In December and January, we focused on finalizing the procurement of the Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC‑MS) laboratory machine at the Universidade de Lúrio. After a long procurement process, we reached a major project milestone when the GC‑MS machine was successfully purchased in February. Furthermore, delivery and installation are planned for spring 2026.
At the University of Nairobi, laboratory technician Catherine Ngunju, who received GC‑MS training at the University of Helsinki in June 2025, has begun analysing chemical toxins in food samples using the machine. In January, food samples were collected from local markets and the central kitchen of primary schools in Nairobi. Doctoral student Grace Werikhe has been focusing on analysing chemical hazards in these samples.
Through these activities, we have advanced the FoodLeader project’s goal to strengthen infrastructure for modern laboratory analysis methods.
In December, we finalized the learning materials and assignments on the DigiCampus platform. This included developing an additional food safety section with videos and assignments on the basics of food safety and GC‑MS analyses. These materials will be integrated into existing courses and used in the practical courses where students learn to assess the nutritional quality and safety of school meals.
In January and February, we organized a short online training course for lecturers from the University of Nairobi and the Universidade de Lúrio on how to navigate the platform and use the materials. The training consisted of two sessions held on January 28 and February 11. The first session introduced the platform’s technical features and provided an overview of the available materials. Lecturers were then given time to explore the platform independently. The second session offered space for feedback, questions, and discussion.
Between December and February, we planned the practical courses to be organized at the University of Nairobi and the Universidade de Lúrio. These two‑week courses will provide students with hands‑on experience in assessing and improving the food safety and nutritional quality of school meals, as well as communicating their findings to key stakeholders. Before the course begins, students will independent study the DigiCampus materials. The courses will take place in March at the University of Nairobi and in May at the Universidade de Lúrio. We will share additional updates about these activities later.
Additionally, preparations also began for student mobility from the University of Nairobi and the Universidade de Lúrio to the University of Helsinki. Two students from each university have been selected to travel to Helsinki in June to work on their master’s theses related to the FoodLeader project.
Through these activities, students will gain in‑depth theoretical knowledge of food safety and nutrition security within the broader context of sustainable development, while also strengthening their practical skills.
Looking back at the previous year, we achieved several important milestones in 2025. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Development of the DASAT Web App: We developed the digital Dietary and Food Safety Assessment Tool (DASAT) for collecting and analysing dietary and food safety data for teaching and research.
- Created Food Atlas for Data Collection in Nampula: We created an updated Food Atlas for estimating portion sizes in the Nampula Province.
- GC‑MS Training for 5 Staff Members: Five laboratory technologists and staff members from the University of Nairobi and the Universidade de Lúrio were trained in the use and validation of the GC‑MS machine for analysing chemical hazards in food samples.
- DASAT Training for 7 Staff Members: Seven team members were trained to use the DASAT web app for data checking and data exploration.
- Development of the DigiCampus Platform and Learning Materials: We developed four modules of learning materials on food systems, sustainable development goals, dietary and food sample data collection and analysis, and actions for change.
- GC‑MS Installation and Laboratory Renovation at the University of Nairobi: In October, the GC‑MS machine was successfully installed at the University of Nairobi. Before the installation, the laboratory room was renovated, including updates to the gas line, electricity, and air‑conditioning systems.
- Training and Data Collection in Nairobi and Nampula: We completed training for team members on dietary and food sample data collection from primary schools in Nairobi and Nampula during September and October. This data collection included background questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, 24‑hour dietary recalls, and preliminary food samples.
In addition, key achievements early in 2026 include:
- GC‑MS puchased at the Universidade de Lúrio: After a long procurement process, the GC‑MS laboratory machine was successfully purchased in February, marking a major milestone for the project.
- DigiCampus lecturers’ training completed: Two online training sessions were organized in January and February for lecturers from the University of Nairobi and the Universidade de Lúrio to support the integration of DigiCampus materials into teaching programmes.