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Alumni Workshop to celebrate and show case achievements of the Rothamsted international-African Fellows Programme

Eighteen Alumni from the AFP scheme gave presentations at a workshop in Cape Town in October 2009. The high scientific quality of AFP projects was highlighted by the Panel, Gatsby and the African scientific organisations. The Programme was commended by African partner organisations as good for building African capacity.  European partners emphasised that applications are straightforward and funding comes through quickly, allowing placements to begin within a relatively short time frame. The Fellows have found opportunities to publish in high impact journals that may not otherwise be possible, which directly helps in capacity building through contacts and networking. Many expressed the fact that recognition had been received in the form of promotion or awards. The close relationship cultivated between Rothamsted International, the host Institute partners and the Fellows, in addition to the flexibility of the RI-AFP programme, with the focus being to ensure a successful outcome, were particularly highlighted as being crucial in the scheme.
Workshop group photo

Appeal coordinated by Rothamsted International: funds to send an analytical machine to scientist working to combat arsenic poisoning in Bangladesh

As many as 50 million people in Bangladesh and West Bengal are affected by arsenic pollution, a naturally occurring problem exacerbated by a growth in modern shallow tube wells extracting contaminated water. The water is detected in rice and can lead to cancers. Rothamsted International made a plea in the local press which helped raise the £855 needed to send a vital piece of equipment to scientists working in the region. Urgent research is being carried out by Dr Rafiq Islam of Bangladesh Agricultural University. He required an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to analyse his own samples - currently being shipped to Rothamsted for analysis. The machine bought new costs ~ £25,000 but Rothamsted scientist Steve McGrath and his team had a machine they were willing to donate.
Atomic AbsoLady at well, Bari, Bangladesh Atomic Absorption Spectrometer Dr Raffiqul Islam, Bangladesh

 

For more information of the work of Steve McGrath and is team on arsenic pollution in Bangladesh and other work see his RES web page.

~ Herald & Post Luton April & BBC Look East June 11th 2008

 


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