International collaboration took centre stage at Stellenbosch University in May 2026 as researchers from Africa and Japan came together for the Hydrobioscapes Project workshop, aimed at improving climate and water research across the African continent.
Hosted by the School for Climate Studies from 11–15 May 2026, the workshop forms part of an ongoing Africa- Japan Initiative for Scientific Partnership in Innovative Research and Education (AJ-INSPIRE) collaborative research initiative, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This marked the second in-person meeting of the consortium following the kickoff workshop held in July 2025.
The event brought together researchers from Stellenbosch University (South Africa), Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (Kenya), Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-Just), and the University of Tokyo (Japan). In partnership with the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA), the programme also welcomed special guest researchers from Ghana and Zambia, broadening regional engagement opportunities and knowledge exchange across Africa.
A key focus of the week was isotope-enabled climate modelling and hydrological research. Participants received specialised training, particularly on the IsoGSM and IsoRSM modelling frameworks through a series of lectures and practical hands-on sessions led by researchers Prof Kei Yoshimura, Dr Xiaoyang Li, and Dr Hayong Bong from the University of Tokyo. This was followed by a visit to the Cape Point GNIP (Global Network for Isotopes with Precipitation) monitoring site, to explore how observational isotope data can be integrated with climate models to improve hydrological and climate research.
Beyond the technical training, the workshop underscored the value of long-term Africa–Japan research partnerships in addressing complex environmental challenges, emphasising the growing importance of international scientific collaboration in advancing climate research, training researchers, and interdisciplinary collaboration.