FOSTER Project

Garissa University Embraces Open Science Transformation Through the FOSTER Project

Garissa University is proud to announce its active participation in the Erasmus+ funded FOSTER project (Fostering Digital Transformation of Science in Kenya and Tanzania), a landmark initiative aimed at advancing Open Science and Citizen Science practices in higher education across Kenya and Tanzania.

About the FOSTER Project
The FOSTER project, coordinated by Daystar University (Kenya) and supported by a consortium of nine institutions from Kenya, Tanzania, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Spain, seeks to build a more inclusive, collaborative, and responsible scientific ecosystem. By embedding Open Science principles—such as open access, data sharing, and public engagement—into academic and research frameworks, FOSTER aims to strengthen the role of universities as catalysts for socio-economic development.

Strategic Objectives (SOs)

SO1: To promote Open Science culture and to build national and university consensus of the key-actors in each PC, by Month 36

SO2: To enhance university transition for sustainable Open Science practices in each PC, by Month 21

SO3: To advance university Open Science infrastructure in each PC, by Month 21.

SO4: To embed Open Science in university policies and to advance national regulatory framework in each PC, by Month 36.

SO5: To foster Citizen Science initiatives in each PC, by Month 36:

Garissa University’s Engagement
As a key partner in the project, Garissa University has been at the forefront of capacity-building and institutional transformation. University staff participated in three pivotal international study visits that form the core of FOSTER’s hands-on learning strategy:

• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands (June 2025): The first Capacity Building Workshop introduced Garissa delegates to the UNESCO Open Science framework, citizen participation models, and the Science Shop 2.0 approach, fostering practical skills in community-based research.
• Slovenia (October 2025): In partnership with the International School for Social and Business Studies (ISSBS), staff engaged in sessions on Open Science policy development, national repository systems, and digital transformation strategies across multiple institutions in Ljubljana, Celje, and Koper.

• University of Zaragoza, Spain (October 2025): Workshops focused on citizen science, open data infrastructure, and real-world application of open science strategies, including field visits and collaborative planning sessions.

These visits have provided Garissa University with direct exposure to global best practices, strengthened international partnerships, and equipped participants with actionable insights for integrating Open Science into teaching, research, and community engagement.

Key Achievements
Through FOSTER, Garissa University has:

• Self assessed its readiness to open science including skills gaps
• Created a road map to enhanced staff and postgraduate training on Open Science principles and data management.
• Initiated the development of institutional Open Science policies and infrastructure plans.
• Strengthened partnerships with European universities and local stakeholders to co-create inclusive research agendas.
• Laid the groundwork for establishing Open Science Hubs and Science Shop 2.0 models to foster community-driven research.

Looking Ahead
Garissa University is committed to sustaining the momentum generated by FOSTER. Planned activities include:

• Integrating Open Science modules into formal and informal curricula.
• Developing institutional repositories and data-sharing platforms.
• Promoting citizen science initiatives that involve local communities in research processes.
• Hosting national and regional Open Science forums to amplify dialogue and adoption.

Quote from Leadership
Professor Ahmed Warfa, Vice Chancellor of Garissa University, stated:

“FOSTER project is a chance for Garissa University to lead by example in Open Science. By being open, inclusive, and working together, we can make our research matter more to our students, our community, and our country’s future.”

Join the Movement
Garissa University invites students, researchers, and community members to engage with the FOSTER initiative. Together, we can build a future where knowledge is accessible, research is participatory, and science serves everyone.

For more information, visit:
FOSTER Project website]

Contact:
Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance, Administration and Planning
Garissa University
Email: dvc.fap@gau.ac.ke or foster@gau.ac.ke

*This press release is published as part of the dissemination activities under the FOSTER project (Project No. 101178078), co-funded by the European Union.*