Researchers based in Kenya can now apply for the Italy-Kenya 2026 Transnational Access and Visiting Mobility Programme, funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
Within the framework of the Research Infrastructures Cluster H2IOSC (Humanities and Cultural Heritage Italian Open Science Cloud) and E-RIHS.it, CNR ISPC the leading institute of E-RIHS.it, is offering two mobility fellowships for researchers of Kenyan nationality affiliated with universities, research institutions, research centres, or other research organisations based in Kenya.
Selected applicants will be hosted by CNR ISPC in Lecce, Italy, where they will carry out research activities under the supervision of a local scientific tutor.
The programme focuses on heritage science and will contribute to the development of SENNSE (Spatial hEritage ScieNce oNline Sensor Environment), an IoT-based system for environmental monitoring in cultural heritage contexts. Researchers will have access to existing pilot sites and will work on a broad range of enabling technologies, including:
· IoT sensor nodes and embedded systems;
· vibration, acoustic and piezoelectric/MEMS sensing technologies;
· environmental monitoring and data analysis;
· digital twins and immersive 3D visualisation of sensor data;
· methodologies for low-cost sensor networks in cultural heritage contexts.
Particular attention will be devoted to developing solutions that can be transferred to heritage sites in Sub-Saharan Africa, taking into account challenges such as hot and humid climatic conditions and limited digital connectivity.
The initiative aims to foster scientific cooperation between Italy and Kenya while advancing innovative approaches for the monitoring, preservation and management of cultural heritage.
Applications are open until 30 November 2026.
For eligibility requirements, mobility conditions and application procedures, applicants are invited to consult the official documentation.