On 8 January 2025, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) hosted Prof. Chris Pearce and his delegation from the University of Glasgow for discussions aimed at strengthening academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.

During the meeting, NM-AIST Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula, highlighted key potential areas for collaboration to enhance joint research and innovation programmes, as well as staff and student exchange initiatives. He identified priority areas including biodiversity and ecosystem management, emerging digital technologies, and bioprospecting and natural products.

Prof. Kipanyula also acknowledged the success of previous collaborations between NM-AIST and the University of Glasgow, noting their positive impact on research development and capacity building.

In response, Prof. Chris Pearce expressed the University of Glasgow’s commitment to deepening collaboration through joint participation in large-scale research projects, innovative approaches to securing research funding, and creating more opportunities for sustained cooperation between the two institutions.