In October 2017, GYA member Mirabbos Hojamberdiev (Uzbekistan) visited the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology as well as the “Blue Sky” Primary School located in Arusha, Tanzania, as part of the GYA Young Scientist Ambassador Programme. He was in the country to collect water samples from Maji Ya Chai River under the Elsevier Foundation – TWAS Sustainability Visiting Expert Programme.
At the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Mirabbos listened to young scientists present their research on water purification, discussed local drinking water provision with them, and introduced his own research on photodegradation of organic pollutants over synthetic oxide and non-oxide inorganic materials under visible light. He also initiated a research collaboration between his research institute in Uzbekistan and the host institute in Tanzania. He also introduced the Global Young Academy and its mission to the young scientists.
At “Blue Sky” Primary School located in Arusha, Tanzania, Mirabbos talked about how he became a scientist and why the world needs scientists, and his own research work on photodegradation of organic pollutants over synthetic oxide and non-oxide inorganic materials under visible light. He strongly encouraged and motivated young minds to be involved in science to solve local and global issues related to energy, the environment, health, food, education, poverty, etc. He also explained the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the role of Chemical Sciences in reaching these goals, particularly Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
See here for a detailed mission report.