With a freshly printed PhD certificate from Stellenbosch University (SU) in his pocket, Dr Amos Kiyumbi is on a mission to invest all the research experience he has gained from studying in Germany and South Africa since 2015 into the establishment of a photonics initiative in Tanzania.

Recently appointed as a full-time lecturer in the Dar Es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) a constituent college of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), he is co-founder of the Tanzania Photonics, Quantum and Laser Technology Initiative Consortium: “The consortium will unite academics, students, industry partners, and policymakers to foster research innovation, education and real-world applications in photonics, laser technology and nanoscience,” he explains.

Their goals include research, advancing energy and communication solutions, and developing affordable optical tools for healthcare, such as the malaria biosensor he developed for his doctoral studies under Prof. Mark Tame at SU’s Department of Physics. 

“We want to build local expertise so that Tanzania can innovate rather than merely import technology. Eventually, I want to have facilities in Tanzania like those I accessed during my MSc and PhD studies – modern labs equipped for nanofabrication, optical sensing and imaging, combined with specialised degree programs, research grants, and outreach to train a skilled nanotech workforce,” he adds. 

Academic journey from Tanzania to Germany and South Africa

Kiyumbi obtained a BSc with Education degree, majoring in Physics and Mathematics, from the University of Dar Es Salaam in 2013. During this time, he received two prizes as the top student in the Faculty of Science.

As a postgraduate student, he developed a strong interest in quantum physics, photonics and their applications, also engaging with visiting professors from Germany on topics in nanoscience and nanophotonics. 

They introduced him to study opportunities in Germany, and in October 2015 he was admitted to Ulm University to pursue an MSc in Physics, majoring in condensed matter and nanoscience, under the supervision of Prof. Othmar Marti at the Institute of Experimental Physics.

“My thesis focused on plasmonic nanostructures and their optical properties, aiming to develop metasurfaces for structural colour generation and applications in compact colour filtering, frequency-selective reflective surfaces, and optical anti-counterfeiting features.”

He describes this experience as “electrifying”: “I was exposed to labs with the latest technology and equipment. I attended international conferences in Spain, Germany and Italy where I was exposed to breakthroughs in engineering light at the nanoscale. 

“I discovered how materials exhibit entirely new properties at the nanoscale, allowing us to engineer their optical behavior precisely. What struck me most was how seemingly distinct fields from my undergraduate studies – physics, mathematics, chemistry – converged to speak the same fundamental language at nanoscale. This interdisciplinary power and the potential to create novel, functional devices make this an incredibly exciting field.”

After completing his MSc, Kiyumbi says he reflected deeply on the real-world impact of nanoscience. This was in reaction to a question from his brother, about the practical benefit of nanotechnology for the everyday lives of Tanzanians.

“His question shifted my focus towards addressing one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. Malaria remains one of the deadliest diseases, claiming the lives of especially women and children (under 5 years old) with tragic frequency. Statistically, every minute a child dies from malaria in Africa. Early, accurate diagnosis is critical before intervention can take place,” he explains.

Real-world applications of nanoscience

Back in Tanzania, he started to work on a project to develop an ultra-sensitive, low-cost plasmonic biosensor using photonic crystals and nanostructures: “Plasmonic surfaces excite surface plasmon waves when photons interact with them: these waves are highly sensitive to tiny changes in the local refractive index. By functionalising the metal surface to detect malarial biomarkers, such as the presence of parasites at low levels, we can achieve label-free, rapid detection,” he explains.

To advance his research, Kiyumbi needed access to nanofabrication facilities, advanced optical characterisation equipment, and funding for reagents. After completing his MSc, he received PhD offers from the University of Glasgow and the University of Birmingham. However, he came to realise that his work on malaria diagnosis — a challenge deeply rooted in African realities — would be most meaningful if carried out at an African institution: “In Africa I could tackle the challenge in its true context and contribute directly to solutions that matter to the continent and its people.”

He then narrowed his choices to Stellenbosch University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2020, he made a principled decision to pursue his doctoral studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. In 2022, he followed his study leader, Prof. Mark Tame, to Stellenbosch University, where he managed to complete his PhD studies. 

The next step in his journey is clinical validation trials and collaborations with public health experts to ensure field-deployable, affordable prototypes for low-resource settings.

According to Prof. Tame, Amos’ research will help build the next generation of optical biosensors that allow the detection of very low quantities of the malaria parasite in blood: “This is important because in many endemic regions there is large reservoir of low-density infections in the population which helps the disease spread. Such biosensors will therefore support future vaccination efforts and help eradicate the disease over time.”

Establishing a photonics initiative begins at home

After all his travels, Kiyumbi also remains deeply invested in his home area, Mwanza region: “Growing up in Kisesa village, I witnessed how limited resources and a lack of mentorship hinder bright young minds, especially from underprivileged families, to pursue studies in science and engineering. I founded a community organisation to change this by nurturing science talent at the grassroots level.”

Their activities include mentorship programs, workshops and science clubs, small scholarships or learning materials, and campaigns to encourage boys and girls from rural communities to explore physics, mathematics, nanotechnology, and related fields.

In the meantime, he is also working hard with fellow researchers Dr Jacqueline Damas from UDSM’s College of Information and Communication Technologies, and Dr Jordan Hossea from Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, as well as other role players to prepare for the official launch of the Tanzania Photonics, Quantum and Laser Technology Initiative Consortium. On the programme are keynote talks from international experts, hands-on workshops for young scientists, and the establishment of working groups for joint projects and funding pursuits.

From Stellenbosch University, Prof. Tame says they will continue to collaborate on malaria biosensing and the development of optical biosensors for other types of diseases: “We have a joint CSIR grant from the African Laser Centre which will help us with research visits, student exchange and some vital equipment. The next few years are going to be very interesting times for Amos and his new photonics initiative in Tanzania and I plan to support him along the way to help it grow,” he concludes.