Dr. Holiness Nose, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Material Science (DCMS), and her Master of Computational student Christine Muhonja, will be heading to the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) Spain, for research. The duo are beneficiaries of the Erasmus programme funded by the European Union. The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) is one of the African countries recently selected to promote mobilities within the ERASMUS programme between The University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and TU-K.
The 2025/2026 mobilities funded under this collaboration include; one outgoing staff mobility from TU-K to UPV/EHU for a duration of five days, one incoming staff mobility (from the UPV/EHU to TU-K) for 5 days, one outgoing student mobility (from TU-K to UPV/EHU) for a duration of five months.
Last week, Prof. Fernando Ruiperez and Prof. Jon Maxtain from UPV/EHU, were in the University where they met the Chemistry Research Group, attended presentation of research projects by Masters Students where they guided and critiqued them.
They also conducted scientific seminars and discussions for the students who included; Ms. Noela Khasoa, Ms. Immaculate Gitonga, Mr. Samson Gurema and Mr. Wycliffe Aluga. They were joined by their supervisors, Dr. Holliness Nose (principal investigator of the project), Prof. Wilson Mugera and Dr. Susan Imbahale. The meeting also was used to plan for other future activities.
Dr. Nose will be traveling in November this year while Ms. Muhonja will be going in January 2026 to work on her research project. Dr. Nose who has been trained in UPV/EHU previously, says that the experience is nourishing.
Dr Nose explained that “UPV/EHU is well funded, has state of the art laboratories, well equipped, heavy programmes that use super computers and advanced software. The student will have access to all these, have ample time to concentrate on her research and therefore finish her Master’s programme in good time.”
“I am happy about the collaboration and training. I will pass the knowledge and skills I will acquire to my students back at TU-K.”
The Erasmus+ programme funds student and staff mobility only, supported by external policy funds (European Union). The programme was launched on December 2024 and is meant to support the Computational Chemistry programme in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science through trainings in critical research areas.
The programme which runs for three years, targets students enrolled in the Master of Science in Computational Chemistry (2nd level) and PhD programme in Computational Chemistry (3rd level). For example, a student enrolled in the Master of Science in Computational Chemistry can go to Spain for 5 months’ research stays after completion of their first academic year. Same applies to PhD students.
The mobility programme adds significant value by aligning with the modernization and internationalization strategies of the participating institutions.
It fosters the exchange of best practices, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing the academic and research capabilities of all partners.
Dr. Nose explains that this initiative promotes cultural diversity, providing the participants with global competencies that benefit both their professional growth and institutional goals. It strengthens international networks, supports the development of joint projects, and ensures the institutions remain competitive.
The mobility programme is expected to yield significant outcomes and lasting impacts on both the participating staff member and the involved institutions.
“For the staff member, it will contribute to professional development by enhancing their expertise, broadening their academic and cultural perspectives, and learning innovative methodologies applicable in their field.”
