2024 UCD Africa Engagement Seed Fund Awardees Announced
University College Dublin’s Office of Global Engagement is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 UCD Africa Engagement Seed Fund. The Fund is designed to advance UCD’s Africa Engagement Strategy by supporting initiatives with the potential to deepen the University’s profile on the continent. There was a strong response to this year’s call, demonstrating an enthusiasm for collaboration on the continent and the continued need for support. Four projects were selected from among twenty four applications:
Academic Collaboration Enhancement for Greater Impact: UCD and Africa Partnerships (ACE UP):
Dr. Diretnan Dikwal-Bat (English, Dram, & Film), Dr. Mary Ajide (Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering), & Dr. David Nyaluke (Quinn School of Business) partnering with African Scholars Association of Ireland (AfSAI)
The ACE UP initiative leverages the vast networks of the African Scholars Association of Ireland (AFSAI) and Proudly Made in Africa (PMIA) to bolster UCD's standing as a premier destination for research and education on a global scale. Key activities of the project include: (1) a student-alumni mentorship program expanding into Africa, (2) the production and distribution of videos showcasing African students' and alumni success, (3) a partnership with the School of English Drama and Film to co-host the AFSAI 2024 conference, and (4) setting up conference virtual viewing centres to engage academics across Africa, fostering international networking, collaboration and UCD'S visibility.
Conflict & Hunger Workshop: Facilitating African Scholars’ Participation:
Dr. Caitriona Dowd (Politics & International Relations) partnering with Dr. Julian Obika (Gulu University, Uganda) & Dr. Peace Kiguwa (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa)
Conflict is the single greatest driver of food crisis worldwide, yet we still know far too little about how exactly conflict and hunger interact in crisis contexts. This project facilitates the participation of African scholars in a workshop on Conflict, Food Security and Hunger. The workshop brings together researchers from across political science, peace and conflict studies, and food security and agriculture, exploring the nexus between conflict and hunger from a range of perspectives and approaches. The involvement of subject experts from participating African universities will serve as the basis for establishing and deepening exchange, collaboration and partnership between UCD researchers and African scholars on an issue of critical global importance.
Empowering African Future through Science: A Transformative Summer Exploration in the UCD College of Science:
Prof. Eleni Mangina (College of Science)
“Empowering African Futures through Science" is a dynamic summer school offered by the College of Science for high school students in South Africa. It features a holistic curriculum spanning physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, environmental science, and computer science. Hands-on labs, mentorship, and collaborative projects offer practical skills and insights. Interactions with local staff and students, and cultural exchange enhance real-world applications and appreciation for each other's diversity. The programme fosters personal and professional development, aiming to empower the next generation of African scientists and innovators, bridging academic knowledge with social and leadership skills, for impactful careers.
Cultivating UCD’s Network in Kenya:
Dr. Niamh Harbourne (Agriculture & Food Science) partnering with Prof. Joshua Arimi (Meru University of Science & Technology, Kenya)
Over the past decade UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science has built a successful relationship with Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), Kenya. This project advances UCD’s relationship with MUST and further expands our network in Kenya by developing a relationship with the government body responsible for education. Two UCD academic staff will visit Kenya and connect with UCD alumni in Kenya, develop opportunities for joint academic programmes, engage with government entities and collaborate with MUST academic staff on food sustainability research aligned with the sustainable development goals.