“Physics, perhaps more than any other discipline, sits at the very foundation of our understanding of the universe. It is the science that unlocks the secrets of matter and energy, drives technological breakthroughs, and underpins much of the innovation shaping our modern world.”
These were the opening remarks of the Chief Guest, Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who was represented by Dr Ahmed Adam from the Department of Health Services at Mombasa County Government, during the Global Physics Summit 2026 and Physics Society of Kenya Conference hosted by the Technical University of Mombasa this morning.
The conference, jointly organized by the Physics Society of Kenya in collaboration with the American Physical Society, has brought together physicists, researchers, educators, industry leaders, and early-career scientists from across Africa and the global physics community.
In the Governor’s speech, he highlighted that the conference theme, “Physics for a Shared Future,” is both timely and powerful. He noted that the world faces complex challenges from climate change and energy transitions to healthcare innovation and digital transformation, and that science has never been more central to humanity’s future.
He observed that Mombasa is already experiencing the realities of climate change, coastal vulnerability, and rapid urbanisation, challenges that require both political leadership and strong scientific insight. The Governor emphasized that if Africa invests properly in science education, research capacity, and international collaboration, the continent can become a global hub for innovation. Physics, in particular, plays a crucial role in this transformation, from advancing clean energy systems and improving climate modelling for resilient cities to developing next-generation digital infrastructure.
He further stressed that Africa’s scientific growth depends on nurturing curiosity among young people to pursue science as a vocation, promoting international collaboration so that knowledge can cross borders, and linking research with policy and industry to ensure innovations translate into practical solutions.
Building on these points, Prof. Laila Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Mombasa, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening STEM education while fostering research and innovation that responds to societal needs and national development priorities.
She encouraged young people to take the lead as problem-solvers and innovators, highlighting their crucial role of physicists in shaping the future and pioneering the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She also emphasized the importance of turning theoretical physics into real-world solutions, stating:
“This conference reinforces TUM’s commitment to moving beyond the laboratories and turning theoretical physics into solutions applicable in industry. Physics, as a fundamental science, must take a leading role in fostering creativity and innovation, which are essential for our nation’s socio-economic development. The youth have an important part to play, not just as students, but as problem-solvers and innovators shaping the future.”
Dr Jobunga, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Physics at TUM and the Vice President of the Physics Society of Kenya, emphasized the central role of physics across scientific disciplines.
“In the field of science, physics is the most fundamental. It is from the principles of physics that other sciences such as chemistry and biology are defined. If we do not get it right from the sciences, we cannot get it right technologically,” he said.
He added that physics is deeply integrated across programmes at the University, including Engineering, Marine Sciences and Technology, and even in the newly established School of Medicine.
“When you go to the hospital and they take your pressure or temperature, all that is founded in physics. Even the mechanics of how blood flows in the body is physics,” he explained. Dr Jobunga also noted that hosting the conference provides an important platform for both the University and the region to showcase their contributions.
Participants shared their expectations for the conference. Bill Clinton Oyomo, a PhD student specializing in computational condensed matter physics from the Technical University of Kenya, said:
“This is my first time attending the physics conference, though I have attended other trainings before. I came with my supervisor, who will be presenting some of the work we have done together. I hope to network, learn what other researchers, especially experimentalists, are doing, and explore opportunities to collaborate and validate some of our predictions.”
In an exclusive interview, Tania Monica, a nuclear engineer and Principal Standards Officer for Kenya at the Kenya Bureau of Standards and former Vice Chair of the Physics Society of Kenya, shared advice for girls aspiring to pursue careers in science:
“Stereotypes will always be there, but everything is possible. Whatever you put your heart into, you can achieve. Work with God, work hard, work smart, and find mentors who will encourage and motivate you. Relate well with men, and sometimes you may have to do even better to prove yourself, but you do not need to discard your femininity to succeed. Be yourself, and you will match up just as you are.”
The conference will run until Friday, featuring keynote lectures, research presentations, technical sessions, panel discussions, and networking activities aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening partnerships within the global scientific community.
