On Friday, 9th May 2025, Moi University (Kenya) and the University of Bremen (Germany) officially launched the AIR4LIFE project under the Erasmus+ KA171 programme. The virtual event marked the beginning of a transformative collaboration focused on applying Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle air pollution one of the most pressing environmental health challenges globally.
Funded by the European Union, the AIR4LIFE initiative promotes staff and student mobility between the two institutions through the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility scheme (KA171).
The project is scheduled to run until July 2027, with an option of a one-year extension. It is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance research capacity and empower young scholars to engage in cutting-edge innovation.
The launch ceremony brought together faculty, international officers and researchers from both institutions. Representing the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research, Extension and Student Affairs), Prof. Khaemba Ongeti, was Prof. Lumala Masibo, Director of the Institute of Open and Distance Learning (IODL) at Moi University. Prof. Masibo hailed the AIR4LIFE initiative as a timely and strategic step towards building institutional resilience and student-centered innovation. “This project demonstrates the power of global partnerships in solving real-world challenges while strengthening the academic environment at Moi University,” he remarked.
Dr. Marejke Baethge-Assenkamp, Director of the International Office at the University of Bremen, reaffirmed Bremen’s commitment to international collaboration. She noted the importance of integrating global perspectives in research and teaching, emphasizing that AIR4LIFE aligns perfectly with the university’s vision for sustainable and inclusive science.
Ms. Barbara Hasenmüller, Erasmus University Coordinator and Deputy Head of EU Education Programmes, commended the project team for leveraging Erasmus+ funding to promote academic mobility and environmental sustainability. “AIR4LIFE is an outstanding example of what Erasmus+ KA171 aims to achieve equitable exchange, capacity development and research that benefits society at large,” she said.
The AIR4LIFE project is led by Prof. Dr. Anna Förster, Professor and Director of the Spatial Cognition Center and Sustainable Communication Networks at the University of Bremen. Her leadership ensures the technical rigor of the project, which focuses on designing IoT and AI-based systems for personal and community air quality monitoring.
At Moi University, Prof. Ambrose Kiprop, the AIR4LIFE Project Coordinator and Director of Resource Mobilization, Enterprise Development and Institutional Advancement (RMEDIA), reiterated the university’s strong support for the project. He highlighted the strategic importance of integrating environmental research with international mobility to prepare students for global careers.
Dr. Gibson Kimutai, who serves as the Research Coordinator for AIR4LIFE, outlined the upcoming activities, including the inaugural student internship program at the University of Bremen. The first batch of two Moi University students is planned and will be selected to participate in this fully funded exchange, where they will engage in practical research on air pollution monitoring using AI and IoT technologies.
Planned Activities under AIR4LIFE:
1. Student and Staff Mobility: Facilitating academic exchange between Moi University and the University of Bremen.
2. Mentoring: Academic and professional mentorship by experienced faculty and researchers.
3. Participation in Academic Events: Engagement in joint seminars, workshops and international conferences to enhance exposure and collaboration.
The AIR4LIFE project offers exciting opportunities for cross-disciplinary research, joint publications and real-world impact. The launch event concluded with a shared commitment from both institutions to deepen collaboration and build a community of researchers equipped to address global environmental and health challenges.