Strengthening collaborations for sustainable agriculture
Delegation to the Swiss Ambassador's Residence where Prof. Carrara with academicians and industry players . © 2025 EPFL
At a joint seminar organized by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and EPFL, Prof. Sandro Carrara presented advances in biosensors applied to smart agriculture.
The event, held on November 28, 2025, aimed to deepen scientific dialogue, strengthen research collaboration, and explore innovative technologies in the field of biosensors to support the future of precision agriculture.
Prof. Carrara highlighted the growing role of biosensors in improving the precision, sustainability, and resilience of agricultural systems. He emphasized the importance of a truly interdisciplinary approach—combining biology, chemistry, electronics, and artificial intelligence—to develop sensors capable of providing reliable data in real time.
He also drew attention to sustainability issues related to the materials used in sensors, which are often made from non-recyclable plastics. In this regard, he presented the work of Maurine Andanje, a PhD student at JKUAT and member of the first cohort of the EXAF–100 PhDs for Africa program, which he co-supervises.
Maurine's research focuses on reducing pollution through the reuse of biosensor components, inks, and other materials, a key issue for the sustainability of emerging agricultural technologies. This collaboration perfectly illustrates the objective of the 100 PhDs for Africa program: to support cutting-edge research while building bridges between African and Swiss institutions.
The seminar also provided participants with an opportunity to learn about academic and research opportunities in Switzerland, including scholarships and exchange programs offered by Excellence in Africa. These moments of dialogue reflect a shared desire to strengthen scientific capabilities and jointly develop innovative solutions to global agricultural challenges.
The seminar also provided participants with an opportunity to discover academic and research opportunities in Switzerland, including scholarships and exchange programs offered by Excellence in Africa. These moments of dialogue demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthening scientific capabilities and co-developing innovative solutions to global agricultural challenges.
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