PS Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak Visits European Southern Observatory in Munich, Strengthens Kenya’s Global Scientific Partnerships
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, PhD, EBS, visited the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Munich, Germany, in an engagement that provided an important opportunity to explore the future of scientific collaboration between Kenya, Africa and leading global research institutions.
The visit focused on strengthening partnerships in astronomy and space science, expanding opportunities for Kenyan researchers and young scientists, enhancing capacity building, and promoting knowledge and technology transfer. The discussions also highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration with international scientific institutions and organisations, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory, in advancing frontier research and innovation.
Prof. Shaukat emphasised the importance of ensuring that Africa is more deeply connected to global scientific infrastructure, research networks and knowledge systems—not only as a participant, but also as a contributor to discoveries and solutions that shape the future of humanity.
He noted that strengthening North–South and South–South partnerships, nurturing young scientific talent, and creating effective pathways from research to innovation and socio-economic impact will be critical as Kenya advances its development agenda beyond 2030.
The Principal Secretary further underscored the importance of strategic collaboration with institutions such as the Kenya Space Agency in strengthening Kenya’s capabilities in astronomy, space science and related emerging technologies.
“Science has no borders. The universe reminds us of our shared pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Through trusted partnerships and shared ambition, we can open new frontiers of knowledge and opportunity for Kenya and Africa,” Prof. Shaukat said.
During the visit, the Principal Secretary also met distinguished scientist and Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (2020), Professor Reinhard Genzel. Prof. Genzel is renowned for his pioneering work in astrophysics.
The interaction provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustained investment in basic science, world-class research infrastructure, international scientific collaboration and the development of the next generation of scientists.
For Kenya and Africa, such engagements reinforce the importance of building strong partnerships with leading global scientific institutions and connecting frontier research in areas such as astronomy, space science, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies with capacity building, innovation and long-term socio-economic transformation.
The engagement is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen international scientific cooperation, position science, technology and innovation at the centre of national development, and ensure that Kenyan researchers and young scientists have opportunities to participate in and contribute to global scientific advancement.
The visit focused on strengthening partnerships in astronomy and space science, expanding opportunities for Kenyan researchers and young scientists, enhancing capacity building, and promoting knowledge and technology transfer. The discussions also highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration with international scientific institutions and organisations, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory, in advancing frontier research and innovation.
Prof. Shaukat emphasised the importance of ensuring that Africa is more deeply connected to global scientific infrastructure, research networks and knowledge systems—not only as a participant, but also as a contributor to discoveries and solutions that shape the future of humanity.
He noted that strengthening North–South and South–South partnerships, nurturing young scientific talent, and creating effective pathways from research to innovation and socio-economic impact will be critical as Kenya advances its development agenda beyond 2030.
The Principal Secretary further underscored the importance of strategic collaboration with institutions such as the Kenya Space Agency in strengthening Kenya’s capabilities in astronomy, space science and related emerging technologies.
“Science has no borders. The universe reminds us of our shared pursuit of knowledge and discovery. Through trusted partnerships and shared ambition, we can open new frontiers of knowledge and opportunity for Kenya and Africa,” Prof. Shaukat said.
During the visit, the Principal Secretary also met distinguished scientist and Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (2020), Professor Reinhard Genzel. Prof. Genzel is renowned for his pioneering work in astrophysics.
The interaction provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of sustained investment in basic science, world-class research infrastructure, international scientific collaboration and the development of the next generation of scientists.
For Kenya and Africa, such engagements reinforce the importance of building strong partnerships with leading global scientific institutions and connecting frontier research in areas such as astronomy, space science, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies with capacity building, innovation and long-term socio-economic transformation.
The engagement is part of Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen international scientific cooperation, position science, technology and innovation at the centre of national development, and ensure that Kenyan researchers and young scientists have opportunities to participate in and contribute to global scientific advancement.