The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities have unveiled a new Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE) dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation and ecological research across Eastern Africa.
The newly established CoRE in Integrative Conservation Biology Research and Training aims to respond to urgent calls from more than 200 African and European researchers to protect the region’s threatened ecosystems amid climate change, while supporting the needs and livelihoods of local communities.
At the core of the initiative is a plan to strengthen conservation research through cutting-edge digital tools and ecological science. The programme will develop new undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in fields such as remote sensing, ecological modelling, R-programming, and biodiversity digital twins, equipping the next generation of African scientists with data-driven skills critical for environmental monitoring, climate adaptation, and ecosystem management.
Designed as a multidisciplinary hub, the CoRE will integrate natural sciences, technology, and social research to ensure that conservation strategies are ecologically sound and socially inclusive, reflecting the region’s economic and community realities.
Professor John Gyapong, Secretary-General of ARUA, said the launch demonstrates a deepening commitment to equitable and impactful scientific collaboration.
“The Africa–Europe CoRE in Integrative Conservation Biology reaffirms our dedication to advancing interdisciplinary science and strengthening partnerships that protect Africa’s biodiversity amid climate change,” he noted.
Professor Jan Palmowski, Secretary-General of The Guild, emphasised the urgency of the research effort given the growing threats to the region’s ecosystems.
“The biodiversity of the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot and East African savanna is unique and deeply endangered. Researchers across continents must pool their expertise to develop solutions that safeguard the environment, strengthen economies, and ensure sustainable futures,” he said.
The initiative aligns with the Green Transition pillar of the Africa–EU Innovation Agenda, the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, while directly contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, life on land, and global partnerships.
The new cluster represents the latest addition to the Africa–Europe CoRE network, expanding the platform to 22 research clusters involving more than 120 institutions across 44 countries. Each CoRE operates under a 10-year strategy designed to advance education, innovation, and knowledge exchange in addressing pressing global challenges.
With this launch, ARUA and The Guild reinforce their commitment to building equitable, long-term research collaborations that empower African institutions and strengthen global conservation science.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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