’s achievements exemplify the transformative impact of the Rsif program on higher education and research in sub-Saharan Africa. Rsif empowers scholars like Jonas by providing access to world-class education and research opportunities that address critical challenges and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

As the first scholar from Cohort 3 to complete his PhD, Dr Bayuo sets a high standard for his peers and future generations of researchers. emphasizing the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the support provided by programs such as Rsif in fostering academic excellence and innovation. His success story serves as an inspiration to current and prospective PhD students,

Dr Jonas Bayuo’s journey is a testament to the potential unlocked when scholars are given the tools and opportunities to excel. The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund remains committed to nurturing talent and driving positive change across Africa. We encourage other students to pursue their PhD aspirations with determination, knowing that their hard work and achievements can make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

Join us in celebrating Dr Jonas Bayuo’s exceptional accomplishments and recognizing the profound impact of the Rsif program in cultivating a new generation of scholars committed to advancing education and research excellence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Yéfoungnigui Souleymane YEO, a recent Rsif PhD graduate (2024) from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Côte d’Ivoire, has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by mango farmers in his country. His research focused on understanding and managing two major mango diseases—Mango Decline (MD) and Stem-End Rot (SER)—which have been made worse by climate change, causing significant reductions in mango yields.

Between 2020 and 2021, Dr YEO studied the impact of these diseases in various mango orchards across Côte d’Ivoire. He found that MD affected 20% to 100% of mangoes, with some orchards seeing up to 80% of their crops severely damaged. SER was found to affect 10% to 30% of ripe mangoes, with damage severity ranging from 5% to 20%.

One important aspect of Dr YEO’s research was examining how climate conditions, like temperature and humidity, influenced these diseases. He discovered that higher humidity and rainfall helped reduce the severity of MD, while higher temperatures made it worse. Similarly, higher temperatures increased the severity of SER.

To identify the specific fungi causing these diseases, D. YEO used advanced genetic tools and discovered 17 types of fungi, with one called Lasiodiplodia being the most common. Importantly, he also tested sustainable ways to control these diseases, using natural pesticides and extracts from the Moringa oleifera plant, which showed promising results in managing SER.

Dr YEO’s research is a great example of how Rsif scholars are solving real problems in their countries. By improving mango production in Côte d’Ivoire, his work not only supports local farmers but also contributes to the broader goals of food security and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Rsif program plays a crucial role in advancing higher education and research in Africa. It provides students with the support and resources they need to address pressing challenges in their communities. Dr YEO’s success story highlights the impact of the Rsif program in fostering innovation and practical solutions that benefit both local and regional agriculture.

Through the efforts of dedicated researchers like Dr YEO, Rsif continues to drive progress and development across the continent, showcasing the power of education and research in creating a better future for Africa. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of how Rsif scholars are shaping the future of Africa through groundbreaking research and innovation.

Imagine a world where capturing the sun’s energy is as easy as laying down a sheet. This isn’t science fiction – it’s the future our recent PhD graduate, Dr Mwende Mbilo, is helping to create with their groundbreaking research on Organic Solar Cells (OSCs). Her thesis, “Design of efficient and stable non-fullerene acceptor-based Organic solar cells by buffer layer modification,” tackles a critical challenge: Revolutionizing Solar Energy.

These innovative solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and potentially much cheaper to produce than traditional silicon panels. However, a major hurdle remains – their lifespan. Current OSCs degrade too quickly under sunlight and heat, limiting their practical use.

Mwende’s research tackles this challenge head-on. Her thesis focused on improving the efficiency and stability of OSCs by modifying a critical layer called the Electron Transport Layer (ETL). This layer plays a key role in collecting electricity generated by sunlight within the solar cell.

Here’s the ingenious part: De Mwende explored using commercially available ultraviolet resins to modify the ETL material. These resins act like a protective shield, achieving several crucial goals:

• Enhanced Contact: The resins improve the connection between the ETL and the light-absorbing layer, leading to more efficient electricity flow.
• Fine-Tuning Energy Levels: The resins adjust the energy levels within the cell, ensuring smooth electron movement.
• Reduced Defects: The resins fill in tiny imperfections on the ETL surface, minimizing energy loss.
• Improved Stability: The resins shield the ETL from sunlight damage and heat, extending the lifespan of the OSC.

The results are promising! By using these resins, Dr Mwende was able to significantly improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of OSCs, meaning they convert more sunlight into electricity. Additionally, the modified OSCs demonstrated better resistance to light and heat, paving the way for a more durable and long-lasting solar technology.

This research aligns perfectly with the African Union’s 2024 Year of Education theme. By tackling energy challenges through innovative research, Dr Mwende is not only contributing to a brighter future for their home country but for all of sub-Saharan Africa. Stay tuned for more stories about our exceptional graduates and the ground breaking research that’s shaping a more sustainable tomorrow!

The 6th PASET Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded on a high note, forging a path towards a more skilled and industrialized Africa. Hosted in Kenya, the forum brought together delegates from across the continent, united in a common goal: leveraging Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to fuel Africa’s industrial revolution.

The forum celebrated a decade of PASET’s impressive journey, highlighting its success in creating a generation of PhD scholars tackling Africa’s challenges. However, ambitions stretched beyond past achievements. With 11 member countries already on board, the forum urged even wider participation, calling for more African nations to join this transformative initiative.

While acknowledging the importance of doctoral programs spearheaded by the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), discussions emphasized the crucial role of TVET. Building on PASET’s original charter, the focus shifted towards practical skills training that empowers Africa’s future workforce.

The forum also acknowledged the need for sustainable financing to take PASET to the next level. A call for increased resource mobilization from various countries and partners was a key takeaway, emphasizing the importance of shared investment in Africa’s future.

Discussions then pivoted towards harnessing technology for the future. The need for PASET to promote TVET that leverages emerging technologies like AI and data science was highlighted. The forum recognized the importance of preparing Africa’s workforce for the 4th Industrial Revolution, advocating for strategic partnerships and investment in digital training infrastructure to bridge the technological gap.

Cutting-edge topics surrounding the green economy, the future of work, and their implications for African stakeholders dominated the forum. Discussions centered around PASET’s five thematic focus areas, which offered exciting opportunities for research, innovation, and collaboration: Food Security & Agribusiness, Climate Change, Energy & Renewables, and Mining, Minerals & Material Science.

The forum concluded with a powerful message: Africa’s prosperity hinges on investing in its people. The need to train skilled professionals who can conduct research relevant to both public and private sectors was emphasized. This investment in human capital will be the bedrock of a thriving African future.

The 6th PASET Forum was a catalyst for change, igniting a spirit of collaboration and determination, leaving delegates with a shared mission: to build a more skilled, prosperous Africa for generations to come. Now is the time to translate these aspirations into action. Let’s join forces, mobilize resources, and empower Africa’s workforce to usher in a new era of industrialization and innovation.

In line with the African Union’s 2024 focus on Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI), our recent PhD graduate, Dr Zakaria Sawadogo, has made significant contributions to mobile security in Africa. His thesis, “Continuous evaluation of detection features of Android malware using machine learning,” tackles a critical challenge: safeguarding Android devices from malicious applications. This research is pivotal in safeguarding mobile devices, ensuring safer and more secure technology for users.

Understanding the Objective

The primary goal of this research was to explore how different parameters affect the performance of machine learning models in detecting malicious Android applications. This included analysing the quality and quantity of training data and the metrics used to evaluate model performance. Additionally, the study proposed new methods to improve the detection process, aiming to develop an efficient, large-scale detector.

Key Areas of Focus

One significant aspect of the research was understanding how imbalanced datasets influence the results of machine learning models. Imbalanced datasets, where some classes are underrepresented, can skew the performance of models. Dr Swaadogo found that balanced precision and geometric mean metrics were more effective in these scenarios. His paper on this topic was presented at the 24th International Conference on Advanced Communication Technologies (ICACT) in 2022 and published in the “Transactions on Advanced Communications Technology (TACT).”

Dr Sawadogo  introduced several ground-breaking methods for improving Android malware detection. These include Zero-Vuln, which uses supervised deep learning to detect new malware with 83% accuracy, and DeepMalOb, which identifies obfuscated malicious apps via memory dumping and neural networks, achieving up to 99% accuracy. Enhanced DeepMalOb combines security risk analysis with Multilayer Perceptrons for hidden malware detection, while a behavior-based analysis method uses AI to uncover obscured threats. Additionally, the UFILA approach improves detection through incremental learning, achieving 99% accuracy and earning the Best Paper Award at ICACT.

The Mid@ndro architecture was developed to enhance the detection of malicious software on Android devices. This middleware solution coordinates effectively between the Android operating system and the end-user, optimizing malware detection. A specific middleware, AndroSafe, was implemented to detect malicious software on Android devices effectively. This work was also presented at the 6th International Conference on Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (CloudTech) and published in IEEE Xplore.

Conclusion

This thesis has made significant strides in understanding the impact of evaluation metrics and data balance on machine learning models, introduced innovative methods for malware detection, and implemented these approaches in a practical software solution. These achievements contribute substantially to the field of computer security and the fight against mobile threats. Throughout the course of this research, nine scientific publications in esteemed international journals were produced.

Our PhD scholars have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise, paving the way for more secure mobile technologies. Their work is a testament to the importance of continuous research and innovation in protecting our digital world.

Today, as the world commemorates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of women scientists in our PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif). Of the 282 doctoral scholars in the PASET Rsif initiative, 37% are women from more than 24 countries in Africa. This is a positive development considering that less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) data (2023). Getting more women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is widely regarded as critical to growth and development of sustainable economies.

Despite the numerous efforts aimed at achieving gender equality in STEM, several studies highlight that women in STEM fields have lower publication rates, unequal compensation, and limited career progression compared to their male counterparts. The challenges leading to this inequality are multifaceted and express differently in different contexts. But the common ones appear to be unequal opportunities for women to get in STEM, and perceptions about gender roles that overwhelm women with domestic responsibilities.

At Rsif, we intentionally work to address the imbalances in the number of women in STEM through outreach, sustained mentorship, and gender responsive programming. We have learnt that deliberate efforts in providing a gender responsive educational and research environment helps women scientists to achieve their full potential.

Recently, two of our distinguished female scholars, Christelle Arielle Mbouteu, a 28-year-old Cameroonian national pursuing a PhD in renewable energy, and Rehema Mrutu, a 33-year-old Tanzanian national pursuing a PhD in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change, were recognized for their ground-breaking research during the COP28 in Dubai.

Rehema’s innovative work focuses on developing a CRISPR engineered strain to reduce methane emissions in cows, thereby enhancing meat and milk production sustainably. Her award-winning research aims to optimize methane production to acetic acid conversion, a by-product beneficial for livestock, in efforts to ensure food security in Africa.

Christelle received acclaim for her outstanding contribution at the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Renewable Energy (AFORE) in Jeju, South Korea. Her research delved into the techno-economic analysis of various renewable energy systems, providing valuable insights for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Explore further details here.

Furthermore, Faith Njeru and Mwende Mbilo, both Kenyan citizens, received recognition at the 14^th award ceremony in Kasane, Botswana for the L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub Saharan Africa Awards. Faith’s research endeavours to develop an affordable, efficient, and user-friendly paper strip test for plant disease detection utilizing novel molecules extracted from camel serum. Meanwhile, Mwende’s research focuses on enhancing the design of efficient and stable non-fullerene acceptor-based organic solar cells through buffer layer modification. Delve deeper into their remarkable work here.

We maintain that women play a crucial role in advancing science and innovation. It is imperative that we proactively cultivate female talent in STEM fields. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is certainly a moment for us to reflect on our commitment to increase women’s participation in and contribution to STEM for our socioeconomic transformation.

In the realm of academia, the journey of Jonas Bayuo, an Rsif PhD scholar at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), stands as a testament to exceptional achievement, dedication, and innovative contributions. Within the short span of just two and a half years into his PhD journey, Bayuo has not only achieved a remarkable milestone but has also left an indelible mark on the scientific community.

Bayuo’s prolific academic journey is marked by an impressive list of accomplishments. He has authored 10 first-authored articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals, predominantly in Springer Nature and Elsevier. Notably, this is an unprecedented feat in the history of the NM-AIST and Sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing the extraordinary impact of his scholarly contributions.

Adding to his list of accolades, Bayuo has two accepted book chapters with Springer Nature and Elsevier, scheduled to be published in April and November 2024, respectively. His commitment to advancing knowledge is evident in these forthcoming publications, contributing valuable insights to the academic community.

Bayuo’s scholarly works have garnered over 445 citations from world-renowned scientists, reflecting the significant impact of his research. His h-index of 10 underscores the influence of his contributions in the academic sphere.

Pursuing his PhD under the sponsorship of Rsif at NM-AIST has elevated Bayuo’s visibility. He is now a member of the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and serves as a reviewer for numerous international reputable peer-reviewed journals. With over 56 peer-review records in 19 publications recognized and verified by the Web of Science, Bayuo actively contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Bayuo’s paper was adjudged as the best at the 2^nd International Maji Scientific Conference 2023, organized by the Ministry of Water-Water Institute, Dar es Salaam. His outstanding presentation earned him the title of Best Young Oral Presenter, along with a well-deserved medal.

Bayuo extends his heartfelt gratitude to the management of Rsif RCU for the unwavering support throughout his PhD journey. The support rendered has played a pivotal role in his success, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the Rsif community.

Jonas Bayuo’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of Rsif on the academic landscape. His achievements not only contribute to the advancement of science but also inspire the next generation of scholars to reach new heights in their pursuit of knowledge. The Rsif community takes pride in Bayuo’s accomplishments and looks forward to witnessing the continued brilliance of scholars under its wings.