Advancing Education and Collaboration in African Road Transportation Engineering | Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Gdańsk University of Technology

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Date added: 2024-11-28

Advancing Education and Collaboration in African Road Transportation Engineering

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In the third week of November 2024, Dr. Eng. Wojciech Kustra, M.Sc. Eng. Tomasz Mackun, Dr. Eng. Marek Pszczoła, Dr. Eng. Krystian Birr from the Department of Transportation, along with M.Sc. Eng. Maciej Sawicki from the  Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering Design Office, had the honor of organizing a fruitful meeting and an intensive training session for educators in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

The meeting was organized in collaboration with European universities: Bauhaus University of Weimar from Germany and Alpen-Adria University from Austria. This event marked another step in strengthening partnerships with universities in Sub-Saharan Africa, such as:

  • Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, DR Congo;
  • Université de l'Assomption au Congo, DR Congo;
  • Université Officielle de Ruwenzori, DR Congo;
  • Université de Dschang, Cameroon;
  • Institut de Technologie de l'Industrie, du Management et de l'Entrepreneuriat, Cameroon.

This partnership, implemented as part of the AfroTrans project coordinated by Gdańsk University of Technology, focuses on developing educational curricula in Road Transportation Systems Engineering (RTSE) tailored to local needs while leveraging expertise from European institutions: Gdańsk University of Technology, Alpen-Adria University, and Bauhaus University Weimar.

💡 Why is RTSE important?

Road Transportation Systems Engineering encompasses areas such as sustainable transportation planning, traffic studies, infrastructure safety, road construction and management, and logistics operations. The dynamic development of this field—driven by technological advancements, evolving societal needs, and the necessity of fostering growth in Sub-Saharan Africa—requires constant adaptation of knowledge and teaching methodologies.

🌱 Our Vision:

Through this initiative, we aim to:

  • Transfer advanced European expertise to Cameroon and DR Congo;
  • Equip graduates with skills in transportation system planning, road safety analysis, logistics management, and road construction;
  • Develop new master's programs supporting sustainable development and improving employability in local job markets;
  • Support digital transformation in academic teaching through tailored e-learning solutions and advanced tools for transportation research and analysis;
  • Foster collaboration between African and European universities, paving the way for joint grants and attracting students to pursue doctoral studies.

🎯 Outcomes:

The AfroTrans project is not only about knowledge transfer but also about capacity building. From research laboratories to innovative academic programs, the tools and training provided will enable universities to address local challenges and enhance their academic and research capabilities.

Together, we are paving the way for sustainable and inclusive development in Road Transportation Systems Engineering in Africa. 🌍✈️

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