Following invitation by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), NACOSTI as the sole national regulatory authority on science, technology, and innovation, successfully nominated Dr. Tabitha Amollo from Egerton University, Department of Physics and Nathan Okoth Oduor from University of Embu, Department of Soil Science, Water and Agricultural Resource Management/ Agriculture for the HOPE meeting. The two scholars will be attending the 14th HOPE Meeting with Nobel Laureates scheduled to be held from 27th February to 3rd March, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.
The HOPE Programme is a globally renowned programme that gives opportunities for excellent doctoral students and young researchers selected from countries/areas in the region to engage in interdisciplinary discussions with Nobel laureates and other distinguished scientists. Their programs include dialogue with distinguished scientists pioneering the frontiers of knowledge; exchanges among the participants themselves, who live under the same roof for one week; and cultural lectures and activities. HOPE Meetings have been organized by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science since 2008. The title “HOPE” signifies the promise held for young scientists and optimism for a bright science and technology future in the Asia-Pacific and Africa region.
The current Chair of the HOPE organizing Committee is Prof. Takaaki Kajita, Nobel Laureate in Physics in 2015, and currently a Distinguished Professor of the University of Tokyo.
Dr. Tabitha A. Amollo is a lecturer in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Egerton University, and a postdoctoral research fellow with Future Africa Research Leader Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) program, University of Pretoria, South Africa. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics (solid state physics and materials sciences) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2016-2018), South Africa, and an MSc degree in physics (solid state physics) from Egerton University, Kenya. Her fields of specialization include nanotechnology and nanomaterials, photovoltaics, and thermoelectricity. Her research is focused on developing cutting-edge nanomaterials and technologies for energy conversion, as well as solar energy appliances. She has authored several articles in high-impact journals and two book chapters. She has also won The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) research grant.
Nathan Okoth Oduor is from University of Embu, Department of Water and Agricultural Resource Management. Attained PhD in Soil Science in 2022, and MSc. in Soil science in 2018 from the University of Embu, Kenya. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Dryland Agriculture and Enterprise Development from Kenyatta University in Kenya.
He currently lectures Agricultural and Environmental courses at the University of Embu and Kenyatta University on part-time. Has over 7 years of research and outreach experience and has worked with various projects and institutions including Climate-smart Option Allowing for Agricultural Intensification for Smallholder in the Dry zones of Central Highlands of Kenya’ supported by VLIR-UOS, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Organic Resource Management for Soil Fertility (ORM4Soil) Project as well as consulting for various organization.