In January, we advanced the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) machine procurement and laboratory room preparations. The laboratory machine needs specific requirements from the laboratory room, and the team is ensuring that these are met. We have also continued finalizing the literature review of the pesticides and mycotoxins in food samples in African countries. This data will help us to understand what is already done and known about this topic and will be used in the Dietary and Food Safety Assessment tool (DASAT) development.
During January, the Board also addressed the governance structure for the upgraded research infrastructure at the University of Nairobi and Lúrio University. This is being done to ensure proper maintenance and effective use of the equipment in the future, also after the project ends. One primary focus was also on preparing the annual report for 2024 to assess the project's progress.
In February, we welcomed two Postdoctoral Researchers, Dr. Lucas Pinto da Silva and Dr. Mariela Marinova-Todorova, to the University of Helsinki team. Lucas will focus on developing validation methods for the GC-MS, while Mariela will concentrate on the development of the DASAT component of the project. Moreover, we started developing DASAT, firstly by reviewing the current Kenyan food composition and other relevant databases.
Additionally, the team responsible for the digital platform and the project's upcoming learning materials, initiated plans for a FoodLeader study module, which will be further developed in the coming months. As part of the project, we will create learning materials for the students from all the three institutions, focusing on the food system level thinking and integration of the upgraded laboratory methods into teaching.
- Dietary and Food Safety Assessment tool (DASAT) development: The DASAT team began developing DASAT by reviewing the existing Kenyan food composition and other relevant databases.
- Governance Structure development: The Board successfully addressed the governance structure concerning the GC-MS machine, ensuring a framework for the maintenance and effective use of the machine the future.
- FoodLeader learning materials: We planned and developed learning materials related to the food system level thinking as well as the upgraded research infrastructure.