Prof. Javier Junquera, a visiting professor of physics from the University of Cantabria in Spain, has announced an extension of the Erasmus+ programme. This will see more students from TU-K benefit from exchange programmes and scholarship possibilities in learning and research with European universities.
During his recent visit to TU-K, Prof. Junquera, expressed his excitement whilst announcing that the Erasmus+ contract, which was set to expire next year, had been extended for an additional two years.
“The programme has been extended for one more term, I am happy that I will host one more student from the Technical University of Kenya,” Prof. Junquera said.
Prof. Isaac Orina, DVC, Research and Technology Development, welcomed the visiting professor, who had conducted workshops at TU-K and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
Erasmus+ is a European Union-funded programme that promotes education, training, youth, and sports. The TU-K collaboration with the University of Cantabria (UC) is centred on science and technology. Prof. Junquera is the head of Erasmus+ at UC.
The School of Physics and Earth Sciences, led by Prof. George Amolo, has partnered with UC on material science research, particularly in renewable energy.
The 10-year collaboration between the two universities has benefited two Master of Science students (Bill Oyomo and Stephen Chege) and two staff members (Dr. Gladys Kingori and Dr. Michael Atambo). James Sifuna, a TU-K alumni has also benefited from the collaboration.
Prof. Orina was impressed by the performance of the two masters’ students noting that such achievements place the university in an excellent position globally and open up opportunities for further collaboration that benefit students, staff and the university fraternity at large.
“I am happy to interact with you (Prof. Junquera), on my behalf and behalf of the VC Prof. Benedict Mutua and the entire university, we are happy that you have worked with our students and staff and indeed impressed that you mentioned that our students excelled in respective fields,” Prof. Orina said.
He further applauded Madrid-based University of Cantabria for its commitment to building international ties and collaborations in various disciplines.
Prof. George Amolo noted that in addition to core research and studies, students are exposed to global cultures and have the opportunity to interact with innovative technology and equipment.
