Fostering International Research Partnerships: Department of Physical Sciences Staff Member on a research scholar visit at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, Germany

Dr. Veronica Okello, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Chemistry at Machakos University, Kenya, is currently undertaking a Research Scholar visit at TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), Germany. During the visit, she is collaborating with Dr. Katja Heise and Dr. Vanessa Castro of the Green Functional Materials Group on the development of green electrospun fibres for water remediation applications. The long-term goal of this research is to fabricate sustainable and environmentally friendly fibrous materials for the efficient removal of contaminants from water, thereby contributing to the advancement of clean water technologies and environmental protection. The work seeks to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to water quality challenges facing communities in Africa and other parts of the world.

The research visit provides a unique platform for international scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in the fields of nanomaterials, membrane technology, and water treatment. Through this collaboration, Dr. Okello is gaining access to state-of-the-art research facilities and expertise while further strengthening the academic and research partnership between Machakos University and TU Bergakademie Freiberg.

The research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable technologies for water purification and to enhance research capacity and innovation in environmental chemistry and materials science. Beyond research, the visit fosters academic networking and lays the foundation for future collaborative projects, staff and student exchanges, and joint publications between the two institutions.

Dr. Okello’s Research Scholar visit is funded through the Erasmus+ YEMAYA Programme, which promotes international research collaboration and supports capacity building for women scientists in STEM.