The faculty breakfast meeting at Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST) celebrated research and innovation meeting at the University, Dr. Joseph Mwiti Marangu was recognized as and awarded the Chancellors award for the Best Researcher of the Year 2024/2025. Dr. Joseph Mwiti, who serves as the Director of the Institute of Cement & Concrete (ICC), Head of the Limestone Calcined Clay Cement Technical Resource Centre for Africa (LC3 TRC Africa), Co-ordinator for Erasmus Exchange program between Meru University of Science and Technology and University of Padua (Italy), Co-ordinator for Circular B-I/O project in collaboration with BAM-Germany, has revolutionized sustainable construction in Sub-Saharan Africa through groundbreaking research initiatives that gear towards long-lasting sustainable construction initiatives.
Bridging Academia and Industry for Sustainable Solutions
Dr. Mwiti’s work centers on blended cements, a low-carbon cement alternative to traditional Portland cement that reduces production costs and environmental impact. His leadership at LC3 TRC Africa has positioned MUST as a regional hub for advancing this technology, which uses locally available materials like clay and limestone to address Africa’s housing and infrastructure challenges. LC3 TRC Africa supports the uptake of LC3 technology in Sub-Sahara Africa countries.
Beyond LC3, he coordinates the Circular B-I/O Project, a VolkswagenStiftung-funded initiative with Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and SRH Berlin University. This collaboration explores circular economy in cement and concrete using industrial and agricultural waste especially invasive plant species, aligning with global sustainability goals in construction.
On 11th April, 2024 at The Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, he presented a research paper titled ‘Preliminary assessment of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) in soil stabilization for geotechnical application; during the RILEM Spring Convention & conference on advanced construction materials and processes for a carbon neutral society
Moreover, he has delivered keynote addresses at several high-profile international events. On May, 2024, he presented on “Green cement & concrete for reduced emissions” in curbing emissions with a specific focus on building materials” at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change conference in Bonn, Germany.
He was a keynote speaker at the 13th Africa Cementrade Summit held on October 8th – 9th, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, where his presentation focused on “The Role of the Technical Resource Centre for Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Decarbonization of Cement Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Additionally, he was a keynote speaker at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, Egypt, from November 4 – 8, 2024, organized by the UN Habitat where he discussed “The role of Technical Resource Centre for Low Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in accelerating low carbon construction.”
In April, 2024, Dr. Mwiti was a keynote speaker at the ICCX – International Concrete Conference & Exhibition on the topic ‘Harnessing recyclable and renewable bio-resources for sustainable construction’ at Accra, Ghana. The topic emphasized that the future of construction lies in embracing sustainable practices through innovative solutions that leverage recyclable and renewable bio-resources. This shift not only aligns with global goals for sustainability and climate resilience but also paves the way for a new era of responsible building that respects our planet and its resources.
Earlier, on February 7, 2022, he presented a paper titled “Evaluation of Porosity in Cementitious Materials Using Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry” at the CMRN Seminar on Advances in Construction at Cardiff University, United Kingdom (UK). His contributions continue to shape sustainable practices globally.
Fostering Global Partnerships and sustainable development
Dr. Mwiti’s vision extends beyond research to nurturing the next generation of experts. Through Erasmus KA171+ exchanges with the University of Padua, he has helped secure EU grants for student and staff mobility, fostering cross-cultural academic growth. The postgraduate students working in his reseach team have participated in exchange program at the University of Padua (Italy). In addition, they have also benefited from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi, India) staff training program, enhancing their expertise in cement and concrete technology, while others have advanced to the EPFL- Switzerland, Doctoral School for characterization methods focused on Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3). These initiatives underscore his commitment to bridging gaps between education (research & innovation), industry, and environmental stewardship through sustainable construction technologies and practices.
A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Innovation
Under Dr. Mwiti’s leadership, the University has an established cement laboratory, dedicated to cement, concrete and geotechnical and minerals research and testing for the cement and general construction industry in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. This has strengthened academia-industry partnerships, driving resource-efficient solutions for construction and related companies. His work exemplifies how research can translate into tangible community and environmental benefits, such as affordable housing and reduced carbon emissions. Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, the Vice-Chancellor at Meru University of Science & Technology (MUST), presented the Chancellor’s award, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in driving research excellence. He encouraged faculty members to work together in creating solutions that address societal challenges. This will foster a spirit of shared discovery.
Celebrating Teamwork and Shared Discovery
The faculty breakfast meeting highlighted the University’s emphasis on teamwork and innovation, inspiring researchers to push boundaries. Dr. Mwiti’s achievement reflects MUST’s broader mission to create solutions in the construction industry that resonate locally and globally.
Please check out and register for our upcoming event, ‘ Sustainable Construction in Africa 2025 (SCA25)’ via the link: https://sca25.org/ We invite companies in the field of construction to exhibit, showcase their services and network with other professionals.
Here are our upcoming Short Courses:
Advanced Concrete Technology: https://lnkd.in/dA___GDr
For more information, reach out to us via email: icc@must.ac.ke