The podcast airs biweekly on Mondays and is hosted by Anne Chisa, also known as Anne with an E. The show revolves around interviews with individuals involved in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from across the globe, all united by the hashtag #AfricansInSTEM. The guests have the opportunity to share their personal stories, highlighting the "ROOT" of their science and engaging in profound conversations beyond the scientific realm. The goal is to create a ...
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‘Mazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations’ is a podcast that highlights the perspectives of various stakeholders in academia and research fields across Africa through open dialogue or ‘Mazungumzo’ on scholarly communication in Africa. We are joined by an expansive list of African policymakers, science communication specialists, innovators, and tertiary institution leads who contribute to this realm of science communication. Join the host, Joy Owango, for candid stories by researchers, po ...
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EP 158: Dr Okechinyere Achilonu, Biostatistics as the Backbone of Health Research in Africa
38:01
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38:01Send us a text What happens when passion meets purpose in the world of medical data? Dr. Okechinyere Achilonu takes us through her journey in the evolving landscape of biostatistics in Africa. She reveals how this often-overlooked field serves as the backbone of health research across the continent. Born in Nigeria, Dr Okechi is currently a lecture…
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Send us a text What happens when African scientists tackle our continent's most pressing challenges? The May 2025 edition of our News Roundup, the first release under this segment, majorly focuses on innovation in health. The first is an AI-powered, solar-powered device that diagnoses Malaria and dispenses medicine. We also talk about Ghana's Yamac…
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SN 3 EP 8: Celebrating African Science Communication in Our Own Words
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55:19In this episode, host Joy Owango is joined by co-host Anne Chisa for a special Africa Day episode featuring a powerhouse panel of science podcasters reshaping research communication across the continent. This inspiring conversation brings together Wealth Okete (the Immunology in Africa Podcast), Anita Makori (My Science Journey), and Wambui Mbichi …
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EP 158: The Role of African Podcasters in Science Communication
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53:28Send us a text On this Africa Day podcast, five African science communicators discuss their role in amplifying authentic African research voices. They explore how digital platforms are transforming science communication across the continent. From immunology and plant science to scholarly communication and mentorship platforms, these podcasters shar…
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EP 157: Bongiwe Mtshali, Turning Invasive Plant Species into Renewable Energy
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33:20Send us a text What if the invasive plants ravaging African agriculture could become part of the solution to our energy crisis? In this conversation, researcher Bongiwe Mtshali reveals her innovative work converting problematic alien plant species into valuable renewable energy resources. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod …
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SN 3 EP 7: Preserving African Knowledge Through Digital Libraries with Dr. Nkem Osuigwe
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47:48
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47:48In this episode, Dr. Nkem Osuigwe talks about her journey from a child in post-war Nigeria to an award-winning librarian. Dr. Osuigwe shares her work with the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) and as 2022's Wikimedian of the Year. The conversation explores pressing issues in African librarianship: preserving trad…
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EP 156: Dr. Rachel Mkandawire, the Woman Agricultural Scientist Reshaping Policy in Africa
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37:54
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37:54Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Rachel Mkandawire shares her journey from plant pathology to agricultural policy. With degrees in crop science, plant nematology, and a PhD in plant pathology, Rachel brings unique scientific insights to her work at the Food Agriculture Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN). She explains how her wor…
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EP 155: Prof Lee Fairlie, M72 Vaccine Trial in South Africa: A New Era in TB Treatment
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34:34
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34:34Send us a text Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, claiming approximately 3,400 lives daily. On this World TB Day episode, We speak with Professor Leigh Fairley, Director of Maternal and Child Health at Wits RHI and Associate Professor at the University of Witwatersrand, about groundbreaking research that could t…
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EP 154: Prof Kennedy Dzama, Rethinking Food Systems to Combat Hunger in Southern Africa
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30:39Send us a text Nearly 19 million children in Southern Africa face stunting, while over 40 million people experience food insecurity annually. What drives these alarming statistics and how can we address them effectively? Professor Kennedy Dzama, who leads the Southern Africa Food Lab at Stellenbosch University, offers profound insights into this cr…
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SN 3 EP 6: Advancing Reproducible Research Through Community-Led Initiatives with Emmanuel Boakye (AREN)
24:02
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24:02In this episode, Emmanuel Boakye, co-founder of the African Reproducibility Network (AREN), discusses the role of open science in Africa and the importance of research reproducibility. He shares how AREN is bridging gaps in research culture through grassroots advocacy, training programs, and policy engagement, while addressing challenges like insti…
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EP 153: Dr Charles Takalana, How Africa is Reclaiming Its Place in Global Astronomy
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32:46Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Charles Takalana, Deputy Director of the Office of Astronomy for Development and Interim Head of Secretariat for the African Astronomical Society, shares how Africa is advancing in the fields of space science and astronomy research. Dr. Takalana also highlights the society's work in building a strong astronomical…
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SN 3 EP 5: Leading Higher Education Reforms in Africa with Professor Nelson Ijumba
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49:31
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49:31In this episode ofMazungumzo - African Scholarly Conversations, Professor Nelson Ijumba shares his experience leading the restructuring of the University of Rwanda, merging seven institutions into one research-led university. He discusses the challenges of institutional change, faculty development, and internationalization, offering key insights fo…
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EP 152: Anne Chisa, Our Journey and Our Future in STEM Communication
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12:53Send us a text How did we transform from a single podcast into a dynamic media platform that is promoting African voices in STEM on the global stage? Join Anne Chisa, our Founding Director in this exclusive release of where we started and where we are going. Our commitment is to spark even bigger conversations, thanks to our incredible team and the…
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EP 151: Anne Chisa and Joy Owango, Amplifying Africans in STEM and African Research
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50:13Send us a text Ever wondered how African researchers are shaping the global scientific narrative? Today, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Root of the Science podcast with a special collaborative episode featuring Joy Owango, the founding director of TCC Africa. As we discuss the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach and the growing de…
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SN 3 EP 4: Exploring the Power of Podcasts and Digital Platforms for African Research Impact with Root of Science’s Anne Chisa
46:47
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46:47In this special collaboration episode, Joy Owango of Mazungumzo – African Scholarly Conversations and Anne Chisa of The Root of Science Podcast come together for a dynamic and insightful discussion. They explore how their platforms have grown into vital spaces for amplifying African research, highlighting the transformative power of science communi…
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EP 150: The Race Against Time: Progress, Challenges and the Road Ahead in the Fight against Malaria
56:57
56:57
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56:57Send us a text In our final episode this year, we spoke with Jenn Gardy (Deputy Director, Malaria Surveillance, Data & Epidemiology, Gates Foundation) and Susan Rumisha (Principal Research Scientist and Lead, Malaria Atlas Project, Dar Node), to unlock the secrets to eradicating malaria by 2030. They discuss the innovative approaches and daunting c…
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SN 3 EP 3: Advancing African Scholarly Publishing through Diamond Open Access with AJOL's Susan Murray
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43:53
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43:53In this episode, we sit down with Susan Murray, Executive Director of African Journals Online (AJOL), to explore the transformative power of no-fee publishing in reshaping the visibility and accessibility of African research. Susan shares her insights on the challenges and triumphs of building sustainable Diamond Open Access models, the importance …
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EP 149: Dorcas Jelagat Tuitoek exploring Industrial Decarbonization and Green Technologies as Climate Solutions
36:11
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36:11Send us a text What does it take for Africa to lead the charge in sustainable industrialization? Join us on this enlightening conversation with Dorcas Jelagat Tuitoek , a PhD student at the University of Oxford, whose research on industrial decarbonization in the steel industry is setting a new standard for green technology. Discover how Dorcas tra…
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EP 148: Sabine Mensah, The Role of Digital Public Infrastructure in Advancing Healthcare Services
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23:23Send us a text In this episode we discuss the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in healthcare with Sabine Mensah, the Deputy CEO of the AfricaNenda Foundation. Sabine shares her expert views on how DPI, with its vital components like digital identity and payment systems, is reshaping access to health services for governments, busines…
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SN 3 EP 2: Transforming Research Collaboration in the Arab and North African Regions with ASREN's Yousef Torman
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41:29In this episode, we welcome Yousef Torman, Managing Director of the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), to discuss how the organization is transforming research collaboration and advancing open science across the Arab and North African regions. From developing ICT infrastructure to fostering global partnerships, Yousef sheds light o…
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EP 147: Tabita Ntuli, Health Hacks for Her
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57:57Send us a text This is a thought-provoking conversation with Tabita Ntuli, a global health advocate with over a decade of experience in public health and community development. Tabita serves as an Equality and Rights for All Adviser for the UN Joint Program on AIDS (UNAIDS). In this episode, we dive into the sociocultural dynamics that influence se…
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EP 146: Dream Again, Celebrating the Future of African Women in STEM
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31:37Send us a text Earlier this year, The Dream Women In STEM Technovation Summit (June 26-28) brought together young women, leaders, and innovators from Dream Big Stay Humble and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) to tackle global challenges. Through the Technovation Challenge, high school learners were challenged to develop so…
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SN 3 EP 1: The Future of Research Assessment and Incentives in Africa with Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze (MakSPH)
44:54
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44:54In this episode, Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, Professor and Dean of the School of Public Health at Makerere University, discusses the evolving landscape of research assessment in Africa. The conversation highlights the need to rethink how research outputs are evaluated, focusing on societal impact rather than traditional academic metrics like publications a…
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EP 145: Neil Watkins unpacking 'The Goalkeepers Report: Tackling Global Malnutrition'
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34:46Send us a text In this episode, we are honored to have Neil Watkins, Deputy Director of Global Policy & Advocacy at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Neil discusses the recently released 2024 Goalkeepers Report on Tackling Global Malnutrition. Under this, he explores the malnutrition crisis affecting 400 million children, the role of climate c…
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SN 2 EP 12: Unlocking Research Visibility in the Global South with ORCID’S Lombe Tembo
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33:10
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33:10In this captivating finale of Season 2, the Mazungumzo-African Scholarly Conversations podcast welcomes Lombe Tembo, Grant Program Officer and Engagement Lead at ORCID. This episode delves into the critical intersection of scholarly communication, economic development, and research visibility in Africa. Lombe shares her journey from economics to ch…
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EP 144: Tamuda Chimhanda, Unmasking Online Scams
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35:27
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35:27Send us a text In this episode, we dive into a critical conversation with Tamuda Chimhanda, a Software Engineer at Dell Technologies and founder. Not only does he explore emerging technologies in Africa, but as a member of the Microsoft Council for Digital Civility, Tamuda fights online scams and educates the public on digital safety. Tune in and l…
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EP 143: Dr. Cornelia Ndifon, The HPV Vaccine and the Future of Women’s Health
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50:42
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50:42Send us a text Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively . Our conversation with Dr. Cornelia Ndifon, a Physician, Reproductive/Maternal & Child Health from Namibia is all about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. Dr. Cornelia explains the burden of cervica…
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S2 E11: Building Somalia's Scholarly Infrastructure Post- Civil Conflict with Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad and Eng. Ahmed Siyad
41:20
41:20
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41:20In this episode, we explore efforts to rebuild Somalia's scholarly landscape post-civil conflict. Eng. Ahmed Dahir Siyad from SomaliREN and Mr. Mohamud Mohamed Siad from the Somali Library Association (SLA) discuss challenges and progress in improving digital infrastructure, research access, and libraries. SomaliREN has connected 50 university camp…
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EP 142: Asante Chisa, Improving Healthcare through Innovation
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30:34Send us a text Solving our region’s biggest health challenges can only be achieved by innovative African-led solutions. And our guest today is Asante Chisa, a young health innovator and a BSc student in Biomedical Engineering from Malawi. Asante will talk about her passion for medical innovation, her love for interior design and her current project…
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EP 141: Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje, on Years of Service as a Polio Vaccine Champion in Nigeria
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16:51
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16:51Send us a text In this episode, we listen to the story of Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje from Nigeria. She talks about her involvement in polio eradication in Nigeria, her role in increasing polio vaccine access, building trust in the vaccine, and ultimately contributing to Nigeria's success in eradicating wild polio. Support the show Follow the show on: …
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SN 2 EP 10: Engendering Africa's Research Ecosystem- Dr. Dorothy Ngila's Vision for Inclusive Science
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42:32
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42:32This episode features a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and the ongoing quest for inclusive science in Africa. Dr. Dorothy Ngila, drawing from her unique "Afropolitan" experience, presents a roadmap for institutional reform in science and research. She unpacks the critical role of funding agencies in driving inclusivity, the power of …
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EP 140: Dr. Samuel Usman, on Key Polio Eradication Strategies in Nigeria
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45:24Send us a text In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Samuel Usman, explores the crucial engagement strategies employed by the CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) in Nigeria to eradicate polio, the role of traditional and religious leaders in vaccination campaigns and the essential involvement of women in the vaccination process. Support the s…
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EP 139: Dr. Samuel Usman, on Polio, The Polio Vaccine and Polio Eradication Challenges in Nigeria
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45:58
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45:58Send us a text This is the first episode in the polio eradication in Nigeria story series. Our guest, Dr. Samuel Usman will talk about the spread of polio, how it affects the body and how the polio vaccine works. He will also explain the challenges in Polio eradicaton in Nigeria and his personal experience in this field. Support the show Follow the…
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EP 138: Treezer Michelle Atieno, The Importance of Health and Science Communication
51:39
51:39
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51:39Send us a text Science communication, especially in health, is crucial for fostering informed and resilient communities in Africa, where public health challenges are prevalent. In our upcoming episode, Treezer Michelle Atieno, a health and science journalist from Kenya will be joining us. Treezer is also our show producer and will talk about her ex…
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EP 137: Nthabiseng Dhlamini, From Human Genetics to Sustainable Forestry
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26:27
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26:27Send us a text Can forests be the salvation for our planet's future? Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of genetics and sustainable forestry with our guest today, Nthabiseng Dhlamini, a Tree Breeder from South Africa. In our first ever video episode, we take a deep dive into the vital role forests play in our ecological balance and the …
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SN 2 EP 9: Data Stewardship, AI, and the Future of Health Research in Kenya with KEMRI's James Ngumo Kariuki
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37:53In this podcast episode, James Ngumo Kariuki, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), shares his perspectives on the critical role of data stewardship, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology in shaping the future of health research in Kenya. Mr. Ngumo emphasizes the need for evidence-informed policies, cou…
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Anne Chisa, Official Launch of Root of Science Media
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4:48Send us a text The Root of the Science Media is here! Yes! We have officially transitioned to multimedia science content production and dissemination. This episode is a celebration of our achievements and call to fellow African science communicators seeking a stage to showcase their passion. With a suite of new content formats — from newsletters to…
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SN 2 EP 8: Navigating South Africa's Open Science Landscape Through the Lens of Ina Smith and Susan Veldsman of ASSAf
40:12
40:12
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40:12This episode takes us through South Africa's journey towards embracing Open Science, a paradigm shift that aims to address societal challenges and promote research integrity. Ms. Ina Smith and Ms. Susan Veldsman, leading advocates at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF), share insights into the development of the draft National Open Scien…
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EP 136: Jenalea Rajab,Championing Linguistic Diversity and Inclusion in AI
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27:11Send us a text In today's episode, our guest Jenalea Rajab from Lelapa AI talks about her work in reshaping the landscape of natural language processing but and championing the cause of underrepresented languages. Jenalea's transition from the field of electrical engineering to AI innovation is as intriguing as it is inspiring, offering invaluable …
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SN 2 EP 7: A Visionary's View: Professor Peter Gatiti on Librarianship's Evolution
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33:23In this episode, Professor Gatiti shares profound insights into the essential role of librarians, showcasing their transformative power in managing and organizingdata effectively. As we gear up for the 26th SCESCAL 2024 Conference, hosted by the Kenya Library Association, Professor Gatiti's perspective couldn't be more timely. He advocates for the …
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EP 135: Aulan Lucrece Zahoundo, Quantum Computing and Quantum Machine Learning
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27:03
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27:03Send us a text Listen to the first episode of #AfricanWomenInAI Series with Aulan Lucrece Zahoundo, the Quantum AI expert from Benin. She gives us an exclusive look into her groundbreaking PhD work with the AIMS Institute at the University of Ghana Within the dynamic field where quantum computing meets machine learning, Aulan's story is one that br…
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SN 2 EP 6 : From Manuscripts to Community Empowerment with Nicholas Outa of Dala Integrated Aquaculture Hub
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49:12
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49:12In this episode, we embark on a journey with Nicholas Outa, a driving force behind research mentorship at TCC Africa. Beginning as an early career researcher, Nicholas's trajectory took an unexpected turn as he discovered a passion for mentorship and facilitation. We delve into how his hands-on training experiences shaped his evolution, propelling …
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EP 134: Tabitha Wangechi, Championing for a Harassment-Free Cyber Experience for Women
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34:29Send us a text In this episode, we are happy to have Tabitha Wangechi, a Digital Security Advocate from Kenya. She sheds light on the dark side of the internet where women are often targets to doxing, revenge pornography, and the barrage of digital harassment women face. Listen to this and more on the solutions available for digital harassment. Lin…
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SN 2 EP 5 : The Journey of Gender Mainstreaming in Higher Education with Prof. Flora Fabian-Mbatia
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47:05In this episode, we are honored to be joined by Professor Flora Fabian-Mbatia, the founding Vice Chancellor of Mwanza University in Tanzania. Prof. Fabian is a passionate mentor dedicated to shaping the future of early-career women in science. From her formative years, where her father's support defied societal norms, to her pioneering work in anat…
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EP 133: Asonele Kotu, Tackling Period Poverty and Empowering African Girls
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29:52
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29:52Send us a text Prepare to be moved by Asonele Kotu' s work is rewriting the narrative for young girls in Africa. Asonele Kotu from South Africa is the founder of Femconnect and a Social Impact Entrepreneur. She talks about period poverty, the transformative education Femconnect provides on menstruation and family planning and tackling the deep-root…
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EP 132: Johnmark Ochieng, A Storyteller's Guide to the Galaxy
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23:44Send us a text Our guest today is Johnmark Ochieng, a journalist and science communicator from Kenya. As a corporate communications officer at the Kenya Space Agency, he channels storytelling into his work, creating bridges between complex space science and the enchanting stories of the night sky. Join us on this intriguing conversation on how he m…
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SN 2 EP 4 : Pioneering Africa's Information Landscape with insights from Dr. Gracian Chimwaza of Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA)
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26:47
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26:47In this episode, Dr. Gracian Chimwaza, the founding director of the Information Training & Outreach Centre for Africa (ITOCA), narrates his 24-year journey in leading capacity development and research projects across African countries. He emphasizes the importance of addressing societal challenges through information and knowledge exchange. This ep…
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EP 131: Olaitan Owoyemi, Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Africa
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24:23Send us a text As we officially launch season 5 of the Root of the Science Podcast, we engage in a very interesting conversation with Olaitan Owoyemi from Nigeria. Oloitan is an expert in medical diagnostics and science communication. In this episode, he talks about some cutting-edge medical technologies and his transformative projects that are red…
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EP 130: Prof Tavneet Suri, Food Security and Climate Resilience using Microbial Fertilizers
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24:55Send us a text What is the potential of microbial fertilizers in enhancing food security and mitigating climate change effects in sub-Saharan Africa? Prof. Tavneet Suri, a Kenyan professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, discusses the concept of microbial fertilizers from production, application and potential challenges. Could they potential…
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SN 2 EP 3: A Symphony of Success- Professor Masanja's Unconventional Path from Arts to Academia
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49:10
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49:10In today's episode, we highlight the impact of women in STEM, featuring Professor Grace Verdiana Masanja. She is the first Tanzanian woman with a Ph.D. in mathematics and also holds the distinction of being the first black woman from sub-Saharan Africa enrolled in the Fluid Mechanics course at the Technical University of Berlin. Join Professor Masa…
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