Faculty of Mathematics and Science deepens cooperation with Kenya
The Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ is one of the few universities from Finland who is collaborating with the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya in the field of sciences. New forms of cooperation with JKUAT were explored on 7-11.10.2024, when a group of researchers from JKUAT visited the Faculty of Mathematics and Science.
- In the past, we have worked together in the field of environmental science, which has already led to several scientific articles. The aim is now to extend this cooperation to other fields. Cooperation often starts with individual projects and develops more in-depth and long-term partnerships, says International Coordinator Leena Mattila from Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. She is also one of the main organisers of the visit.
A strong base for cooperation in different fields of science
The research infrastructure of the Faculty of Mathematics and Science in JYU offers students and researchers of the JKUAT good research facilities. JYU Researchers introduced the Faculty's research in a multidisciplinary way. Visitors get to know the mass spectrometry laboratory and circular economy research in the Department of Chemistry, isotopic analysis in the Department of Biological and Environmental Science and nanoscience. Other highlights of the visit included participation in Nanoscience Days and Business Day.
- Visitors appreciate our program and the opportunity to meet researchers from different fields. We have a good starting point for expanding teaching and research cooperation in different scientific fields, and new opportunities for cooperation will certainly be developed," says Mattila.
Beautiful campus and good walking routes
The visit from Kenya to the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ was not the first. In the past, JKUAT staff members has visited Finland and the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ in the spring or summer. This time, the visit took place in autumn and in a little cooler season. Although the coolness was strange for the visitors, they enjoyed the close location of the campus and the good walking routes.
- The guests were a little nervous about the weather and the cold. They also wondered what it would be like in winter, when it is very cold. However, our campus was appreciated. The visitors enjoyed the natural beauty and good walking opportunities, says Mattila.
The cooperation is based on Erasmus funding, which the universities have applied together. The funding has been used for student and staff mobility.
