2026 African School of Fundamental physics (2026ASP)

Host: African School of Physics (ASP 2026)
Venue: University of Nairobi, Kenya
Dates: 5th to 19th July 2026
Policy Forum: 10th July 2026
Parallel outreach (Week 1): High School Teachers Outreach at CEMESTEA, and High School
Students Outreach in five selected schools across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos

Department of Physics at the University of Nairobi to Host the 9th African School of Physics (ASP 2026)

NAIROBI, KENYA — The Department of Physics at the University of Nairobi will officially host the 9th biennial African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP 2026) from 5 to 19 July 2026. This flagship two-week program marks a major milestone for the region, bringing together top graduate students, early-career researchers, and leading international scientists to build Africa’s scientific capacity and spark next-generation tech innovations.

Many African science students face uneven access to high-quality physics instruction, modern laboratories, and international research networks. ASP 2026 directly bridges these gaps. The intensive program delivers advanced lectures, hands-on lab experiments, and data analysis workflows using Python and Linux.

“ASP 2026 is a vital investment in Africa's scientific future,” said a spokesperson from the Local Organizing Committee. “By training our brightest minds in fundamental and applied physics, we unlock the local solutions needed to tackle global challenges in health, energy, climate change, and the digital economy.”

The program is anchored by a strong local network. The University of Nairobi's Department of Physics leads the initiative alongside a consortium of Kenyan universities, including the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Chuka University, JKUAT, Kenyatta University, Masinde Muliro University, Multimedia University, Taita Taveta University, and the Technical University of Kenya.

A recent site visit by the International Organizing Committee confirmed Kenya’s full operational readiness. The event has secured strong institutional alignment with the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the National Research Fund (NRF), NACOSTI, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the African Academy of Sciences, alongside diplomatic engagements with the U.S. and Swiss Embassies.

Beyond the university lecture halls, ASP 2026 includes extensive community and policy frameworks during its first week:

• Teacher Training: Up to 80 Kenyan high school physics teachers will undergo a 5-day workshop at CEMESTEA focused on CBC instruction, low-cost experiments, and concept mastery.
• Student Outreach: International faculty will visit five selected schools across Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos, inspiring up to 2,000 learners—with a special focus on women in physics.
• High-Level Policy Forum: On 10 July 2026, policymakers, industry leaders, and educators will convene to map out actionable strategies for research funding, infrastructure improvement, and STEM talent retention.

With an overall hosting and outreach budget estimated at KES 19,826,200, the organizers invite international donors, corporate partners, and philanthropists to invest in student scholarships, teacher kits, and digital lab infrastructure to secure a lasting scientific legacy for the continent.

Media Contact

• Organization: Department of Physics, University of Nairobi / ASP 2026 Local Organizing Committee
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Website: https://africanschoolofphysics.org/asp2026/