How old are you and where are you from?
My name is Phillip Ochieng. I am 34 years old and I come from Kenya in East Africa.

What is your research topic?
My research focuses on improving seasonal forecasting in the Greater Horn of Africa. In particular, I work on seasonal and subseasonal forecasts. Subseasonal forecasting is especially important because it helps bridge the gap between long-term seasonal outlooks and short-term weather forecasts. My work aims to improve the accuracy and usefulness of these predictions for the region.

How does your research affect the everyday lives of people?
Improved forecasts can have a direct impact on people’s daily lives. Many regions in Africa regularly experience climate extremes such as droughts and floods. More reliable predictions can help farmers, communities, and politicians prepare earlier and make better-informed decisions. Through my work at KIT, I hope to gain new knowledge and tools that can contribute to strengthening climate resilience in Africa and support sustainable livelihoods.

Could you describe your academic career path?
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. Afterwards, I pursued a Master’s degree in Meteorology at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology in China. I then returned to the University of Nairobi, where I completed my PhD in Climatology with a specialization in drought early warning and resilience building. After finishing my Bachelor’s degree, I joined the Kenya Meteorological Department, where I have been working as a meteorologist. Currently, I am also conducting my postdoctoral research at KIT.

How did you come to KIT?
I came to KIT through an International Excellence Award that was awarded to Professor Chris Funk from the University of California, Santa Barbara. One component of this award was to support a postdoctoral researcher whose work contributes to strengthening cooperation between Germany and Africa, particularly in the field of climate resilience. The project is hosted at KIT, where I work closely with Professor Andreas Fink as well as with Chris Funk. Together we are working on a project that aims to strengthen research cooperation between German institutions and African universities in the field of climate science.

Did you have the opportunity to explore Karlsruhe or the surrounding region?
Yes, to some extent. Even before coming to Karlsruhe, I already had some friends in Germany. Some of them studied here and continue to live in the country, and one of them studied in Karlsruhe. I have also traveled a little - for example to Hamburg, where I have family, and to Augsburg to visit friends. I am still discovering new places.

Do you have a favorite place or restaurant in Karlsruhe?
Yes, there is a Turkish restaurant that I particularly enjoy visiting for lunch. Some of the dishes remind me of meals we also have in Africa, such as pilau, so the food feels somewhat familiar to me. I really enjoy the atmosphere there.

Besides the weather, did you experience any culture shock when you arrived in Karlsruhe?
At first, the language was a bit of a challenge. My work here does not necessarily require me to speak German, but adjusting to a new language environment always takes some time.

However, since I had previously studied in China and experienced similar language barriers there, I adapted relatively quickly. People in Karlsruhe are very friendly, and many speak English. Overall, my experience here has been very positive.

KIT aims to expand research cooperation with African countries. Do you have any advice on how these collaborations could be strengthened?
I believe that initiatives like FA(ST)2Africa are an important step in the right direction. Strengthening partnerships between research institutions in Africa and universities such as KIT is essential. Many African regions are already experiencing the impacts of climate change, which makes collaboration in climate science particularly important. KIT has strong research capabilities in climate analysis and prediction, and working together with African climate research centers and universities could significantly improve our ability to forecast extreme events. Such cooperation could also support governments in Africa in developing better policies and strategies for adapting to climate risks.

What might such collaboration look like in practice?
One effective approach would be to expand exchange programs. Researchers and students from African universities could spend time at KIT to learn new scientific methods and technologies that are relevant for climate research. Afterwards, they could return to their home institutions and apply these skills locally. This kind of knowledge exchange ensures that scientific expertise is shared and implemented where it is most needed.

Is there something from African culture that you would like to bring to Europe or Germany?
Africa is incredibly diverse, with many cultures, languages, and traditions. One value that I believe is particularly important is respect - respect for other people, their beliefs, their religions, and their political views. In many African societies, this culture of mutual respect plays a central role in everyday life. I believe it is an important principle that can help people live together peacefully in diverse and multicultural societies.

Wie alt sind Sie und woher kommen Sie?
Mein Name ist Phillip Ochieng. Ich bin 34 Jahre alt und komme aus Kenia in Ostafrika.

Was ist der Inhalt Ihrer Forschungstätigkeit?

Meine Forschung konzentriert sich auf die Verbesserung saisonaler Vorhersagen im Großraum Horn von Afrika. Insbesondere arbeite ich an saisonalen und subseasonalen Prognosen. Subseasonale Vorhersagen sind besonders wichtig, da sie die Lücke zwischen langfristigen saisonalen Ausblicken und kurzfristigen Wettervorhersagen schließen. Meine Arbeit zielt darauf ab, die Genauigkeit und den Nutzen dieser Vorhersagen für die Region zu verbessern.

Wie wirkt sich Ihre Forschung auf das tägliche Leben der Menschen aus?

Verbesserte Vorhersagen können sich direkt auf das tägliche Leben der Menschen auswirken. Viele Regionen in Afrika erleben regelmäßig Klimaextreme wie Dürren und Überschwemmungen. Verlässlichere Prognosen können Landwirten, Gemeinden und politischen Entscheidungsträgern helfen, sich frühzeitig vorzubereiten und fundiertere Entscheidungen zu treffen. Durch meine Arbeit am KIT hoffe ich, neues Wissen und Werkzeuge zu gewinnen, die dazu beitragen, die Klimaresilienz in Afrika zu stärken und nachhaltige Lebensgrundlagen zu unterstützen.

Könnten Sie Ihren akademischen Werdegang beschreiben?
Ich habe meinen Bachelorabschluss in Meteorologie an der Universität Nairobi in Kenia gemacht. Anschließend absolvierte ich einen Master in Meteorologie an der Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology in China. Danach kehrte ich an die Universität Nairobi zurück, wo ich meine Promotion in Klimatologie mit Schwerpunkt auf Frühwarnsystemen für Dürren und Resilienzaufbau abschloss. Nach meinem Bachelorabschluss begann ich beim Kenya Meteorological Department zu arbeiten, wo ich als Meteorologe tätig bin. Derzeit führe ich außerdem meine Postdoktorandenforschung am KIT durch.

Wie sind Sie zum KIT gekommen?
Ich kam über einen International Excellence Award zum KIT, der an Professor Chris Funk von der University of California, Santa Barbara, vergeben wurde. Ein Bestandteil dieser Auszeichnung war die Förderung eines Postdoktoranden, dessen Arbeit zur Stärkung der Zusammenarbeit zwischen Deutschland und Afrika beiträgt, insbesondere im Bereich Klimaresilienz. Das Projekt ist am KIT angesiedelt, wo ich eng mit Professor Andreas Fink sowie mit Chris Funk zusammenarbeite. Gemeinsam arbeiten wir an einem Projekt zur Stärkung der Forschungskooperation zwischen deutschen Institutionen und afrikanischen Universitäten im Bereich der Klimawissenschaft.

Hatten Sie Gelegenheit, Karlsruhe oder die Umgebung zu erkunden?
Schon vor meiner Ankunft in Karlsruhe hatte ich einige Freunde in Deutschland. Einige von ihnen haben hier studiert und leben weiterhin im Land, und einer von ihnen hat in Karlsruhe studiert. Ich bin auch ein wenig gereist – zum Beispiel nach Hamburg, wo ich Familie habe, und nach Augsburg, um Freunde zu besuchen. Ich entdecke weiterhin neue Orte.

Haben Sie einen Lieblingsort oder ein Lieblingsrestaurant in Karlsruhe?
Ja, es gibt ein türkisches Restaurant, in das ich besonders gern zum Mittagessen gehe. Einige der Gerichte erinnern mich an Speisen aus Afrika, wie zum Beispiel Pilau, sodass mir das Essen ein Stück weit vertraut ist. Die Atmosphäre dort gefällt mir sehr.

Haben Sie neben dem Wetter einen Kulturschock erlebt, als Sie in Karlsruhe ankamen?
Anfangs war die Sprache eine kleine Herausforderung. Meine Arbeit hier erfordert nicht unbedingt, dass ich Deutsch spreche, aber die Umstellung auf eine neue Sprachumgebung braucht immer etwas Zeit. Da ich jedoch zuvor in China studiert und dort ähnliche Sprachbarrieren erlebt hatte, konnte ich mich relativ schnell anpassen. Die Menschen in Karlsruhe sind sehr freundlich, und viele sprechen Englisch. Insgesamt waren meine Erfahrungen hier sehr positiv.

Das KIT möchte die Forschungskooperation mit afrikanischen Ländern ausbauen. Haben Sie Vorschläge, wie diese Zusammenarbeit gestärkt werden könnte?
Ich denke, dass Initiativen wie FA(ST)2Africa ein wichtiger Schritt in die richtige Richtung sind. Die Stärkung von Partnerschaften zwischen Forschungseinrichtungen in Afrika und Universitäten wie dem KIT ist entscheidend. Viele Regionen Afrikas sind bereits stark von den Auswirkungen des Klimawandels betroffen, weshalb die Zusammenarbeit in der Klimaforschung besonders wichtig ist. Das KIT verfügt über starke Kompetenzen in der Klimaanalyse und -vorhersage, und die Zusammenarbeit mit afrikanischen Klimaforschungszentren und Universitäten könnte unsere Fähigkeit, extreme Ereignisse vorherzusagen, erheblich verbessern. Eine solche Kooperation könnte auch Regierungen in Afrika dabei unterstützen, bessere Strategien und politische Maßnahmen zur Anpassung an Klimarisiken zu entwickeln.

Wie könnte eine solche Zusammenarbeit konkret aussehen?
Ein wirksamer Ansatz wäre der Ausbau von Austauschprogrammen. Forschende und Studierende aus afrikanischen Universitäten könnten Zeit am KIT verbringen, um neue wissenschaftliche Methoden und Technologien kennenzulernen, die für die Klimaforschung relevant sind. Anschließend könnten sie an ihre Heimatinstitutionen zurückkehren und diese Kenntnisse vor Ort anwenden. Ein solcher Wissensaustausch stellt sicher, dass wissenschaftliche Expertise dort genutzt wird, wo sie am dringendsten gebraucht wird.

Gibt es etwas aus der afrikanischen Kultur, das Sie nach Europa oder Deutschland bringen möchten?
Afrika ist unglaublich vielfältig, mit vielen Kulturen, Sprachen und Traditionen. Ein Wert, den ich für besonders wichtig halte, ist Respekt – Respekt gegenüber anderen Menschen, ihren Überzeugungen, Religionen und politischen Ansichten. In vielen afrikanischen Gesellschaften spielt diese Kultur des gegenseitigen Respekts eine zentrale Rolle im Alltag. Ich glaube, dass dies ein wichtiges Prinzip ist, das Menschen dabei helfen kann, in vielfältigen und multikulturellen Gesellschaften friedlich zusammenzuleben.

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)2Africa 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.

Prof. Dr. Almut Arneth has been researching the interactions between climate change, land use, and ecosystems for many years—working internationally and always with a focus on global interconnections. The ecosystem researcher is a professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a co-author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land, and heads the Biosphere–Atmosphere Interactions division at KIT’s Alpine Campus.

In many regions of Africa, changes in land use, vegetation, and climate are particularly crucial: they directly influence food security, water resources, and the ability of ecosystems to support local societies in climate protection and adaptation. For this reason, Arneth has repeatedly collaborated with partners from various African countries.

In this interview, she explains why African perspectives are vital and how such collaborations open up valuable opportunities for climate research.

What originally led you to study ecosystems and climate?

Alongside a general interest in ecology, it was a gradual process—from my studies to my PhD and through various stages of my career. I was always influenced by the colleagues I had the privilege to work with, and ultimately also by coincidences and spontaneously seized opportunities.

What role does the African continent play in your research?

My first independent junior research group within the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG) was based at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI) in Jena. A colleague there had strong connections with the Okavango Research Centre in Maun, Botswana, and together with local scientists established a measurement station to study, among other things, carbon dioxide exchange and evapotranspiration in Mopane-dominated savannas. In my Emmy Noether group, we carried out additional comparative measurements and modeling in other ecosystems of the Okavango Delta, particularly in seasonally flooded grasslands.

Can you share an example from your collaboration with African partners that has particularly stayed with you?

Having the opportunity to conduct field measurements several times a year in a globally unique ecosystem such as the Okavango Delta—in the midst of extraordinary plant life and animals like giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and crocodiles—was truly unforgettable. Without our colleagues in Maun, none of this would have been possible.

What specific challenges or opportunities do you see in conducting research in and with Africa?

A major challenge is funding—both for complex, especially long-term measurements, for model development, and for employing well-trained staff on a permanent basis. Bureaucracy can also be an obstacle, although Germany does not necessarily shine in that regard compared to other countries.
The opportunities, however, lie in working within an incredibly dynamic environment: demographics, economic development, urbanization, and climate change—all of which make research in this context scientifically fascinating.

What are your hopes for collaboration between African and German partners within the FA(ST)2Africa framework?

Above all, I hope for a differentiated view of the continent. “Africa” is far too general—South Africa is not Sudan, just as Greece is not Norway. Such distinctions should also be reflected in our language. Beyond that, I wish for active exchange on equal footing, appreciation of diversity, and reliable financial support—so that genuine added value can emerge.

If you had one wish: what global change in our relationship with climate and ecosystems would you most like to see?

Ecosystems are the foundation of human societies. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and—more recently—the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) have been emphasizing this for decades. In the World Economic Forum’s “Risk Report 2025”, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, critical changes in Earth systems, and resource scarcity top the list of global risks. It might finally be time for politics, business, and society to start taking that seriously.