Biopolymer Workshop kenyA 2013 Harnessing the power of biopolymers for improving human wellbeing and enhancing global competitiveness Nairobi, Januar y 27- 30, 2013
contents
The Biopolymer Workshops Approach
3
Harnessing the power of biopolymer materials and technologies
4
Materials and technologies for new business opportunities
6
Biopolymer Workshop Partners
8
the people
10
PROGRAMME 12 OFFICIAL OPENING
13
IDENTIFICATION OF FOCUS AREAS (Day 1)
14
TEAM WORK ON NEEDS AND GOALS (Day 2)
16
FORMATION OF PROJECT IDEAS (Day 3)
18
TO WRAP UP: FIVE PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY
20
PARTICIPANTS 22 BIOPOLYMER WORKSHOP KENYA 2013 IN THE MEDIA
24
CE POLIMAT – CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR POLYMER MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
26
The Biopolymer Workshops Approach • Joint initiative of the Global
Edited by: Mateja Dermastia Prepared by: Alexis Zrimec, Maja Berden Zrimec, Geni Arh, Jadranka Jezeršek Turnes Graphic design by: Alenka Paveo Photographs by: Alexis Zrimec, Jadranka Jezeršek Turnes, Stephen Fening, PoliMaT and JKUAT Archives All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the Center of Excellence PoliMaT. ©CE PoliMaT Published in 2013 by CE PoliMaT, Tehnološki park 24, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia en.polimat.si
Biopolymer Network • Focus on new generation of young scientists and engineers • Interface of science, industry and policy • Formation of project ideas addressing specific local needs • Sharing of state-of-the-art biopolymer knowledge • Formation of multi-disciplinary teams working on concrete topics • Involvement of international and local mentors for student orientation
2
About the Approach
The Biopolymer Workshops Approach
B
iopolymer Workshops bring
issues, and build roadmaps to solutions.
experts from the Global
Through lectures, case studies, panel
Biopolymer Network to local
discussions and intensive group
environments and integrate
work, Biopolymer Workshops lead to
them with local R&D and
outlined collaborative project ideas
industrial competencies thus initiating
that address specific needs of different
collaboration and partnerships.
industrial, social and consumer segments and a clear action plan to
By participating in the Workshops
further development them into well-
universities, government officials,
defined project proposals. In addition,
industry representatives and the
dedicated international teams that
interested publics as the Workshops’
make up the core of future partnerships
key actors fuel innovations and
in collaborative projects are formed.
establish suitable framework conditions. Biopolymer Workshops are applicable Teams of international and local
in areas of sustainable development
mentors work with Biopolymer
and climate change, agriculture,
Workshop participants to identify
health, clean water, waste
challenges, value chains, addressable
management, renewable energy, just
technological problems and policy
to name a few.
3
Managerial Abstract
Harnessing the power of biopolymer materials and technologies
I
n today’s global economy,
nanotechnology and other sciences and as
technological advancements and
such offers a strategic entry point to a variety
the ability to innovate have become
of advanced technological applications of
ever more crucial in the quest for
immediate relevance to agriculture, health,
competitiveness and productivity. This
water and environmental management,
is especially true for countries with a long-
energy efficiency and value-added
term dependence on exports of limited
industrial production.
natural resources, conventional industrial
Mateja Dermastia CEO of CE PoliMaT
processes and climate challenged
Biopolymers hold great potential to tackle
agriculture.
global challenges and at the same time contribute to the efforts of solving major
Deriving from natural biological and
environmental problems in developing
agricultural sources and serving as
countries. Biopolymer applications
environmentally friendly substitutes for
emerge from scientific, technological and
conventional materials, biopolymers
engineering approaches which require
have proven to be an advanced material
new forms of international science and
of the 21 century. Biopolymer research
technology collaboration, proving that
builds on modern-day advancements in
simply relying on local resources for new
chemistry, materials science, biotechnology,
innovations is no longer sufficient.
st
“ Biopolymers hold great potential to tackle global challenges and at the same time contribute to the efforts of solving major environmental problems in developing countries.� 4
Managerial Abstract
“ The network builds on the strengths of the participating institutions and companies with a focused approach to real-world problems.”
In June 2012 Harvard University and
University, the First Biopolymer Workshop
Slovenia hosted the International
was held on January 27-30, 2013 at the
Conference on Technology and Innovation
JKUAT in Nairobi, Kenya. CE PoliMaT
for Global Development: Schumpeter
and JKUAT organized the workshop in
and Polymer Research. Addressing
collaboration with all institutions from the
the conference, former President of
Global Biopolymer Network. The goal of
Slovenia Dr Danilo Türk stressed that the
the workshop was to establish a frontier
“optimization of development is possible
biopolymer research program for Africa.
and that any optimization starts with
The Biopolymer Workshop was focused
science, technology and innovation.” A
on current advancements in biopolymer
Global Biopolymer Network is emerging
research with implications for industry,
under the leadership of the Center of
public policy and inter-national science
Excellence PoliMaT (CE PoliMaT), bringing
and technology cooperation, and was
together scientific and technological
driven by global trends in biopolymers
know-how of developed countries and
and by lessons learned and experience
abundant biological resources as well as
gained from international centers of
young talents from African countries to
excellence in the USA and Europe. The
support new partnerships. The network
workshop equipped students, scientists
currently includes the Austen BioInnovation
and engineers with skills to identify research
Institute (Akron, USA), the Harvard School
topics most relevant to the industry, to find
of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the
industrial and international partners, and to
Harvard Kennedy School (Cambridge,
identify policy options for strengthening the
USA), the Jomo Kenyatta University of
innovation system in partnering countries.
Agriculture and Technology JKUAT (Nairobi, Kenya), VDI/VDE Innovation (Berlin,
The workshop underscored the role of
Germany), CE PoliMaT (Ljubljana, Slovenia)
new ways of international collaboration
and the Polymer Competence Center
with an emphasis on the leading role
Leoben (Leoben, Austria). The network
of international networks of research
builds on the strengths of participating
institutes, national universities, and the
institutions and companies with a focused
private sector since in shaping new
approach to real-world problems that
diplomatic relations among nations.
can be addressed through appropriate
Slovenia and Kenya are initiating a form
technological solutions involving
of science and technology diplomacy
advanced materials and biopolymers.
based on a commitment to tackling the global challenges irrespective of size and
Upon the suggestion of Professor Calestous
level of development. The cooperation
Juma, Professor of the Practice of
points to a new future in which science
International Development and Director
and technology will increasingly become
of the Science, Technology, Globalization
the bond that ties nations together in new
Project, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard
diplomatic arrangements.
5
About JKUAT
Materials and technologies for new business opportunities
A Prof. Mabel Imbuga, Vice Chancellor of JKUAT
ll of us at JKUAT University
For example, there is the problem of
are pleased to co-host
plastic bags. In our capital city of Nairobi,
the Biopolymer Workshop
over 212,000 tons of plastic are consumed,
that is expected to open
of which 160,000 tonnes, i.e. 80 percent
up new opportunities and
of all plastic used, are indiscriminately
address some of our local challenges, all
dumped in our City’s environment that
geared at improving the well-being and
includes over three million inhabitants.
economic circumstances of our people.
Clearly, the environmental consequences of this are catastrophic.
The three-day workshop that is jointly sponsored by JKUAT and CE PoliMaT of Slovenia brings together over 50 participants from various countries in Africa, Europe, and North America. We at JKUAT are always eager to
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university in Nairobi, Kenya. It plays a pivotal role in the achievement of national development
undertake such programs. Applied
goals and beyond by hosting the Pan
research and innovation are functions
African University Institute of Basic
that are of particular interest to both our
Science, Technology and Innovation
faculty and students.
(STI) and the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD). The Institute, which in 2012 received up to 70 pioneering graduate students from 13 countries of Africa, has provided JKUAT with a rare and prestigious role in fostering interstate relations among African countries through the provision of higher training and research. During the last 20 years of its history as an autonomous university, JKUAT has continued to excel in applied research and innovation not only in Kenya but in the entire subSaharan Africa region.
6
About JKUAT
“ The exploitation of biopolymer technologies would open up new business opportunities for our entrepreneurs, mainly in agriculture, health services and waste management.� The aim of this workshop is to provide
known as the JKUAT Biopolymer Center
a forum for participants to review
(JBC).
current advancements in biopolymer research and their policy implications for
It will operate according to the
industry. The exploitation of biopolymer
knowledge and competencies drawn
technologies would also open up
from international cooperation with,
new business opportunities for our
among others, CE PoliMaT of Slovenia,
entrepreneurs in the aforementioned
the Harvard University Kennedy School,
areas, mainly in agriculture, health
and the Austen BioInnovation Institute
services and waste management.
in Akron (USA). With the help of the Biopolymer Workshop, JBC will be able
This workshop is a precursor to the
to realize our research and development
establishment of a permanent Biopolymer
goals in biopolymers, which will lead to
Center, another STI center within the
innovations and spin-offs to local and
COMESA member states at JKUAT to be
international industries.
7
ABoUt the PArtners
global network for local growth
The aUsTen BioinnovaTion inTiTUTe in aKron (aBia), is an ohio based center of excellence for Biomedicine and healthcare, the futurehome of the ohio hub of Innovation and opportunity for Biomaterials commercialization.
hKs - The science, Technology anD gloBaliZaTion ProJecT aT The harvarD KenneDy school the aim of the science, technology and Globalization project (stG) is to undertake research, conduct training, provide policy advice, and disseminate information on interactions between technological innovation and globalization, with a particular emphasis on implications for developing countries. http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/project/39/science_technology_and_ globalization.html
Along with its founding member, the University of Akron, it is the winner of the prestigious Us Department of commerce’s 6th national Innovation challenge. ABIA is focused on patient-centered innovation and commercialization. http://www.abiakron.org/
“The world is indeed entering the age of international science and technology diplomacy where countries that never thought had much in common are finding themselves working together to solve some of the world’s challenging economic, social and ecological problems.” — Prof. calestous Juma, Professor of the Practice of International Development and Director of the science, technology, Globalization Project, harvard Kennedy school, harvard University
8
ABoUt the PArtners
Biopolymer Workshop pArTners http://en.polimat.si/
The PolyMer coMPeTence cenTer leoBen gMBh (Pccl) is the leading Austrian “center of excellence� for cooperative vDi/vDe-iT is a leading service provider in questions concerning the entire
research in the area of
field of innovation and technology. It provides assistance and counseling
polymer engineering
for the analysis, funding and organization of innovation and technology; it
and sciences. In close
offers customized solutions for every step in the innovation process; it is an
cooperation with its
independent and well-established enterprise with 35 years of experience.
scientific partners at four universities, its 90 highly
http://www.vdivde-it.de/
qualified employees are active in a wide field of applications for plastics ranging from the automotive and aircraft, to the packaging, solar and photovoltaic industries. By linking
JoMo KenyaTTa UniversiTy of agricUlTUre anD Technology http://www.jkuat.ac.ke/
scientific knowledge to the industrial need for innovation, PccL contributes to the competitiveness of its industrial partners. http://www.pccl.at/en/
9
ABoUt the PeoPLe
The people
MenToring TeaM sujata K. Bhatia, PhD Assistant Dean at harvard University – UsA
stephen fening, PhD Director of orthopaedic Devices at ABIA – UsA
leaDershiP erastus gatebe, PhD senior Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya Mateja Dermastia, M.sc ceo of ce PoliMat – slovenia
leonard M. gitu, PhD Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
Mabel imbuga, PhD Vice chancellor of JKUAt – Kenya
calestous Juma, PhD Professor of the
Patrick Kareru, PhD senior Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
Marion Baliraine, PhD Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
Practice of International Development and Director of the science, technology, Globalization
Patrick Mwangi, PhD Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
Project, harvard Kennedy school, harvard University - UsA
Waudo Walyambilliah, PhD Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
10
ABoUt the PeoPLe Miomir Knežević, PhD
David M. Mulati, PhD
ceo of educell – slovenia
Associate Professor at JKUAt – Kenya
andrej Kržan, PhD
gernot oreski, PhD
senior scientific Associate at ce PoliMat – slovenia
senior researcher at the Polymer competence center Leoben (PccL) – Austria
losenge Turoop, PhD
fernando Quezada, PhD
Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
executive Director of the Biotechnology center of excellence corporation (Bcec) – UsA
naomi Maina, PhD
Dejan Štefanec, PhD
senior Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
researcher at ce PoliMat and head of research at Mikrocaps Ltd. – slovenia
gerd Meier zu Köcker Köcker, PhD
george T. Thiong’o, PhD
head of the Department for International technology transfer at VDI/VDe-It – Germany
Associate Professor at JKUAt – Kenya
njue Mugai, PhD
Majda Žigon, PhD
senior Lecturer at JKUAt – Kenya
President of the scientific council of ce PoliMat – slovenia
eXecUTive TeaM Jadranka Jezeršek Turnes, ce PoliMat, head of the Biopolymer Workshop organisational team
Patrick Kareru, JKUAt, head of the JKUAt organisational team
Turoop losenge, JKUAt, Program coordinator
fernando Quezada, Biotechnology center of excellence corporation, Program set-up and execution consultant
alexis Zrimec, ce PoliMat, head of Workshop Program and Facilitator
11
ABOUT THE AGENDA
PROGRAMME Sunday, 27 January 2013
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Official opening:
Plenary lectures (IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS):
• Francis J. Gichanga – Chancellor of JKUAT
• Stephen Fening, ABIA: Identifying and Screening a “Need”
• Mabel Imbuga – Vice Chancellor of JKUAT • Mateja Dermastia – CEO of CE PoliMaT • Iztok Grmek – Head of the Department for Bilateral Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia • Calestous Juma – Professor of the Practice of International Development and Director of the Science, Technology, Globalization Project, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University Keynote lecture: Stephen Fening, Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron Value Driven Engineering: Principles to Approaching Local Problems
• Patrick Kareru, JKUAT: State of the art of polymerrelated teaching and research at JKUAT and in Kenya in general, overview of the current situation and plans for the future GROUP WORK (NEEDS STATEMENTS) • Biopolymers in Agriculture – Encapsulating Fertilizers and Pesticides (D. Štefanec) • Biopolymers in Sustainability – Bioresources and Waste Management (A. Kržan) • Biopolymers in Medical Applications (M. Knežević, S. Fening) • Synthesis, Characterization and Processing of Biopolymers (M. Žigon, G. Oreski)
Alexis Zrimec, CE PoliMaT: Introduction to the Biopolymer Workshop
GROUP WORK
Monday, 28 January 2013
• Presentation and discussion of Needs Statements (plenary)
Plenary lectures (BIOPOLYMER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY):
• Preparation of Project Goals that address the identified needs
• Sujata Bhatia, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: Biopolymers in Medical Applications
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
• Andrej Kržan, Dejan Štefanec, CE PoliMaT: Sustainability and Polymers (Agriculture and Waste Management)
Innovation and Technology: Policy Implications,
• Majda Žigon, CE PoliMaT: Characterization of complex macromolecules • Gernot Oreski, PCCL: Ageing, stabilization and testing of biopolymers Panel discussions (RELEVANCE TO KENYA – LOCAL NEEDS): Industrial presentations, Local Challenges, Capacity Building, Opportunities for Joint Research, Stakeholders Forming of groups
12
Plenary lecture: Gerd Meier zu Köcker, Institute for Science and Technology GROUP WORK (GOALS TO ADDRESS NEEDS) • Presentation of Project Goals (plenary) • Preparation of Project Overviews GROUP WORK (ROADMAP TO SOLUTION) GROUP WORK (FINAL REPORT and NEXT STEPS) Presentation of Work Group Results (mentors and participants) Look Forward and Follow-up Activities Presentation of Certificates
opening
OFFICIAL OPENING Iztok Grmek , Head of the
Mateja Dermastia, CEO of
Department for Bilateral Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, assured to the forum his government’s commitment to research and development as well as to providing the necessary support for the PoliMaT – JKUAT Biopolymer initiative.
CE PoliMaT highlighted that the initiative was a result of a joint effort by the Global Biopolymer Network partners from 3 continents, Europe, America and Africa, the global partnership meaning a step further in changing the way polymers are produced and used in different applications.
Stephen Fening , Director of Orthopaedic Devices at ABIA, presented how valuedriven engineering offers tremendous potential, serving as a tool to bring healthcare costs in line with quality outcomes and local needs.
Mabel Imbuga, Vice
Francis J. Gichanga,
Chancellor of JKUAT, welcomed the participants and pledged JKUAT’s total commitment to the initiative, saying her university had heavily invested in applied research and innovation, this producing encouraging results.
Chancellor of JKUAT, welcomed the evolving international initiative. Returning from the world engineering congress in Slovenia, where he participated, Mr. Gichanga expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation among JKUAT and CE PoliMaT.
Calestous Juma, a Harvard
Kennedy School based Kenyan scholar, emphasized the importance of scientific and technological knowledge which will be the backbone of the “long-term economic transformation of nations”.
13
workshop
Day 1
IDENTIFICATION OF FOCUS AREAS BIOPOLYMER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RELEVANT TO KENYA Sujata Bhatia
Andrej Kržan and Dejan Štefanec introduced the field of sustainability and
talked about the use of biopolymers, including those from soy, corn, bamboo, kenaf, silk and polysaccharides, in medical applications and products, as in connection to which she also highlighted the regulatory standards for biopolymers in medical products.
polymers. They provided insights into the use of advanced biopolymers in agriculture as renewable resources and raw materials in the areas of environmental protection and health. They talked about the use of engineered polymer materials as soil improvement additives for the management of moisture in agriculture and the development of sustainable plastics based on local renewable resources.
Majda Žigon introduced advanced techniques for the characterization of complex macromolecules, like spectroscopy and chromatography as well as polymer chain length and thermal analyses.
14
Gernot Oreski talked about the ageing, stabilization and testing of biopolymers. He introduced us to the science of change in chemical and physical properties of polymers during a certain time period, this reducing their duration of use.
day 1
“ My hopes and expectations are that this workshop is the starting point for a sustainable center of biopolymers at JKUAT and of course close cooperation with it in the future.” — Gernot Oreski, Senior Researcher, PCCL
Patrick Kareru, JKUAT
Edi Kraus, Aquafil Group
Formation of Teams
Panel Discussion
IDENTIFYING INDUSTRIAL AND LOCAL NEEDS Lectures and industrial needs presented by Edi Kraus (Aquafil Group), Alojz Kračun (Kračun Ltd.), and Mohammed Mansour (Westminister) served as an introduction to a panel discussion on local needs facilitated by Fernando Quezada.
Alojz Kračun, Kračun Ltd.
RESULT: FORMATION OF TEAMS The discussion led to the identification of four topics of interest: 1. Biopolymers in fertilizers and pesticides 2. Biopolymers in medical applications 3. Polymers in sustainability 4. Synthesis, characterization and processing of biopolymers In addition, team groups to work on these issues were formed according to the knowledge and interests of the participants, as well as mentors’ evaluations of their competencies.
15
workshop
Day 2
TEAM WORK ON NEEDS AND GOALS APPLYING VALUE-DRIVEN PRINCIPLES TO APPROACHING LOCAL NEEDS
Stephen Fening talked about value-driven engineering,
which provided a framework for the teams to prepare project ideas. Value-driven engineering is an approach to innovation that follows the core principles of assurance of quality, utility with the quality of life and economic needs of the end user in mind, reduced complexity for the end user and demonstrated savings to the buyer.
16
day 2
“ The Workshop was both an excellent experience and very productive. This international collaboration is opening the doors to how JKUAT can make a profound impact on local needs with the use of biopolymers.” — Stephen Fening, Director of Orthopaedic Devices, ABIA
TEAM WORK Team work began with mentors informing the participants about case studies and technology in their field of expertise andinstructing them on how to work. A special emphasis was given to achieving alignment between the focus area and the mission and on the strengths of the team. Each team worked on its topic to identify three need statements with screening criteria for each. The findings were shared and discussed among all workshop participants, further stimulating strong team spirit and dedication.
RESULT: IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS The groups prepared specific needs statements and plenary presentations for each topic including: • a description of the identified
needs • the potential market • the value for the end user and
the community
17
workshop
Day 3
FORMATION OF PROJECT IDEAS International biopolymer science, technology and institutional cooperation Gerd Meier zu Köcker lectured on policy
implications for science and technology which, together with other supporting lectures, established the grounds for future collaboration of international and interdisciplinary teams.
“ The workshop clearly showed that the participants identified a lot of meaningful ideas concerning how and where to proceed in biopolymer matters. All of them appeared to be very well thought out and well described. Potential application fields were identified.” — Gerd Meier zu Köcker, Head of the Department for International Technology Transfer at VDI/VDE-IT
TEAM WORK On the last day the participants first presented and discussed the goals for addressing the needs. With the new knowledge, the team work continued with a discussion of specific topics and resulted in the preparation of presentations of project ideas, including: Need Statement, Objectives and Goals, Initiatives, Stakeholders to be involved and Actions for implementation.
18
RESULT: DEFINITION OF PROJECT IDEAS The workshop resulted in five project ideas formed to address specific local needs, and planned to be further developed into welldefined project proposals.
day 3
1st Project Idea: Biopolymers in fertilizers and pesticides with a mission to enhance food security, health, environment and sustainable development through the use of encapsulated fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.
2nd Project Idea: Medical biopolymers in Kenya: Hype or hope? with a mission to use biopolymers to improve healthcare in Kenya.
3rd Project Idea: Improved utilization of bioresources with a mission of adding value to the reduction of environmental pollution.
4th Project Idea: Waste management with a mission of adding value and utilizing fishing nets in the marine environment and plastic waste, a clean environment and creating job opportunities from waste management.
5th Project Idea: A biopolymer research center with a mission to establish a biopolymer laboratory to provide cutting-edge biopolymer research and innovation for global development.
19
WrAP UP
To WraP UP:
fiVe proJecTs Are underWAy
t
he Biopolymer Workshop
multidisciplinary groups assured
commenced with 32
that participants acted as
participants and a
equal partners with a common
handful of local mentors,
endeavor to identify the
but ended with over
challenges and local needs that
50 students presenting a new
could be solved through the use
generation of young scientists.
of biopolymers.
Participants, supported by local
commitment to continue
and international mentors,
working on the developed
identifi ed specifi c topics that
project ideas transforming them
addressed particular local
into the research agenda of
needs. Five project ideas with
the Biopolymer center at JKUAt
value propositions that show
was established. Progress will
increased utility, reduced cost,
be reviewed at the April 2013
and less complexity of use,
follow-up meeting in slovenia,
were formulated. Working in
alongside the AsPM conference.
With the help and guidance of local and international mentors, • participants formed multidisciplinary teams • shaped project ideas to fit the local needs • collected and analyzed information, made discoveries, and reported their results • conducted research using multiple sources of information integrated across a number of disciplines • built on state-of-the-art biopolymer knowledge and skills • designed and developed the idea of an implementation pipeline for the solution to reach end users • understood that the context of the challenge is larger than the immediate lesson.
20
Harnessing the power of biopolymers for improving human wellbeing and enhancing global competitiveness
Certi fiCate o f PartiCi Pation Centre of Excellence PoliMaT and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in cooperation with Science, Technology, and Globalization Project at Harvard Kennedy School are awarding
for a succesfull completion of Biopolymer Workshop January 27 - 30, 2013, Nairobi, Kenya
Mateja Dermastia, Ceo
dr. Mabel imbuga, Vice Chancellor
wrap up
“ The workshop has the capacity to come up with all local and global problems! To solve these problems the projects that were formulated must be implemented.�
21
About the participants
PARTICIPANTS “ Significantly educative and practical, an eye opener and promising future in this area – it’s the way to go!”
Kipkorir Peter Ronno
JKUAT
Alex Njugi
JKUAT
Thumbi K. Macharia
JKUAT
Wako Jattani
JKUAT
Edwin Shigwenya Madivoli
JKUAT
Daniel Kibet
JKUAT
Nicodemus Mutinda
KIRDI
Maina Esther Wamaitha
JKUAT
Olivia Kerubo Ndemo
JKUAT
Jackson Mutembei
JKUAT
Dinah Karimi Kirigia
JKUAT
Geoffrey Sing'ombe Ombiro
JKUAT
Amadi Kareji Everlyne
JKUAT
Sarah Muthoni Kariuki
JKUAT
Zacchaeus Kipkorir Rotich
JKUAT
James M. Ngaruiya
JKUAT
Ronald Njeri Njiru
JKUAT
Benardette Chege
JKUAT
Gitaari E. Kithinji
JKUAT
Sabila Nancy
JKUAT
Ogendi Millicent Nyaboke
JKUAT
Emmah Ommulokoli
JKUAT
James Gichuru Kinaichu
JKUAT
Patrick Kaberia
JKUAT
Amin Noor Mohammed
JKUAT
Gabriel Magoma
PAU
Rechab Sylvester Odhiambo
JKUAT
Elijah Ateka
JKUAT
Mumo Naomi Nzilani
JKUAT
Kimani David
JKUAT
Kidaha Mercy Liharaka
JKUAT
Dennis Ngolania
JKUAT
Philomenah Waiti
JKUAT
Sylvia Murunga
KIRDI
Maina Ernest Gachui
JKUAT
Lilian Shiyanzi
JKUAT
Crispin N. Nguru
JKUAT
Elijah Niwangi Githiaka
JKUAT
Naomi Chelimo Ketter
JKUAT
Wanyika H
JKUAT
John Ng'ang'a Njenga
JKUAT
Richard Waithaka Wamburu
JKUAT
Jared O. Nyang'au
JKUAT
Obege Edgar
JKUAT
Francis Ngacha
JKUAT
James Mogwambo
JKUAT
22
About the participants
“ A very strategic, objective and organized approach of the workshop by the international mentors. That has posed a great challenge in research – relevant to addressing local real needs to us local researchers.”
Aule Ewoi
JKUAT
Eli Kithinji
JKUAT
Theresia Gichungu
JKUAT
Omingo M. Ombasa
JKUAT
David Marika
JKUAT
Solomon Gichwwa
JKUAT
Njuku Francis W.
JKUAT
Esther Magiri
JKUAT
Milka Wambui Waithera
JKUAT
Vivien Matiru
JKUAT
Orora Clara Gesare
JKUAT
Geoffrey Ndinda
JKUAT
Maureen Klambui
JKUAT
Erickson M. Mureithi
JKUAT
Joseph Karanja Maina
JKUAT
Kebubo Charles
JKUAT
Martin Kinyanju Maina
JKUAT
Dickson Ngosi
JKUAT
Sinai Geoffrey Ombiro
JKUAT
Bruno Robert Mose
JKUAT
Ochanda Simon Ochanda
JKUAT
23
MeDIA coVerAGe
Biopolymer Workshop kenyA 2013 in The mediA “science and technology are being increasingly recognized as central features in international diplomacy.” — harvard Kennedy school, Belfer center For science and International Affairs and technology + Policy, Innovation@Work
the sLoVenIA tIMes BUsIness oVerVIeW
ce PoliMaT in Kenya aDDresses sUsTainaBle agricUlTUre, healTh anD Technological DeveloPMenT challenges hArVArD KenneDY schooL, BeLFer center For scIence AnD InternAtIonAL AFFAIrs and technoLoGY + PoLIcY, InnoVAtIon@WorK
In a first-of-its-kind Biopolymer
forging neW DiPloMaTic BonDs ThroUgh science
group of experts will instruct the
anD Technology
participants how to integrate
science and technology are being increasingly recognized as central
knowledge to identify industrial
features in international diplomacy. Much of the attention, however,
needs and demands, how to
has focused on how major industrialized countries and large emerging
identify policy options for action
nations such as china, India, and Brazil use science and technology to
and how to best turn them into
advance their global competitiveness.
practice.
http://hvrd.me/11mh3ev and http://bit.ly/Xyl79X
http://bit.ly/WPPpng
24
Workshop an international
MeDIA coVerAGe
JoMo KenYAttA UnIVersItY oF AGrIcULtUre AnD technoLoGY neWs
firsT BioPolyMer research cenTer for The region Plans are underway to establish
PresseMItteLILUnGen BUssInessPortAL24.coM
a Biopolymer center in JKUAt to serve as a research hub in
leoBener
Africa to tap into the emerging
KUnsTsToffKoMPeTenZ BeiM
multimillion industry that has
1. BioPolyMer WorKshoP in
promised to open numerous
Kenia Von 27. bis 30. Jänner 2013 fand an der Jomo Kenyatta Universität in nairobi der erste Biopolymer Workshop statt. Ziel dieser Veranstaltung ist die entwicklung potentieller
industrial opportunities to advance Africa’s economic development. Biopolymers are gaining increased utilization in industry that promises to boost productivity particularly in the agricultural and health sectors. http://bit.ly/Xh6v63
Lösungen hinsichtlich nachhaltigkeit in den Bereichen
the sLoVenIAn MInIstrY oF ForeIGn AFFAIrs neWs
Landwirtschaft, Gesundheit und technologische entwicklung
foreign MinisTry
unter einsatz von Biopolymeren.
sUPPorTs The seTTing UP
organisiert von PoliMat, center
of The PoliMaT cenTer of
of exellence Ljubljana, ...
eXcellence in Kenya A workshop entitled ‘Biopolymer’
http://bit.ly/103asje
is being held from 27 to 30 January in nairobi, Kenya, attended by the PoliMat center of excellence, Ljubljana; Jomo Kenyatta University, nairobi; and the science, technology and Globalisation Project, harvard Kennedy school. http://bit.ly/13gDpDn
sFG
1. BioPolyMer WorKshoP in Kenia PccL neWs
Von 27. bis 30. Jänner 2013 fand
PolyMer coMPeTence
an der Jomo Kenyatta Universität
of leoBen aT The firsT
in nairobi der erste Biopolymer
BioPolyMer WorKshoP
Workshop statt. Ziel dieser
in Kenya
Veranstaltung ist die entwicklung potentieller Lösungen hinsichtlich
the first Biopolymer Workshop was held from 27th to 30th
nachhaltigkeit in den Bereichen Landwirtschaft, Gesundheit und
January 2013 at the Jomo
technologische entwicklung unter einsatz von Biopolymeren.
Kenyatta University in nairobi.
organisiert von PoliMat, center of exellence Ljubljana, ...
http://bit.ly/ZPalZ6
http://bit.ly/16Mf2ga
25
about CE polimat
Center of Excellence for Polymer Materials and Technologies
CE PoliMaT
T
he Center of Excellence for polymer materials and technologies (CE PoliMaT), based on a public-private partnership, was established on 8 January 2010 by a group of businesses and academic institutions.
In the field of polymer materials and technology, CE PoliMaT ensures the transformation of research excellence into products and services in hightech niche markets, supporting job creation, new business formation, economic development and the transition to a low-carbon society. CE PoliMat facilitates research excellence by bringing together leading scientists and engineers from different disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine, and mechanical engineering. Research focuses on the development of advanced multifunctional materials with the help of nanotechnology and the use of renewable resources. The center develops applications for the use in industry, health, agriculture, building materials, renewable energy and electronics.
26
Through cooperation with leading centers of knowledge in the field of polymers in Europe, United States of America and Africa, CE PoliMaT is leading the way in creating a Global Biopolymer Network.
Contacts
CE PoliMaT, Tehnološki park 24, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, EU T: +386 (0) 59081274 F: +386 (0) 59081279 E: info@polimat.si I: en.polimat.si Innovation office CE PoliMaT Akron Suite 801 F, Akron Global Business Accelerator / AGBA 526 S. Main Street Akron, Ohio 44311 USA
orGAnIZers:
In cooPerAtIon WIth scIence, technoLoGY, AnD GLoBALIZ AtIon ProJect At hArVArD KenneDY schooL
In coLL ABorAtIon WIth:
sPonsors: