Dr. Justine Nyarige, a physicist with a PhD specializing in nano- and microtechnology at KIT, has been living in Karlsruhe with his family since 2023. Since 2025, he has been contributing his expertise to the project as a programme coordinator. 

What is the significance of the FAST(2)-Africa project in your opinion?  

The FA(ST)2-Africa project is a crucial initiative in addressing Africa’s challenges in different sectors such as energy, water, and climate change through advanced science and technology. It focuses on collaborating with different African universities to develop sustainable solutions tailored to the continent’s needs. By fostering collaborations between African and European researchers, the project enhances knowledge exchange and capacity building. In my opinion, its impact extends beyond scientific advancements, as it will also contribute to economic development and improved quality of life for communities facing these challenges. 

At which universities have you studied so far? 

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics at the University of Nairobi in Kenya, followed by a Master of Science in Physics at the same institution. I then pursued my PhD in Physics at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.  

What is the content of your research?  

I have specialized in semiconductor Physics, Material Science (nano and microtechnology) for photoelectrochemical water splitting and photodegradation applications. Briefly, in my research, fabricate/synthesize different inorganic materials like Metal oxides (Fe2O3, and TiO2) on different substrates such as indium doped tin oxide (ITO) on glass and then use simulated sun in the laboratory which is equivalent to 1 sun to split the water, producing H2 that can be used as a fuel and O2 can have different applications. At the same time, I also employ the same materials and approach for the photodegradation of water-borne pollutants, such as organic dyes.  

 What brought you to KIT?  

I first visited KIT from September to December 2022 for a research stay in Prof. Bryce S. Richards’s lab at his invitation. This was part of a collaborative project, Performance Enhancement of Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Materials for Water Treatment (SolPhoWat), between the University of Pretoria (South Africa) and the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), initiated during a workshop in South Africa. The project was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). During my visit, I was impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, which inspired my decision to join KIT. Later, I was awarded the Alexander von Humboldt (Georg Forster Fellowship) to continue my research at KIT from 2023 to date. 

 What were the reasons for choosing your field of study?  

My passion for Physics grew during my undergraduate studies, particularly in understanding how scientific principles can be applied to solve real-world challenges. As I progressed, I became particularly interested in Semiconductor Physics and Material Science, especially for energy and other applications. Given the global challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, I was drawn to research that focuses on renewable energy and clean water solutions, which are also the main challenges developing nations like Africa are facing. This led me to specialize in photocatalysis and nanotechnology for sustainable energy and water purification. 

How do you like Germany?  

Germany has been a great experience for me. The research environment is highly stimulating, and the emphasis on innovation, novelty, and collaboration is quite impressive for me. I appreciate the efficiency and organization in both academic and everyday life. Though the cultural differences took some adjustment, I’ve found it to be a rewarding experience, especially with the opportunity to work alongside top researchers in my field. 

What do you do in your free time?  

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures. I also like reading scientific literature to stay updated on recent developments in my field. Additionally, I enjoy outdoor activities, which help me relax and stay active. 

How is life for your family in Karlsruhe? 

Since I arrived in 2023, I have received a lot of support from KIT. At first, I had the chance to stay at the International Guest House, which gave me time to look for permanent accommodation. I found an apartment after a few months. KIT supported me a lot to make sure that my family felt comfortable and well taken care of. I was even able to secure a kindergarten spot for my daughter, which can be quite difficult. My family is really enjoying life in Karlsruhe. My daughter has grown a lot over the past two years and now loves going to kindergarten and playing with her friends. 

What plans do you have for the future?  

My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions and water purification technologies. I aim to continue researching novel materials and techniques that can improve the efficiency of renewable energy systems. I also aspire to collaborate with institutions and industries to translate research findings into real-world applications that can benefit society.

Dr. Jörg Helmschrot is the coordinator of the FA(ST)2Africa project and has been actively involved in international research collaborations on water and climate issues for many years, with a particular focus on Africa. In this interview, he talks about his scientific career, his motivation for working on the African continent, and the opportunities and challenges of international cooperation. Since 2022, he has been working as a KIT employee on secondment in Windhoek, Namibia.

How did your scientific career develop?

I studied geography, geology, and urban and regional planning at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena and graduated in 1999. Even back then, I was interested in how humans and the environment interact and how natural resources can be used sustainably. I pursued these questions further in my doctorate in geography and geoinformatics, which I completed in 2006. My time as a postdoc at the University of Washington in 2010/2011 was also formative, as it allowed me to get to know other scientific cultures. Since 2016, I have beenactive in research and teaching as a professor extraordinary at Stellenbosch University. Over the past 25 years, my work has focused heavily on Africa. I have carried out numerous activities on water and climate issues, primarily in southern Africa, which I have continued since my appointment at KIT in 2022. Currently, I coordinate WASANet, FA(ST)2Africa, and Co-Hydim-SA, among others. For me, this is not only about research, but above all about partnership-based cooperation and the development of sustainable structures and networks.

What motivated you to work in Africa, specifically in Namibia?

Africa has been a part of my life from an early age: both my thesis and my dissertation were related to southern Africa. In addition to my project work in Africa, which has now lasted over 25 years, I have always been fascinated by its culture and development and am very interested in working there with partners. Through decades of cooperation, but also through supervising numerous students, I have also established many personal contacts. An important step was then the support in setting up SASSCAL, a joint initiative of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Germany to respond to the challenges of global change, which led me to the country professionally. When I took up the position of Scientific Director at the SASSCAL Regional Secretariat in Windhoek in 2016, my life finally shifted completely to Namibia.

How would you describe your work as a coordinator?

It's a very diverse field. A large part of it involves interacting with the projects and the project sponsor to coordinate activities. I organize events – for example, as part of the WASA program or for FA(ST)2Africa – and I am in frequent contact with African stakeholders from politics, industry, and science. Often, it's also about establishing contacts, initiating collaborations, and facilitating communication between partners. Of course, administration also plays a major role, taking up about half of my time. Whenever possible, I also try to advance my own scientific work—even if that only accounts for about ten percent of my time.

What challenges and opportunities do you encounter in this work?

The challenges are often very practical: When you work from abroad, access to German KIT services is limited, and communication with partners in Germany can sometimes be cumbersome. In addition, there are occasional problems with internet or telephone connections, as well as the challenge of reconciling time management in different cultures. On the other hand, there are many opportunities. Being on site creates a closeness to the African partners, which is extremely important for building trust. You can provide direct support, are available, and gain a deeper understanding of the actual problems and needs. You also learn to take cultural and social characteristics into account in everyday life, which greatly enriches the collaboration.

What does the FA(ST)2Africa project mean to you?

I consider it very relevant. On the one hand, because it establishes and expands cooperation between researchers at KIT and African institutions. On the other hand, it creates new research and training initiatives and provides a sound basis for decisions by the KIT Executive Board. In addition, FA(ST)2Africa shows my colleagues the potential of the African continent and paves the way for excellent new partnerships in view of global geopolitical dynamics.

How does academic culture and infrastructure in Africa differ from that in Germany?

One key difference is that academic culture in Africa is strongly focused on training. Postdoctoral systems as we know them in Germany are virtually non-existent there. Many colleagues are heavily involved in teaching and academic self-administration. National support for research work or for promoting students is limited. This makes international cooperation all the more important.

And what is your life like with your family in Africa?

Basically, it's not that different from Germany, but of course there are adjustments. This applies, for example, to the school system or security issues. In addition, I travel a lot in the region because of the projects. So it's a life that seems familiar on the one hand, but on the other hand is also strongly influenced by the cultural and social conditions in Africa.