AMES, Iowa – The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA AfriCenter) and Iowa State University have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration in teaching, research and outreach. Signed in November 2024, the agreement aims to deepen mutual understanding of economic, cultural and social issues while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem for science, technology and innovation.
“We are excited to collaborate with ISAAA AfriCenter to champion a multidisciplinary approach in developing innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by African communities in achieving their food and nutrition needs,” said Daniel J. Robison, endowed dean’s chair of Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Partnering with global organizations like ISAAA AfriCenter enables us to fulfill our land-grant mission by advancing Iowa’s globally impactful agriculture that includes local-to-global relevance.”
This partnership will empower researchers to effectively communicate and translate their work for societal benefit, aligning with Iowa State’s mission to create new opportunities and collaborate globally to address pressing challenges. Faculty and staff from both institutions will engage in joint initiatives, and students will have opportunities to study or conduct research at the partner institution.
“Formalizing this partnership with Iowa State marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to making science matter by connecting research outputs with societal benefits,” said Margaret Karembu, director of ISAAA AfriCenter. “Our collaboration with the ISU Seed Science Center and the ISU Startup Factory is already bearing fruit. Equipping researchers and innovators with the soft skills to pitch their ideas will enhance research impact and attract investment for commercialization. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Iowa State.”
About ISAAA AfriCenter
ISAAA AfriCenter is a leading bioscience knowledge management and policy organization based at the International Livestock Research Institute Campus in Nairobi, Kenya. Since its founding in 1994, the Center has played a pivotal role in delivering modern biotechnology tools to smallholder farmers across Africa through strategic communication and sustained policy engagement.
The Center’s mission supports the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063, focusing on food security, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. By nurturing local capabilities, shaping supportive policy frameworks, and fostering partnerships with globally recognized academic institutions like Iowa State University, ISAAA AfriCenter is paving the way for a vibrant bioeconomy that creates jobs, improves lives, and sustains the planet.
About Iowa State University
Founded in 1858, Iowa State University is a premier research-intensive, land-grant institution committed to addressing societal needs through teaching, research, and outreach. Iowa State’s Extension and Outreach program is globally recognized for translating research innovations into practical solutions for communities and industries.
Iowa State has been named annually to the National Academy of Inventors’ Top 100 Worldwide Universities List, since 2013, based on the number of U.S. utility patents granted. The university builds strong partnerships with industry, academic institutions and strategic collaborators who share its vision of solving global challenges and enhancing quality of life.
Contact
Dianah Ngonyama, Iowa State University Office of the Vice President for Research, 515-294-2069, drn@iastate.edu