Matchmaking for proposals for the 7th Call

Proposal for a Workshop of the VMU  Vienna supported by the AFRICA-UNINET

Research on mitochondria is relevant to a wide range of scientific questions but isn´t to date on primary focus for researchers. The proposed workshop will introduce participants to the applications of mitochondrial research and present the mitochondrial expertise at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VMU) for initiating research cooperations. Furthermore, hands-on training sessions during the workshop will demonstrate that high impact data in mitochondrial research can be obtained not only through expensive methods but also with a limited budget. 
 

Mitochondrial function is impaired in many degenerative diseases, leading to increased formation of reactive oxygen species and altered ATP production. Therefore, reducing oxidative stress due to mitochondrial dysfunction is a starting point for research into new protective substances. For cell protection, researchers are seeking substances that support mitochondrial function, for example, by reducing oxidative stress, degrading damaged mitochondria via mitophagy, or through other mechanisms. In contrast, cancer researchers are interested in starving cancer cells, i.e., reducing mitochondrial ATP production. In addition, mitochondrial research is relevant in parasitology, as reducing mitochondrial function can support the fight against infectious diseases. These diverse research interests are combined by the use of cell lines. Various parameters can be determined in cell cultures, providing insights into the effects of substances. The measurements include i) the mitochondrial membrane potential, ii) the level of reactive oxygen species, iii) the oxygen consumption rate, and iv) ATP production. Taken together, these parameters provide a good indication of the state of the mitochondria. 

Mitochondrial studies are equally relevant for describing pathophysiological processes and investigating the mechanisms of action of pharmacologically active substances. In pharmacognosy, the screening of secondary plant metabolites in cell cultures provides an initial indication of their pharmacological properties. However, the individual methods vary in their informative value, and the data obtained should not be overinterpreted. Furthermore, screening methods should be cost-effective and easy to perform. The workshop will present and apply the methods mentioned before. The data will be discussed with regard to their limitations, reliability, and applicability.

 The workshop will lay the foundation for further collaboration between VMU and participating universities in the Africa Uninet network. The VMU has many years of experience in mitochondrial research. Several research groups at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at VMU Vienna have been involved for years. Of particular note are the Physiology and Biophysics Unit (Prof. Elena Pohl, research focus: uncoupling proteins) and the Unit of Pharmacology and Toxicology (Assoc. Prof. Lars Gille and Assoc. Prof. Katrin Staniek, current research focus: mitochondrial targeting in leishmaniasis). The Neurochemistry research group (Dr. Rudolf Moldzio) focuses on cell culture models for Parkinson's disease. Their research interests include secondary plant metabolites relevant to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 

We propose a four-day workshop open to all interested African members of the Africa Uninet, which can be attended online. VMU plans approximately 12 presentations in English, to be held in the mornings. Depending on interest, presentations from African partners will also be included. The afternoons will be dedicated to hands-on techniques. For this, however, the number of participants will need to be limited. We consider networking not only between Europe and Africa, but also among the African universities themselves as an additional benefit of the workshop. We would appreciate it if time could be allocated for discussion rounds during the workshop, either in French or in Swahili for all interested African members.

Contact: Dr.rer.nat. Dipl.-Biol. Rudolf G. Moldzio (Rudolf.Moldzio@vetmeduni.ac.at), Medical Biochemistry Dept. for Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna 

The Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development (IKP) at TU Wien, specifically the Research Unit of Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, is an academic research group focused on the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and on the development of assistive and rehabilitation technologies. Its work includes computer-aided modeling and simulation, as well as the development of wheelchairs, exoskeletons, functional electrostimulation systems, and other mobility-support technologies.

The research unit comprises two professors and a core team of six PhD researchers, and it is further supported by a strong group of master’s and bachelor’s students in mechanical and biomedical engineering through teaching and research activities. This structure enables agile research, development, and prototyping across a wide range of rehabilitation engineering applications.

The unit also works on wheelchair development and offers strong experimental and technical capabilities through its motion analysis laboratory and in-house manufacturing infrastructure. Available facilities include an 8-camera motion analysis system, EMG, force plates, 3D printing, and a fully equipped mechanical workshop for prototype development and testing.
Within the Africa-UniNet network, the research unit is interested in establishing collaborations for joint research projects, exchange activities, and capacity building, and is especially eager to jointly apply for funding for innovative and context-relevant healthcare technologies.

Website: https://www.tuwien.at/mwbw/ikp/reha/forschung

Contact: Georgios Aronis, PhD (georgios.aronis@tuwien.ac.at), Senior Scientist TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology), Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development

The transition towards sustainable, resilient, and equitable healthcare systems has underscored the critical role of transport in ensuring timely access to healthcare services and the reliable distribution of essential health commodities. While considerable investments have been made in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa, transport-related barriers continue to undermine  last-mile healthcare delivery, particularly in  rural and underserved communities. These challenges are further compounded by climate change, inadequate transport infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and the growing demand  for sustainable mobility solutions. Consequently, improving last mile healthcare delivery has emerged as a critical interdisciplinary research priority requiring expertise from engineering,transportation,health sciences, environmental sciences, digital technologies, community development  and public policy.

In response to these challenges, the Department of Management Science at Kisii University in partnership with the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (Africa) at the University of Johannesburg, invites  researchers within the Africa-UniNet network to be part of this collaborative initiative. The initiative seeks to establish an interdisciplinary research platform that brings together researchers from African and Austrian institutions to co- develop and context- relevant and sustainable transport solutions that strengthens healthcare logistics  and improve last- mile healthcare delivery. By fostering interdisciplinary scholarship, the initiative aims to generate evidence  that informs  policy and practice while contributing to more resilient healthcare systems across Africa and beyond.

The initiating research team brings complementary expertise in transport and supply chain management, with particular strengths in sustainable transport, healthcare logistics, smart transportation systems, transport policy, and supply chain resilience. Current activities include sustainable transport systems, active mobility and health, smart transportation and urban governance, healthcare logistics, and supply chain resilience, supported through joint research programmes between Kisii University and the University of Johannesburg. These activities have strengthened the team's experience in interdisciplinary research, postgraduate supervision, international partnerships, research capacity development, and scientific publication, providing a strong foundation for expanding cooperation with engineering, health, technology, and environmental researchers.

We invite researchers who share this vision to help build an interdisciplinary consortium capable of developing internationally competitive research and innovation projects. We particularly welcome collaboration with researchers and research groups working in transport engineering, rehabilitation engineering, biomechanics, healthcare technologies, intelligent transport systems, biomedical engineering, digital health, geographic information systems (GIS), artificial intelligence, data analytics, operations research and optimisation, public health, health systems research, civil engineering, environmental sustainability, mechanical engineering, and related interdisciplinary fields. By integrating expertise across these disciplines ,the consortium will develop scalable solutions that enhance healthcare accessibility and strengthen resilient healthcare systems.

The immediate objective of this collaboration is to jointly prepare a competitive proposal for the Africa-UniNet 7th Call while establishing a long-term interdisciplinary consortium. Beyond the current call, the consortium will promote collaborative research projects, joint scientific publications, academic staff and postgraduate student exchanges, joint supervision of Master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers, capacity-building workshops, researcher mobility, and future applications to international funding programmes, including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and other multinational research initiatives. By combining the strengths of African and Austrian institutions, we aim to create a sustainable research partnership that advances green transport solutions for healthcare and delivers lasting scientific, societal, and policy impact.

Contact: Enock Musau Gideon, PhD (enockmusau@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke / emusau@uj.ac.za), Senior Researcher Department of management Science Kisii University, Kenya

Green marketing practices is an approach that encompasses various actions and practices such as altering products, changing production processes, adjusting to environmentally sustainable packaging, introducing sustainable distribution channels, and modifying communication, all aimed at reducing negative environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in business dealings (Khandelwal & Yadav, 2014). Majority of the studies (Fraj et al, 2011; Ko & Jeon, 2024; Utama, 2024; Al-Dmour et al, 2023; Choudhury et at, 2019; Zampese et al, 2016; Khaleeli et al, 2021; Mukonza and Swarts, 2020) and Afande, 2015) reviewed on Green marketing practices were from the non-food and beverage manufacturing sub-sector such as non-profit organization, construction industry, service sector, retail sector, etc. Consequently, little is known about the status and the effect of green marketing practices on the sustainable manufacturing of Kenya's food and beverage manufacturing sector.

1.2. Objectives
To examine how gender parity can leverage the sustainable manufacturing of Kenya’s food and beverage sector.
To analyze how green marketing practices can leverage the sustainable manufacturing of Kenya’s food and beverage sector.

1.3 Research Questions
How does gender parity leverage the sustainable manufacturing of Kenya’s food and beverage sector? 
How does green marketing practices leverage the sustainable manufacturing of Kenya’s food and beverage sector?

1.4 Proposed Methodology
The study will be conducted in Kenya’s food and beverage sector comprising a KAM membership of about 181 clustered as follows: dairy and meat processing firms, grain milling firms, edible fats and oils processing firms, beverages, fruits, and vegetable processing firms, fish processing firms, wines, and beer and spirits firms. Top directors, managers, and employees of these firms will be targeted. The study will employ a mixed methodology research design, using the pragmatic approach. We will conduct a scoping study of the food and beverage manufacturing sector to appraise the state of the sector. We will identify a representative sample of key industry stakeholders for an inception meeting. Alongside this inception meeting, we will conduct key informant interviews concurrently. Thereafter we will design a quantitative study to collect data in line with the research questions. We will develop and validate an online questionnaire and implement it using Kobo Collect Toolbox. The quantitative data will be summarised, and analysed to test statistical significance using multiple regression models. The output of these results will be presented to a panel of stakeholders at a closing meeting to be validated. We expect stakeholder input in shaping the policy directions regarding outcomes of the project. These will be documented in reports for external policy dialogues.

Contact: Prof. Fredrick Aila (faila@maseno.ac.ke), Maseno University

Aquaculture presents a transformative opportunity for rural livelihoods in Kenya by enhancing food security, increasing income, and reducing poverty. However, its expansion is hindered by the reliance on fishmeal—an expensive and ecologically unsustainable protein source for aqua feeds. Concurrently, malnutrition remains a critical challenge, necessitating innovative, nutrition-sensitive interventions. The NutriSaq project proposes integrating Spirulina (Arthrospira fusiformis) farming into small-scale aquaculture systems as a sustainable solution to enhance feed availability, improve nutrition, and create economic opportunities. Spirulina, a nutrient-rich microalga, offers a high-protein, essential amino acid, and micronutrient profile while promoting circular economy principles through resource-efficient production and reduced environmental impacts. This project pursues three key objectives: (i) integrating Spirulina farming within smallholder aquaculture to enhance cost-effective, high-quality fish feed production; (ii) improving household nutrition by evaluating the dietary impact of Spirulina-enriched aquaculture products in mitigating malnutrition; and (iii) assessing economic benefits, and gender-inclusive livelihood opportunities associated with integrated aqua-spirulina farming. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, including participatory training, demonstration plots at Maseno University, and technical support to facilitate adoption. Adoption rates and system performance will be monitored through surveys and field observations. Nutritional benefits will be assessed via laboratory analysis of Spirulina-enriched fish for protein, omega-3, and micronutrient content.  Economic and social impacts will be evaluated using cost-benefit analysis, econometric modeling, and qualitative assessments. Environmental sustainability will be monitored through water quality testing and life cycle assessments. NutriSaq will foster resilient livelihoods and enhance food and nutrition security for rural Kenyan communities by addressing key constraints in feed costs and malnutrition.

Contact: Eric Ochieng Ogello (eogello@maseno.ac.ke), Maseno University
 

Indigenous traditional medicinal knowledge has played a fundamental role in promoting community health and well-being in Tanzania for centuries. However, this knowledge is predominantly transmitted orally by elderly custodians, placing it at significant risk of extinction as knowledge holders age without systematic documentation. This project seeks to document, preserve, and promote indigenous traditional medicinal knowledge through a participatory approach involving traditional healers, elders, researchers, and local communities. The project will establish a digital knowledge repository and community-based archives to record medicinal plant species, preparation methods, therapeutic applications, cultural values, and sustainable harvesting practices while safeguarding community intellectual property rights and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing. In addition, the project will assess the conservation status of medicinal plant species and develop strategies for their sustainable management. By preserving this valuable indigenous knowledge, the project contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by strengthening access to traditional healthcare knowledge; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through intergenerational knowledge transfer; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration among communities, universities, research institutions, and policymakers to ensure the long-term preservation and responsible utilization of indigenous medicinal knowledge.

Contact: Faraja Sanga (sangafaraja@gmail.com/ faraja.sanga@rucu.ac.tz), Lecturer, Department of Humanities, Ruaha Catholic University, Iringa, Tanzania

Religious and cultural diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for peaceful coexistence in multicultural societies. This project aims to strengthen community resilience through interdisciplinary research on interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and social cohesion by comparing successful models from Austria and Nigeria. The collaboration will examine the roles of educational institutions, faith-based organizations, youth engagement, and community leadership in promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing conflict. Through joint research, staff and student mobility, policy dialogues, and community engagement activities. The project seeks to develop evidence-based strategies and educational resources that foster inclusive societies, foster peaceful coexistence, and build resilient communities. Thereby contributing to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Contact: Dr. Chidinma A. Okafor (chidinmaokafor@gouni.edu.ng), Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nigeria

DNA technologies are increasingly important for biodiversity conservation, food authentication, public safety, and forensic investigations. This project seeks to establish an Austria–Africa collaborative platform to strengthen capacity in molecular genetics and DNA-based technologies through joint research, staff exchanges, and specialized training. Leveraging the newly established DNA Forensic Center at Godfrey Okoye University, the project will focus on biodiversity monitoring, food authenticity verification, forensic DNA applications, and molecular identification of plant and animal species. The collaboration will develop standardized laboratory protocols, enhance research infrastructure, and foster knowledge exchange between Austrian and African researchers, contributing to sustainable environmental management, food integrity, and scientific innovation. The project will enhance scientific capacity, strengthen biodiversity conservation and food integrity, and contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Contact: Dr. Chidinma A. Okafor (chidinmaokafor@gouni.edu.ng), Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nigeria

Spent lithium-ion batteries represent a valuable yet underutilized resource rather than mere hazardous waste. This study proposes a circular economy strategy for recovering graphite and transition metals (such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese) from spent electrodes. The recovered graphite is purified and oxidized to produce high-quality graphene oxide, while the extracted metals are repurposed to synthesize ternary layered double hydroxides (LDH). These two components are subsequently integrated to form hybrid nanocomposites characterized by a large surface area, abundant active sites, and enhanced electrical conductivity. The resulting LDH/graphene oxide nanocomposites exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance in water-splitting reactions, particularly the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), positioning them as promising, cost-effective catalysts for green hydrogen production. By combining sustainable battery-waste management with the development of advanced catalytic materials, this approach supports clean energy goals while minimizing the environmental footprint associated with spent lithium-ion battery disposal, offering a scalable pathway toward sustainable energy conversion technologies.

Contact: Professor Hussein A. Khalaf (hkhalaf70@sci.dmu.edu.eg), Damanhour University, Egypt.

Building on our published research on gendered land access and symbolic violence in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania (Lusasi & Mwaseba, 2020; also Lusasi & Charles, 2025 conference presentation), this project aims to investigate and address the critical link between women's insecure land tenure and their access to water for domestic and agricultural use under conditions of climate stress. While land laws in Tanzania formally recognize women's rights, customary patriarchal norms continue to limit women's control over family land, a situation increasingly impacting their ability to secure water resources as rainfall patterns become more unpredictable.

Objectives:
1. To examine how gendered land access shapes women's water-use strategies and vulnerabilities in climate-stressed villages.
2. To identify the institutional, customary, and socio-economic barriers that prevent women from participating in water governance and climate adaptation decision-making.
3. To design, implement, and evaluate intervention activities aimed at strengthening women's land and water rights.
4. To generate policy-relevant recommendations for integrating gender-equitable land and water management practices.

This project will be implemented in selected villages within Mufindi, Njombe, and Wanging'ombe districts in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. This choice is strategic, as it builds on prior research and established community relationships in these areas, ensuring the feasibility and depth of the qualitative, quantitative, and participatory components of the study. The districts represent a climate-sensitive zone with significant agricultural livelihoods and gendered land-tenure dynamics, making them an ideal setting for investigating the land-water-climate nexus.

Methodology:
The research project will employ a mixed-methods approach:
Structured household surveys using survey tools (e.g., questionnaires, household asset inventories) to collect data on land ownership, water access, household decision-making, and climate adaptation strategies from a representative sample of at least 300 households across selected villages.
Focus group discussions (sex-disaggregated), key informant interviews with village leaders, land officers, and women's group representatives, and participatory mapping of land and water resources.
A series of community workshops and training sessions focused on: (i) Legal literacy and awareness of women's land and water rights. (ii) Gender-sensitive water resource management and climate adaptation planning. (iii) Participatory dialogue forums to address symbolic violence and enhance women's participation in local governance structures, including (iv) a pilot participatory land-use mapping exercise with women's groups.

Expected Outcomes:
• Enhanced understanding of the gendered land-water-climate nexus in Tanzania's Southern Highlands.
• Strengthened capacity of women and community leaders to advocate for equitable land and water governance.
• A validated intervention model for gender-sensitive climate adaptation that can be scaled to other rural African contexts.
• Policy briefs and academic publications contributing to national and regional land and water governance reforms.
This project seeks an Austrian partner with expertise in gender, water management, or climate adaptation to collaborate on a cross-country comparative study, potentially drawing on Austria's experience in integrated water resource management and gender mainstreaming in development programs. The research directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Contact: Justin Lusasi (justin.lusasi@rucu.ac.tz/ julusasi@gmail.com), Lecturer, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ruaha Catholic University, Iringa – Tanzania

Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a promising approach for addressing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic challenges. Unlike conventional production systems that often emphasize short-term productivity, regenerative agriculture seeks to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, strengthen climate resilience, and increase long-term farm profitability through practices such as crop diversification, crop rotation, agroforestry, conservation tillage, integrated crop-livestock systems, composting, cover cropping, and improved grazing management (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2023; Rehberger et al., 2023). While considerable attention has been devoted to the environmental benefits of regenerative agriculture, relatively little empirical evidence exists on its economic viability, profitability, adoption dynamics, and integration with agritourism, particularly within the diverse agro - ecological regions of Kenya.

The proposed study seeks to address this knowledge gap by developing an integrated economic modelling framework for regenerative agricultural practices in agritourism farming systems in Kenya. The study aims to generate empirical evidence on the profitability, technical efficiency, adoption intensity, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability of regenerative farming systems while exploring opportunities for farm diversification through agritourism. Agritourism offers an innovative avenue for increasing farm incomes by integrating agricultural production with tourism experiences, environmental education, local food systems, cultural heritage, and value-added products, thereby strengthening rural economies and promoting sustainable livelihoods. 

The study will be conducted across selected agro ecological regions representing Kenya's major farming systems. The research will adopt a convergent mixed-methods design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure methodological rigour and comprehensive understanding. Quantitative data will be collected through structured household surveys administered to representative samples of farming households, while qualitative data will be generated through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, farm observations, case studies, and document reviews involving farmers, extension officers, county government officials, tourism stakeholders, financial institutions, researchers, and value-chain actors. This triangulated approach will enhance the credibility, validity, and transferability of the findings by integrating multiple data sources, stakeholder perspectives, theoretical lenses, and analytical techniques (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). The expected outputs include a national inventory of regenerative agricultural practices, a validated Regenerative Agriculture Intensity Index, regional value-chain maps, farm-level estimates of profitability and technical efficiency, long-term economic projections, and evidence-based policy recommendations.

Contact: Professor Fredrick Aila (faila@maseno.ac.ke), Department of Business Administration, Maseno University