July 2025 marked a significant milestone for AKU-ACER as it welcomed its first-ever undergraduate interns, Didar Ali and Banafsha Saeed, from AKU's Karachi Campus. This pioneering programme underscores AKU-ACER's commitment to nurturing future research leaders and strengthening connections across the University's global network.
Didar and Banafsha, students from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, were inspired to join AKU-ACER after attending lectures by Miriam Kugele, who highlighted her collaborations with the Centre. During their internship, they actively contributed to ongoing research projects, pursued their individual academic interests, and immersed themselves in local communities. A highlight for both was a visit to a Maasai village, accompanied by a Maasai elder and lecturer. This unique experience offered invaluable insights into indigenous knowledge systems, deeply enriching their understanding of community-led initiatives.
Banafsha reflected on how the internship deepened her appreciation for locally grounded research's power to transcend academia, fostering resilience and strengthening community ties. Didar was particularly moved by his conversation with Alais Morindat, a respected Maasai elder, who adeptly bridges scientific and traditional knowledge for the benefit of his community. The interns have already published three blogs based on their experiences and will continue to contribute to AKU-ACER's research projects from Karachi – you can read them here.
Beyond the internship programme, AKU-ACER continues to expand its collaborative efforts. Professor Emmanuel Sulle, Director, AKU-ACER, successfully defended the third phase of "Future Rural Africa," an interdisciplinary research collaboration with the Universities of Cologne and Bonn, with funding decisions expected in November 2025.
The AKU-ACER team is also actively preparing for two major upcoming conferences. They are co-hosting the 5 University Consortium Conference (5UCC) from September 30 to October 2, 2025, in Morogoro, Tanzania. Themed “Beyond Survival: Building Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Societies," this conference promises to be a vital platform for discussion. Additionally, AKU-ACER, in partnership with the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), will co-host a symposium on “Ecological Innovation for Urban Futures" as part of the 15th TAWIRI International Scientific Conference in December 2025.
