UDSM Scholars Earn National Recognition for Publishing Research in High-Impact Global Journals
By Selemani Nambimbi, CMU
Researchers from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) have been nationally recognised for publishing outstanding research in high-impact international journals, further showcasing the University’s stature as a research powerhouse with growing global reach.
A total of 14 UDSM scholars received certificates and 50 million Tanzania shillings per each scholarly paper, from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on 18 August 2026 during the official opening of the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week in Tanga.
The recognition honours researchers whose scholarly work has achieved visibility through reputable, high-ranking international journals.
The recognised scholars are Dr. Makungu Madirisha, Senior Lecturer, College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CoNAS); Prof. Samwel Mchele Limbu, Associate Professor, School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences (SoAF); Dr. Emanuel Xwaymay Ricky, Lecturer, CoNAS; and Prof. Projestine Muganyizi, Professor, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences (MCHAS), UDSM.
Others are Dr. Hezekiah Buay Sawa, Lecturer, CoNAS; Prof. Margaret Samiji, Associate Professor, CoNAS; Dr. Naswibu Abdalla Kasimu, Lecturer, CoNAS; and Dr. Ginena Bildard Shombe, Lecturer, CoNAS.
The list also includes Prof. Deogratias M. M. Mulungu, Associate Professor, College of Engineering and Technology (CoET); Prof. Joel Nobert, Associate Professor, CoET/Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA); Dr. Regina Peter Mtei, Senior Lecturer, CoNAS, Chemistry; Prof. Nuru Mlyuka, Associate Professor, CoNAS; Salama Nyangasa, Assistant Lecturer, Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE); and Nuru Patrick, Master of Science student, CoNAS.
Among those recognised is Dr. Makungu M. Madirisha, whose internationally published research spans geopolymers, sustainable construction, hydrogen storage and oil and gas wellbore integrity.
His publications include “Chemical Fundamentals of Geopolymers in Sustainable Construction” in Materials Today Sustainability Journal, “Hydrogen Storage in Depleted Geological Hydrocarbon Reservoirs: Enhancing Wellbore Integrity and Sustainability with Geopolymer Cement” in the *
Journal of Energy Storage; and research on Tanzanian natural pozzolans as geopolymer cement for oil and gas wellbore integrity in the Journal of Construction and Building Materials.
Dr. Ginena Bildard Shombe of CoNAS was also recognised for her contribution to international research in nanotechnology and materials chemistry. Her work on silver-based nanoparticles and oxygen reduction reactions was published in Inorganic Chemistry Journal, reflecting UDSM’s growing footprint in advanced scientific research.
Breadth of UDSM’s research enterprise
The diversity of the recognised scholars demonstrates the breadth of UDSM’s research enterprise, spanning natural and applied sciences, engineering, aquatic sciences, health, chemistry, resource assessment and education. Their work contributes knowledge addressing both national priorities and global challenges.
Officially opening the National Education, Skills and Innovation Week, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Adolf Mkenda urged Tanzanians, particularly residents of Tanga, to attend the exhibitions and witness the skills, technologies and innovations being showcased by institutions across the country.
Prof. Mkenda said the Government would assess the exhibitions to determine the value and impact generated since the establishment of the event.
“We will assess these exhibitions since their establishment by looking at the value and impact they have generated,” Prof. Mkenda said.
He also highlighted Government efforts to strengthen human capital through scholarships provided locally and abroad, including opportunities in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence through the Samia Scholarship programme.
Congratulating the recognised scholars, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor–Research, Prof. Boniface Nelson, said the achievement demonstrates the University’s commitment to producing research that meets international standards while addressing real societal challenges.
“This recognition demonstrates the commitment of the University of Dar es Salaam to supporting research that responds to societal challenges and creates meaningful impact. We will continue strengthening our support for researchers and creating an environment that enables them to produce research of international quality with relevance to our society,” Prof. Nelson said.
The recognition reinforces UDSM’s position at the forefront of Tanzania’s research and innovation landscape, with its scholars increasingly producing internationally visible knowledge that connects global scientific excellence with solutions for Tanzania and beyond.