UoN Hosts Transformative PhD Research Workshop

Vice-Chancellor’s Commitment

The Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Division, in collaboration with the Advancement Office, convened a four-day grant writing workshop at the University of Nairobi Towers on the Main Campus.  The workshop, which kicked off on Tuesday 3 February 2026, was officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor (Ag.), Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, signaling the university’s strategic investment in PhD education and research excellence.

Addressing workshop participants, the Vice-Chancellor said university research played a pivotal role in development by offering solutions to problems identified under frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and Vision 2030. The VC challenged researchers to leverage technology, strategic partnerships, and interdisciplinary approaches to remain relevant in a fast-paced global research arena.  Reiterating that doctoral research was Africa’s engine of change, the VC called for greater investment in early career researchers and doctoral students. “I am challenging us to see how we can mainstream the issues of Artificial Intelligence because we cannot wish it away… we have work to do to ensure that everybody who goes to class is anchored on a strong research culture”,  said the VC.   

The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), Prof. Leonidah Kerubo, called for collaboration with all the relevant internal players on matters research. “The success of our research and innovation agenda depends on cooperation, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to improving how we support our researchers and doctoral candidates”, said Prof. Kerubo. “This workshop has therefore been deliberately designed as an opportunity to clarify roles, strengthen coordination, and align our efforts across research, innovation, and support functions”, she said.

The DVC, Academic Affairs, Prof. Ayub Gitau, said the doctoral programme was a key component of the functions of the academic Division and challenged participants to reflect on the quality of their publications.

The Director of Research and Enterprise, Prof. Thomas Ochuku, and the Director of University Advancement, Prof. George Abong oversaw the smooth running of the training programme. The successful workshop attracted an active audience of physical and online participants who engaged the facilitators on critical issues along the research pipeline.

The workshop was also attended by Faculty Deans and Associate Deans, Directors, Chairs of Departments, and PhD supervisors. All the facilitators were drawn from the University of Nairobi.

Highlights of the Workshop

Over four days, participants engaged in discussions on:

• Grant Writing and Funding Navigation:
• Research Ethics and Integrity
• Innovation and Commercialisation
• Collaboration and Networking

Candidates were encouraged to transition from students to world-leading scholars by:

• Crafting research identity statements
• Maintaining active profiles on platforms like ORCID, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn
• Defining clear thematic niches and long-term research visions

From Research to Market Impact

Through the Innovation Safari and sensitisation by the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO), PhD candidates were encouraged to explore opportunities for translating research into policy briefs and developing practical solutions such as spinouts like PERA Foods and post-harvest coolers. The workshop emphasised IP protection through IPMO before sharing ideas externally.

A Vision for Research Excellence

By strengthening PhD capacity, supporting early-career researchers, and fostering ethical and innovative research, the university continues to position itself as a global centre of research excellence.

To read more on the PhD Grant Writing Workshop click here  ,

To view photos, click here