Where science meets impact - growing the SLU–icipe partnership

How would you describe the collaboration between icipe and SLU today?

–We are discovering that there are many opportunities for us to do a lot more than we are at the moment.

Are there any joint projects with SLU that you are particularly excited about?

–I believe that the Sustainable aquatic feeds for resilient aquatic food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (FASA) project on fish feed meal is exemplary of the kind of collaboration we could expand on. It demonstrates how science can be effectively linked to practical applications that address economic constraints while also preserving our environment and future.

Are there plans on deepen the collaboration in areas like One Health, sustainable food systems or insect-based innovations?

–One Health is as an all-encompassing approach to addressing health challenges in a way that impacts positively our food systems, and the role of insect-based science and innovation can be deepened by a vigorous collaboration between SLU and icipe.

From your perspective, what does SLU bring to the partnership that makes a difference?

–Advanced technology is the key for uncovering and addressing the complexity of biological systems, while presence on the ground are the avenues for deploying the knowledge and solutions derived from the discoveries. SLU has more of the former while icipe has more of the latter. 

You have spent the day at SLU – what stood out the most, either professionally or personally?

–Beyond and behind the science are people and their predisposition to working together, and it appeared that teams from either side saw the opportunity and were determined to pursue them.

Thank you for taking the time!

Read an article about the visit here.