Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) hosted the 2nd International Conference on Mathematics and Physical Sciences, bringing together researchers, academics, industry experts, and postgraduate students to explore emerging scientific discoveries, foster collaboration, and explore innovative solutions to global challenges through mathematics and the physical sciences.
The conference featured discussions and presentations across a wide range of disciplines, including chemistry, actuarial science, pure and applied mathematics, physics, statistics, and other related fields, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Organized by the College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS) through the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (SMPS), supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, KAPS Limited, and Fusion Estates, the conference seeks to foster collaborative research, strengthen partnerships among academia, industry and policymakers.
The conference aims to promote innovation in science and technology by providing a platform for researchers from East Africa and beyond to share findings that address contemporary challenges. It is held under the theme, “Nurturing Mathematical and Applied Sciences: Integrating Science, Data and Innovation for Sustainable Development.”
Held from July 9–10, 2026, the event also featured parallel technical sessions, where participants attended presentations by local and international researchers on diverse scientific topics. The sessions saw scholarly discussions, knowledge exchange while calling for cross-disciplinary research.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Robert Kinyua, reaffirmed JKUAT’s commitment to advancing excellence in research, innovation, and scientific collaboration.
Prof. Kinyua noted that the University will continue to strengthen partnerships and provide platforms that enable researchers to share knowledge, address emerging global challenges, and contribute to sustainable development through science and technology.
“This conference is a key platform for fostering scientific collaboration, promoting innovation, and advancing research that addresses the challenges facing our society. It also reaffirms JKUAT’s commitment to excellence in research, knowledge generation, and the application of science and technology for sustainable development,” said Prof. Kinyua.
He observed that although collaboration between academia and industry has grown over the years, a gap still exists. He urged researchers to leverage the conference to generate impactful research and develop practical, evidence-based solutions that respond to industry needs while contributing to national and global development.
COPAS Principal, Prof. George Thiong’o, noted that the conference, last held in July 2025, reflects JKUAT’s growing commitment to advancing research and fostering collaboration among scientists, researchers, industry stakeholders, and academia.
“As a college, we are keen to play our part by providing fora for the exchange of ideas, dissemination of research findings, and the development of partnerships that support the University’s pursuit of knowledge generation that addresses societal and industrial needs,” averred Prof. Thiong’o.
Delivering keynote address on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data, Dr. Oliver Angelil emphasized the transformative role of emerging technologies in advancing scientific research and innovation to solve complex challenges, enhance decision-making and accelerate scientific discovery across disciplines.
The two-day conference is expected to strengthen partnerships among researchers, industry players, policymakers, and academic institutions while fostering multi-disciplinary research that translates scientific knowledge into practical and meaningful solutions for societal challenges.
