Efforts to develop human and infrastructure capacity in advanced research in materials science and solar energy are now officially underway.
Efforts to develop human and infrastructure capacity in advanced research in materials science and solar energy are now officially underway.
To set the ball rolling, Makerere University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Materials Science and Solar Energy for Eastern and Southern Africa (MSSEESA) network on 29th September, 2010 at the Faculty of Science. Makerere will now work hand-in-hand with MSSEESA to strengthen the research facilities and Graduate training programmes.
During the launch, the Chief Coordinator of MSSEESA in Africa, Prof. Rogath Thomas Kivaisi expressed appreciation for the warm welcome that the University has shown to MSSESSA. “So far, MSSEESA has been able to successfully harmonize programmes in all participating countries and has a lay-out of the 5year Strategic Plan,” Prof. Kivaisi said.
The Professor was accompanied by other MSSEESA members including Dr. Christian B.S. Uiso from the University of Dar-es-salaam, Prof. Julius M. Mwabora from the University of Nairobi and Dr, Sylvester Hatisaambo from the University of Zambia.
The Dean, Faculty of Science Prof. J.Y.T. Mugisha thanked the Physics Department for the great initiative. “Scientific societies are difficult to run. However, the Physics Department has shown its ability to beat this and I am sure the members of the MSSEESA Uganda Chapter will rise into a big book,” he commended.
Launching the MSSEESA Uganda Chapter, Prof. Ben K. Twinomugisha, representing Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Ikoja-Odongo was happy to note that this launch was in line with Makerere University‘s vision of pursuing teaching, research and services relevant to sustainable development needs of society.
“One of the challenges in implementing the Research and Innovations Policy in the University has been how to disseminate the research findings. I am therefore glad that MSSEESA will provide a solution to this challenge especially in Materials Science and Solar Energy,” added Prof. Twinomugisha.
Strengthening of research facilities and Graduate training programmes is being done by complementing the activities of materials science and solar energy in the various institutions in Eastern and Southern Africa. MSSEESA is a society with that also has chapters in Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia.
With the establishment of a MSSEESA network, Graduate students in any partner institution will be able to take a course at a participating university in any Country chapter, and be able to carry the credit to the home institution.
MSSEESA is funded by International Programs in the Physical Sciences (IPPS) – Sweden and has well over sixteen university departments that are engaged in teaching and research activities in materials science and solar energy, among other fields.
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