On 5 August 2026, the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nairobi, recently hosted a delegation from the University of Jinan, Shandong Province, China, to explore opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchange, and capacity building in engineering and materials science.

The discussions were led by Dr. Jean Jacques and Prof. Jao Pichi, a Shandong Professor and Distinguished Scholar at the University of Jinan. Prof. Jao is an internationally recognised researcher who has received two prestigious awards in China. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers and holds over 20 innovation patents, reflecting his significant contribution to research and technological innovation.

About the University of Jinan

During the meeting, the delegation provided an overview of the University of Jinan, which is located in Jinan, the capital city of Shandong Province. The province is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, including Mount Tai, the Yellow River, and as the birthplace of Confucius.

Established in 1948, the University of Jinan introduced its Master's programmes in 1978 and has since grown into a comprehensive institution covering all 41 major academic disciplines through its 23 schools. The University is particularly recognised for its strengths in Chemistry and Materials Science, and has established partnerships with 121 universities in more than 40 countries worldwide.

World-Class Research Facilities

The delegation also highlighted the University's Key Laboratory, established in 2009 as an independent research institution specialising in:

• Cement-based functional materials;
• Structural health monitoring; and
• Advanced construction materials research.

The laboratory has attracted numerous competitive research grants and provides state-of-the-art facilities that support cutting-edge research and postgraduate training.

Opportunities for Collaborative Research

Several areas were identified as having significant potential for future collaboration between the two universities, including:

• Low-carbon cement technologies;
• Ecological building materials;
• Composite building materials;
• Functional building materials; and
• Intelligent sensing materials.

These research themes align closely with the University of Nairobi's strategic focus on sustainable infrastructure, climate-resilient construction, and advanced engineering materials.

Student and Staff Mobility

A key highlight of the discussions was the University's commitment to supporting international student and staff exchange programmes.

The delegation explained that Master's students participating in exchange programmes would only be required to cover the cost of their airfare, with all other expenses in China being catered for by the host institution.

For PhD students, the support is even more comprehensive, with airfare, accommodation, and medical insurance fully funded by the Chinese side.

The University of Jinan also indicated that it has multiple funding mechanisms available to support collaborative research projects and encouraged the establishment of formal partnerships to facilitate future funding opportunities.

In response, Prof. Silvester Abuodha sought clarification on transport and accommodation arrangements for both student and staff mobility, underscoring the Faculty's commitment to ensuring accessible international opportunities for University of Nairobi scholars.

Immediate Research Collaboration

The delegation noted that collaborative laboratory activities could commence immediately once institutional arrangements are in place. They expressed their willingness to host University of Nairobi students and researchers in their laboratories for specialised training and joint research projects.

The collaboration is expected to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen research capacity, and facilitate the development of joint publications and externally funded research proposals.

Joint Training for Industry

Beyond academic collaboration, the discussions also explored opportunities for joint training of industry personnel.

The University of Jinan expressed interest in inviting University of Nairobi staff to support the training of Chinese technical personnel, particularly those involved in construction projects across Africa. Conversely, University of Nairobi students and researchers would benefit from specialised laboratory training and exposure to advanced materials testing techniques in China.

This two-way exchange is expected to strengthen professional skills, foster international collaboration, and enhance the transfer of knowledge between academia and industry.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to formalising the partnership and developing collaborative programmes in research, postgraduate training, staff and student mobility, and industry engagement.

The proposed collaboration represents an important opportunity for the University of Nairobi to expand its international research network while advancing innovation in sustainable construction materials, infrastructure resilience, and engineering education.