Arusha, Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada has initiated a groundbreaking field school program at Aga Khan University’s Arusha Climate and Environmental Research Centre (AKU-ACER) in Tanzania. This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing educational and practical experiences in environmental research.

According to The Aga Khan University, this inaugural program, part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2022 between SFU and AKU, involves 12 SFU students who will spend a month at AKU-ACER. The students will engage in a ‘living laboratory’ environment, gaining hands-on experience and exploring interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues, linking historical and contemporary human-environment interactions.

The partnership also extends to local Tanzanian institutions like the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), enriching the program with diverse perspectives and expertise.

SFU President Joy Johnson is set to lead a delegation to AKU campuses in Tanzania and Kenya, aiming to solidify university priorities and international collaborations on global challenges such as health and climate change. Alongside AKU President Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Johnson will formalize partnerships with Tanzanian institutions, drawing on local knowledge and expertise.

The delegation’s visit will include engagement with key researchers at AKU-ACER and exploration of new joint research opportunities, as well as interactions with the participating SFU students.

This collaboration is seen as a significant opportunity for impactful environmental research, with potential benefits across various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, environment, and climate action. The partnership aligns with each institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability, including SFU’s Strategic Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and the Aga Khan Development Network’s Environmental Framework.

AKU-ACER, situated on ecologically significant land, serves as a vital research site for environmental science. The Community Outreach Centre within AKU-ACER has already made substantial contributions to the local community, empowering over 28,000 people with skills in business, farming, and overall quality of life enhancement.