The Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences’ two-week intensive workshop is underway. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua presided over the opening ceremony on Monday. The theme of the workshop is: “Methodological School on Density Functional Theory.” It is a collaborative initiative organised under the International Centre for Theoretical Physics - Physics Without Frontiers (ICTP-PWF).

The workshop is aimed at equipping students with rigorous methodological training in condensed matter physics while equipping participants with advanced theoretical insights into Density Functional Theory (DFT), which is a crucial computational method for determining the structural and interactive properties of atoms, molecules, and crystalline materials.

The workshop has brought together 17 postgraduate participants, comprising 10 from Kenyan universities, both MSc and PhD students and seven from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics – East African Institute for Fundamental Research (ICTP-EAIFR). These include students from Peru, Nigeria, Uganda, Egypt, Syria, and Rwanda.

The launch was attended by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Prof. Francis Gatheri, Acting Department Chair Dr. Robert Onyancha, local coordinators led by Prof. George Amolo. A number of invited international experts will virtually address the participants.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Mutua commended the Department for the successful realisation of the long-anticipated workshop. He praised the participants for their successful admission through a competitive selection process and encouraged them to make the most of the training opportunity.

Highlighting the significance of physics as a discipline, Prof. Mutua remarked, “Physics is a gateway to numerous paths in life, as it blends statistical reasoning and mathematical logic.”

He further urged the participants to immerse themselves fully in the learning experience and to enjoy their time in Kenya. “At TU-K, we value not just theory but practical application,” he asserted, noting the University’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. “If you don’t change with the times, the times will change you.”

He expressed appreciation for the international scholars’ presence and encouraged them to disseminate the knowledge gained upon their return to their respective countries.

Prof. Gatheri echoed the Vice-Chancellor’s sentiments, lauding the participants for pursuing physics, a discipline often viewed as demanding due to its heavy reliance on mathematical computation. He emphasised that physics nurtures analytical thinking and fosters the capacity to solve complex real-world challenges. Encouraging resilience and dedication, he affirmed that mastery of such a rigorous field lays the groundwork for meaningful contributions to scientific innovation and technological development.