Our Don, Dr. Frank Masese, Honoured during the Inaugural National Outstanding Research Awards (NORA) by NRF during the Kenya National Research Festival 2024: Celebrating Academic Excellence and Collaboration

The University of Eldoret celebrates the recognition of Dr. Frank Masese during the inaugural National Outstanding Research Awards (NORA) organized by National Research Fund (NRF) during the Kenya National Research Festival 2024 held on 23^rd August 2024. 

The award is a special recognition for Young Researchers under the Category of Physical Sciences, Technology and Innovation. This prestigious recognition is a testament not only to Dr. Masese’s work but also to the unwavering support of our university and its leadership. The NORA Award holds significant importance for researchers like myself, as it shines a spotlight on the vital role research plays in addressing societal challenges and advancing knowledge. More importantly, it highlights the university's commitment to supporting innovative research and providing a platform for academicians to grow and make meaningful contributions.

In expressing his appreciation Dr. Masese said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, whose nomination was pivotal in my achievement. This award underscores the importance of research within our institution and highlights the university's dedication to fostering a vibrant academic community”.
While this recognition is undoubtedly a great honor, it is essential to reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by researchers in our country. One of the most pressing issues encountered is the lack of consistent and adequate funding. Despite the NRF's commendable efforts, many researchers face difficulties securing sufficient financial support for their research. Government funding through the NRF, while valuable, is often limited, hindering the full potential of research across various fields. This challenge affects not only the scope and depth of our research but also the ability to access cutting-edge facilities that are essential for advancing our work.

Access to advanced research facilities and technologies remains another critical barrier. Many researchers, particularly in underfunded fields, struggle to utilize the latest technologies due to limited availability or the high costs of accessing them. This can stall innovation and reduce the global competitiveness of our research. Enhancing investment in research infrastructure would empower more researchers to explore new frontiers and contribute to the global body of knowledge.
Another area that requires attention is the dissemination of research findings. Too often, groundbreaking research remains confined to academic circles, with limited impact on broader society. Increasing the visibility of our work through various platforms such as social media, policy briefs, and public engagement activities—can help bridge this gap. Social media, in particular, offers a powerful tool to share our findings with a global audience, foster discussions, and translate research into real-world applications. Additionally, policy briefs can help communicate research outcomes to policymakers, ensuring that our work informs decision-making processes at the highest levels.

Dr. Masese said, “Despite the challenges, there is an enormous opportunity for us to strengthen our research outputs through collaboration. I encourage my colleagues to seek out partnerships both within and beyond our institution. Collaborations across disciplines and with international partners can not only expand our research capabilities but also open up new avenues for funding and innovation. Working together can also help overcome some of the barriers we face, such as limited access to resources, by pooling expertise and sharing facilities”.

“In conclusion, I am both humbled and excited by the recognition from the NRF Awards. This achievement is not just mine; it reflects the collective strength of our university and the dedication of all who contribute to advancing research. I take this time to thank my mentors and teachers, collaborators, fellow researchers at UoE, and my postgraduate students for their contribution. Let us continue to push forward, support one another, and ensure that our work benefits both academia and society at large”.

Congratulations Dr. Masese!!!