31 Jul 2025

Wrap-up for EDUPROMO Exchange

Nine PhD students and staff from partner insitutions in the South spent anywhere between 14 days to 4 months at the Facutly of Veterinary Medicine at NMBU. The program consisted of courses in scientific writing, workshop in R and biostatistics and theoretical framwork for animal experiments. In addition, a two-day seminar was arranged at Beitostølen with key lectures, and workshops on PhD progression. All students got a personal local mentor, and recieved individual training on-site, nationally or internationally from collaborators. Along the way social activities such as dinners and skiing at Valdresflye was arranged to make our visitors stay memorable.

Juestine Okello wrote a blodpost about his stay that he would like to share:

From Theory to Impact: A Transformative Journey Through the EDUPROMO South–North PhD Exchange at NMBU
BY Justine Okello
When I look back on my PhD journey so far, the Edupromo South–North Exchange Program 2025 stands out as one of the best things that has happened to me – not just academically, but in life. Before the program, my PhD thinking was largely naïve, theoretical, and anticipatory. I had ideas, yes, but they lacked the real-world framework to move from concept to impact. The exchange at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) changed all that. It placed me squarely on the right lane with the right momentum to achieve my milestones and deliverables on time. It gave me not just a direction, but a velocity.
The program’s structure was clear in its progression: starting with mind-provoking theoretical sessions that sharpened my understanding; moving into hands-on wet-lab work where concepts became tangible; and culminating in dry-lab analysis, where I could interpret results logically and draw evidence-based conclusions. This was not learning for learning’s sake – it was learning for impact. Along the way, I polished my skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, molecular epidemiology, and computational biology. The ample time, supportive environment, and access to modern lab facilities acted like high-grade fuel, enabling me to prepare and get two manuscripts ready within the program period. Meeting inspiring scientists (all the facilitators), whose acumens were like a torchlight into my own research – further deepened my vision and refined my ideas. This experience has reshaped me into someone confident to contribute meaningfully to solving infectious disease challenges, both tropical and aquatic in origin (regions). Even though my PhD is ongoing, I am now confident I will complete it in less the required time, without compromising quality.
I am deeply grateful to the EDUPROMO project team and its funders for making this life-changing opportunity possible. This is more than an academic exchange – it is a human-resource capacity development engine, a conveyor belt feeding directly into problem-solving and sustainable development. Moving forward, I believe such programs should be sustained and also expanded. And those who have benefited like myself should be recognised and supported to keep contributing. Because when you invest in people with purpose, the ripple effects reach far beyond the lab, into communities and across borders.
About the Author
Justine Okello is a teaching assistant at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Uganda
My PhD focuses on the epidemiology, molecular characterization, and geospatial modelling of Rift Valley Fever in Northern Uganda.
I am passionate about infectious disease solutions, One Health and translating research into real-world impact

13 May 2025

EDUPROMO invites to Lunch Seminar 13th of May

SIGN UP HERE: https://nettskjema.no/a/516930

Welcome to EDUPROMO 2025 Lunch Seminar 13th of May in Fornix, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Guest researchers and academics from EDUPROMOs partner institutions Makerere University (Uganda), University of Zambia (Zambia), Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST, Tanzania) and Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS, Univeristy of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar) are visiting Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in May. 

We would therefore like to invite you to a lunch seminar from 12.15 to 15.30 in Fornix, VET. Lunch, cake and coffee are included.

SIGN UP HERE: https://nettskjema.no/a/516930
 
Lunch Serving 12.15-12.30. 
 
Welcome and Opening Remarks (12:30 - 12:50) 
Speakers: Lars Olav Eik, Stephen Mutoloki & Mette Müller
Topic: 'Fostering South-North Collaboration: Building Bridges in Research and Capacity Building' 

Keynote Presentations: 

12:50 - 13:10 : Dr. Eliezer Brown Mwakalapa (MUST) - Title: 'Environmental Health Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: Community-Based Approaches' 

13:10- 13:30: Dr. Aviti Mmochi (IMS) - Title: 'Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Under Pressure: Pollution and Conservation Strategies' 
 
Break (13.30 - 13.40) - Refreshments available 
 
13:40 - 14:00: Dr. Ethel M'kandawire - Title: 'Diagnostics at the Frontline: Navigating Infection Control in Low-Resource Settings' 
14:00- 14:20: Dr. Terence Odoch - Title: 'Zoonotic Diseases and Animal Health: Surveillance and Mitigation in Uganda' 
 
Break (14.20 - 14.40) - Refreshments available 
 
Panel Discussion (14.40 - 15:10):
South-North Collaboration in Practice 
Moderator: Stephen Mutoloki 

Panelists: Mette Müller, Eliezer Brown, Aviti Mmochi, Ethel M'kandawire, Terence Odoch, Lars Olav Eik 

Focus: Sharing experiences and practical examples of collaboration between South and North in addressing health and environmental challenges. 

Q&A and Closing Remarks (15.10 - 15.30) 
Opportunity for audience questions and reflections 

We look forward to welcoming you!  

SIGN UP HERE: https://nettskjema.no/a/516930

17 Mar 2025

EDUPROMO finances two full-degree masterstudents at NMBU

Two fully EDUPROMO financed full-degree MSc have been accepted to NMBU program Sustainable Food Systems. Congratulations to Mercy Chipolo (UNZA) and Dorah Erem (MAK). Doreen Walter (IMS) got support from NORSTIP and is also coming along. Congratulations!

18 Nov 2024

Annual meeting and courses in Tanzania MUST autumn 2024

In November 2024, a group of students and researchers from Makerere University, the University of Zambia, the University of Dar es Salaam, and NMBU gathered in Mbeya, Tanzania, for a two-week intensive training under the EDU-PROMO project. This initiative aimed to strengthen capacity in food safety, fish health, and environmental toxicology through a combination of lectures, hands-on laboratory work, and field visits. The program was hosted at MUST (Mbeya University of Science and Technology) and brought together a diverse group of participants committed to improving food systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Activities
Week 1: Foundations in Research, Food Safety, and Aquatic Health
The first week focused on equipping students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in research methodology, epidemiology, and aquatic animal health. The sessions included Research Proposal Writing & Presentations, Principles of Aquatic Animal Health & Epidemiology, Environmental & Aquatic Toxicology and General Food Safety. A visit to a local aquaculture site gave participants firsthand insights into fish farming, disease management, and sustainable practices.
The second week shifted towards laboratory-based learning and real-world applications in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), chemical analysis, and food preservation. Antimicrobial Resistance & Genotyping (in silico lab and microbiology lab), Analytical Techniques in Chemical Detection a Hands-on sessions introduced methods for detecting contaminants in food and water, Preservation of Food, which focused on improving food safety and extending shelf life through preservation techniques. A Transboundary Issues in Aquatic Health – Lake Nyasa Case Study – A study tour highlighted the challenges of managing fish health across national borders.

The students' feedback on the EDUPROMO course in Mbeya was overwhelmingly positive. Most participants were very satisfied with the knowledge they gained and felt they achieved their desired learning outcomes. The course met or exceeded their expectations, and the teaching staff received high praise for their organization, professionalism, and engagement.
Practical sessions, laboratory work, and field visits were particularly appreciated, though some students wished for more time to deepen their understanding, especially in risk assessment and toxicology. Group assignments and interactive learning approaches were highlighted as effective. While some suggested extending the training duration or including more hands-on sessions, no major dissatisfaction was reported.
Students valued the networking opportunities and expressed interest in continuing engagement through mentorship groups and online follow-ups. Many participants felt confident enough to teach topics from the course and suggested follow-up training sessions or additional materials. Overall, the course was highly recommended by participants.

Impact and Future Collaboration
The EDU-PROMO workshop strengthened participants’ research capacity and technical skills, fostering international collaboration in food safety and fish health. By bridging academic knowledge with practical applications, the project contributes to improved food security and public health in the region. Future initiatives will build on this foundation, expanding research collaborations and capacity-building efforts in One Health and sustainable food systems.

28 Oct 2024

Newsletter EDUPROMO Q1, Q2 and Q3 2024

During Q1, Q2 and Q3 2024, the EDUPROMO has reached the following milestones and made the following plans:

- EDUPROMO management committee has had in total three meetings, one in each quarter.
- EDUPROMO Annual meeting (Q4) is planned for Mbeya in November.
A general project meeting for information on plans for 2025 and 2026 will be arranged in December 2024.
- In addition, planning meetings for the larger MUST workshop and UNZA course was held upon need.
- In Juni 2024 Ass. Prof. Ethel Mkandawire stepped into the management committee in place of Prof. Musso Munyeme. We welcome her to the project. The project thanks Prof. Munyeme for his efforts in the EDUPROMO and good luck on his new position.

A EDUPROMO Mini seminar was arranged in on September 12^th on the campus of NMBU. The lecturers were honorable guests Prof. Curtis R. Youngs, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, USA and Prof. Esron D. Karimuribo, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. The former talked on “The Role of One Health in Early Detection, Management and Control of Emerging Diseases of Animals and Humans in Africa” while professor Youngs talked about his work in Africa related to “Reproductive Biotechnologies for Livestock Genetic Improvement”. There was a high turnout of both students and staff.

During two weeks in June 2024, 16 students from Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania participated in a course focused on fish health and toxicology. The teaching team coming to UNZA included Terence Odoch, Aviti Mmochi, Eliezer Mwakalapa, Mette Müller, Stephen Mutoloki, Øystein Evensen and Jan Ludvig Lyche. In addition, Anna Mehl from The Norwegian Food Authority was invited as guest teacher to train the students in pesticide exposure modelling. On site, Prof. John Muma, Kaampwe Muzandu and Ass. Prof. Ethel Mkandawire had a steady hand on the organization and teaching. The students received hands-on training in practical skills such as post-mortem examinations and field observations, as well as in assessing the risks of heavy metal exposure to consumers. Networking with fellow PhD students was an additional benefit.

12 Sept 2024

One Health One World: guest researchers from Tanzania and USA

A EDUPROMO seminar was arranged in on September 12^th on the campus of NMBU. The lecturers were honorable guests Prof. Curtis R. Youngs, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, USA and Prof. Esron D. Karimuribo, Principal, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania. The former talked on “The Role of One Health in Early Detection, Management and Control of Emerging Diseases of Animals and Humans in Africa” while professor Youngs talked about his work in Africa related to “Reproductive Biotechnologies for Livestock Genetic Improvement”. There was a high turnout of both students and staff.

10 Jun 2024

Course in toxicological risk assessment and fish health at the University of Zambia, Lusaka.

During two weeks in June 2024, 16 students from Zambia, Uganda, and Tanzania participated in a course focused on fish health and toxicology. The teaching team included Mette Müller, Stephen Mutoloki, and Jan Ludvig Lyche. The students received hands-on training in practical skills such as post-mortem examinations and field observations, as well as in assessing the risks of heavy metal exposure to consumers.
Networking with fellow PhD students was an additional benefit.

Student Susan Irene Atii wrote a blog about her experiences, which you can find below:

"Hey everyone!
I’m thrilled to share my recent experience at the University of Zambia, where I participated in an incredible two-week training workshop from 16th to 29th June 2024. This training was funded by the EDUPROMO project, supported by DIKU - the Norwegian Agency for International Cooperation and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education. EDUPROMO is a collaborative effort involving universities in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, and Norway, aiming to promote quality and sustainability in One Health education.
During the two weeks, we covered a wide range of fascinating topics in Toxicological Risk Assessment and Fish Health.
One of the highlights was our deep dive into fish vaccine development. It was exciting to learn how innovative research is pushing the boundaries of disease management in aquaculture. Understanding the latest advancements in this field not only expanded my knowledge but also sparked a lot of enthusiasm for future possibilities in fish health.
Another standout moment was the field trip. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing theoretical concepts come to life in real-world settings. The field trips to Fish farms at Chongwe made the learning experience so much more tangible and engaging.
As we moved into the second week, I was captivated by our sessions on risk assessment modeling. We focused on assessing risks related to heavy metals, particularly cadmium. Learning how to determine exposure levels of this metal to farmers and sprayers and understanding the tolerable limits of heavy metals in food, was both enlightening and practical. It’s incredible to see how these methods play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and protecting public health.
The practical training sessions, including fish postmortem and sample collection, were invaluable. They provided a real sense of the challenges and intricacies involved in fish health research, making the entire learning process feel much more immersive and impactful.
That’s a wrap on my amazing two weeks at the University of Zambia! Thanks to the EDUPROMO project and the generous support from DIKU, this training was a comprehensive dive into fish health and food risk assessment. I want to extend a special thanks to Dr. Terence Odoch, project leader at Makerere University and Associate Professor Mette Helen Bjørge Müller, the project leader from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, whose leadership and vision made this experience possible.

Susan Irene Atii."

16 Oct 2023

Course and annual meeting Makerere University, Uganda

MAK arranged a four weeks course in October 2023 on aquatic health and food safety. The students were enrolled from MUST, IMS, MAK and UNZA. The course contained short statistical course before they were divided in groups to perform individual field sampling and analysis according to antimicrobial resistance, pathology, infection biology, food hygiene and food safety. Prof. Munyeme, Prof Aviti, Prof. Kizito, Prof. Odoch, Prof. Kankaya Prof Brown, Ass. Prof Müller, Prof Lyche, Prof Mutoloki and Ass. Prof Llarena participated and mentored. The annual meeting was held during that time as well. The meeting was arranged by Prof. Odoch.

10 Apr 2023

NMBU Research School

EDUPROMO funded 9 PhD students from southern partners to travel to NMBU -VET for a research school April – July/ 2023 for 3 months. Of these 9 students, 3 of them can stay for 6 months and include 3 months’ work placement. The topic will be fish and environmental health. Students were studying AMR in environment, humans and animals, fish health, environmental health, zoonotic disease, and fish nutrition. The course curriculum has consisted of courses in scientific writing, bioinformatics, AMR, biostatistics, toxicology, and infection biology. Students were all on activities and workshops outside campus, divided by Evenstad (wildlife), Kristiansund (aquaculture) and Beitostølen (AMR). The stay could not have been possible without the aid of numerous mentors and course leaders: Yngvild Wasteson, Toril Lindbäck, Lucy Robertson, Sabrina Rodriguez, Eystein Skjerve, Morten Tryland, John Ansgar Aasen Bunæs, Øystein Evensen, Xingwen Li, Stephen Mutoloki, Håkon Torsvik, and Letemichael Negash Welekidan. Thank you!

02 May 2023

Workshop in Zanzibar

ECARESA/AQUAHEM/EDUPROMO conducted a two-weeks workshop at IMS in Zanzibar between 2^nd and 12^th of May. Sixteen master students and 17 PhD students from Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Norway, and Zambia participated in a workshop focusing on fish and environmental health. Topics related to food safety, toxicology and fish health were covered, and student presented their upcoming projects and received feedback on the design and scope of their planned activities. Field trips to local aqua cultural sites raising sea cucumbers, milk fish and crabs broke up the long days. It was arranged by Mette Müller, Stephen Mutoloki, Aviti Mochi and Eliezer Brown, and activities were supported by Øystein Evensen, Jan Ludvig Lyche, Madalitso Chatsika, Samual Addo, Kofitsyo Cudjoe, Evalyn Wanjiru, Yngvild Wasteson, Marina Aspholm, Ann-Katrin Llarena, and Terence Odoch.