"Developing socially relevant solutions for lasting impact": A dialogue on current developments in the Global South
The event aimed to bring diverse perspectives into conversation, provide insights into the research conducted within the SEED network, and strengthen international dialogue at TUM. It was embedded in the kick-off of a TUM SEED Center research seminar, during which researchers from the Global South spent two weeks at TUM collaborating on interdisciplinary research questions and further developing their projects.
For the first time, exchange students from both the Global North and the Global South came together as part of the panel discussion to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build international networks.
Prof. Frank-Martin Belz, Director of the TUM SEED Center, welcomed about 50 participants and emphasized TUM’s broader societal responsibility:
“As a public university, we carry responsibility. We aim to contribute to global development through interdisciplinary research and by developing socially relevant solutions that create lasting impact.”
Collaborative research for global challenges
Panelists included Dr. Alessia Argiolas and Manikanta Radhakrishna from the TUM SEED Center; Sally Raduk (JKUAT SEED Center, Kenya); Nitin Akhade (SEED Fellow and Director at CES India); and Dr. Francis Mujjuni (MAK SEED Center, Uganda). The speakers presented their research topics, methodological approaches, and solution strategies, and spoke candidly about challenges encountered in the research process. A particular focus was placed on how scientific findings can contribute in the long term to improving infrastructure, resource management, and living conditions in their respective regions.
Prof. Belz explained that many SEED fellows come from rural areas where basic infrastructure and services are limited. These personal experiences, he noted, often motivate them to design research projects that directly address local challenges and strengthen sustainable infrastructure.
Sally Raduk, a master’s student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya, shared her personal experiences in international exchange. She works as a student assistant at the JKUAT SEED Center and is currently spending a semester abroad at TUM through the TUMexchange program. The opportunity to engage with students and researchers from different countries, she explained, has had a significant impact on both her research and personal development. She described the initial culture shock upon arriving in Munich as an important learning experience that encouraged her to embrace new perspectives and make the most of her academic opportunities.
“For me, research means collaboration at the societal level,” said Sally Raduk. “The international experience broadens both my research focus and my perspective. Together, we can develop solutions and drive positive change worldwide.”
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Image: Jacob Hensler / TUM
Artificial intelligence and sustainability: Addressing global challenges
“How does the growing use of artificial intelligence influence sustainable, entrepreneurial, and societal solution approaches?” With this question, a master’s student from Burkina Faso addressed the panel directly. Prof. Belz and Dr. Mujjuni described it as one of the defining questions of our time. Digitalization and sustainability, they emphasized, are two of the most significant global challenges—and must be considered in close connection.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming business models and increasing the demand for efficient and environmentally responsible action,” Prof. Belz explained. “We need to actively shape these developments, invest in them, and take responsibility.”
The discussion made clear that technological advances such as artificial intelligence are closely intertwined with societal responsibility and sustainable development. It also underscored the importance of international collaboration and the exchange of perspectives in developing solutions that create meaningful, long-term impact.
TUM Sustainability Day 2026
Further insights into sustainable collaboration with the Global South and international exchange opportunities will be offered at the TUM Sustainability on April 29, 2026, in Garching.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the TUM Global & Alumni Office and the TUM SEED Center at their booths and to explore the diverse program offered by more than 150 sustainability initiatives from across TUM.