The University of Nairobi (UoN), in partnership with the University of Northumbria in the United Kingdom and the British Council, officially opened the 2025 Learning and Design Lab Conference on Monday, marking a significant milestone in cross-continental collaboration aimed at strengthening innovation, creativity, and student opportunities.

The high-profile event, hosted at the University of Nairobi Towers, brought together academic leaders, researchers, students, and innovation stakeholders from Kenya and the UK to explore new approaches to learning, digital design, and knowledge creation for the future of work. The collaboration between UoN, Northumbria University, and the British Council reflects a growing commitment to strengthening international cooperation in higher education. Representatives from the three institutions affirmed that joint initiatives such as the Learning and Design Lab serve as platforms for developing new academic models, fostering student creativity, and supporting research that responds to real-world challenges.

The University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor was officially represented by the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Prof. Kerubo Leonida Omosa, who presided over the opening ceremony. In her remarks, Prof. Omosa emphasized the Vice Chancellors intention of creating dynamic learning environments that equip students with relevant skills and inspire bold ideas. She highlighted the university’s dedication to strengthening research collaborations and adopting innovative teaching models that reflect the rapidly changing global landscape.

“The Learning and Design This Lab represents more than a training workshop. It symbolizes the power of partnership, the value of co-creation, and the future of higher education. This is a future where universities transcend traditional boundaries and evolve as engines of innovation, knowledge translation, and societal transformation.”

Prof. Omosa also underscored the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, noting that innovation thrives in environments where diverse skills and perspectives converge. She encouraged The 12 students who represented the University of Nairobi and faculty to take full advantage of the 5 day opportunities presented through the conference from workshops and design challenges to mentorship sessions with UK and Kenyan innovation experts.

The Vice Chancellors strong remarks was one of the central objectives of the 2025 learning and Design Lab Conference is to broaden learning opportunities for students, creators, and early-career researchers. The program will give students an opportunity to immerse themselves in design research, prototype development, field engagement, and industry-supported learning. They will visit Fresh Networks at Prabhaki Industrial Park, conduct community-based design research in Nairobi’s food systems spaces, engage in ethical design training and work side-by-side with experts in IoT-enabled food innovation, social enterprise management and digital service testing. These are not abstract exercises, they mirror real-world challenges and equip our students with skills that are essential for the future of work.

Representatives from Northumbria University commended the strong ties between their institution and the University of Nairobi, noting that the new collaboration expands an already growing portfolio of joint projects in creativity, digital design, and research. They expressed confidence that the conference will pave the way for more long-term academic partnerships, faculty exchanges, and cross-institutional learning experiences.

The British Council also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educational transformation in Kenya by helping institutions build international networks, expand access to global knowledge, and empower students to become innovators and global citizens.

As the conference continues throughout the week, participants are expected to explore emerging trends in learning design and propose new models for teaching, training, and innovation. Organizers expressed optimism that the outcomes of the conference will contribute to lasting improvements in academic practice, curriculum development, and research-industry linkages.

The 2025 Learning and Design Lab Conference symbolizes a vibrant partnership among the University of Nairobi, Northumbria University, and the British Council one that promises to open new doors for students while strengthening Kenya’s position as a leader in innovation and higher education transformation.