Research and Innovation Skills Development Initiative - RISDI

08/05/2026

RISDI, in collaboration with two current MEXT Fellows, brings you an exclusive information session on the Japanese MEXT Scholarship.

This is a perfect opportunity for students and young professionals interested in pursuing graduate or doctoral studies in Japan.

RSVP now to attend the session online via Google Meet or in person at Orange Digital Center Liberia, Edgewater Street, Congo Town, opposite the YWCA.

Register using the following link: bit.ly/Info_MEXT

Don’t miss this opportunity!

08/04/2026

We’re back-and better than ever!

RISDI Cohort 1, Phase 2 training kicked off about a week ago, and it has been an incredible journey of learning the fundamentals of research and team building. This phase brings a dynamic mix of new talent and returning alumni, all working toward a shared goal: driving impactful change in Liberia.

From sharpening research skills to building the right discipline, our participants are gaining the tools they need to drive real change in Liberia and beyond. We remain committed to equipping Liberia’s future researchers with the expertise needed to solve local and global challenges.

20/03/2026

Partnership Announcement 🤝

We are thrilled to announce our official partnership with Orange Digital Center (Liberia) for Phase Two of our research training!

This partnership provides participants with a comfortable, internet-powered environment ideal for training sessions, mentorship meetings, and data analysis.

We are grateful for this collaboration and excited for the impact ahead! 🚀

11/03/2026

As we prepare to launch Phase 2 of our research training program, our Research and Training Coordinator, Dr. Klon D.C. Hinneh, and our Lead Coordinator, Kies Sorbor Kiteah I, held an urgent in-person strategic work session in Tokyo on March 10, 2026, to finalize the curriculum and delivery strategy.

The objective is to ensure that Phase 2 moves beyond foundational research training into structured, collaborative implementation and the production of meaningful knowledge outputs.

We are excited about the progress made and the direction ahead. Several exciting updates and announcements related to Phase 2 will be coming soon.

Stay tuned.

02/03/2026

In response to the comments, messages, and emails we have received regarding difficulties accessing the application link, we have decided to provide an alternative link below:
https://forms.gle/BLapV62cDzLi3nqaA

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention and for your patience as we work to resolve it.

The Research and Innovation Skills Development Initiative (RISDI) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Phase 2 (March–October 2026). Phase 2 is implementation-focused and will move beyond theory to engage in structured, supervised research. Qualified participants will work in teams to implement real research projects, conduct field data collection, analyze findings, and present results to stakeholders.

Phase 2 is proudly supported by the School of Environment and Society at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan.

Important Notice
We encourage early submission because applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. That means applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the recruitment may close early once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been identified.

To apply, click the link below or scan the QR code to access the application form. Please carefully read the full form description, eligibility criteria, timeline, and expectations before submitting your application.

Here is the link to access the application form: https://bit.ly/3MVwJb8

28/02/2026

The Research and Innovation Skills Development Initiative (RISDI) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Phase 2 (March–October 2026). Phase 2 is implementation-focused and will move beyond theory to engage in structured, supervised research. Qualified participants will work in teams to implement real research projects, conduct field data collection, analyze findings, and present results to stakeholders.

Phase 2 is proudly supported by the School of Environment and Society at the Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan.

Important Notice
We encourage early submission because applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. That means applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the recruitment may close early once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been identified.

To apply, click the link below or scan the QR code to access the application form. Please carefully read the full form description, eligibility criteria, timeline, and expectations before submitting your application.

Here is the link to access the application form: https://bit.ly/3MVwJb8

18/02/2026

We are recruiting a Research, Training & Partnership Assistant to support the implementation of phase 2 of our Research and Training program, curriculum coordination, and strategic partnership engagement in Liberia.

This is an opportunity to contribute to research-driven innovation in Liberia.

Click the following link to see full details and how to apply: https://bit.ly/4kDzCKe

08/01/2026

Research Spotlight | Dr. Klon D.C. Hinneh, PhD

We are excited to feature Dr. Klon D.C. Hinneh, Project-Specific Researcher at Kyoto University and Co-Founder & Research and Training Coordinator at RISDI.

His work focuses on water quality and aquatic systems, with direct relevance to drinking water safety, wastewater management, and ecosystem protection. Using advanced analytical tools, experiments, and machine learning, his research examines how chemicals behave and transform in water—and how treatment processes can be improved.

A major focus of his past work is N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a toxic byproduct formed during water treatment. He has contributed to NDMA minimization by identifying precursor compounds, developing methods to detect them in complex waters, and evaluating practical treatment strategies that reduce NDMA formation without added cost or complexity.

His current research targets hydrophilic compounds that are difficult to remove during conventional treatment, combining experiments and machine learning to predict byproducts and select effective treatment options. Looking ahead, his work will focus on nitrogenous organic compounds, driven by the role of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in eutrophication and water quality impairment.

With over five publications in high-impact journals, his research continues to shape how complex water quality challenges are addressed.

🔗 Explore his published work: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4689-5447

17/12/2025

In October of this year, we wrapped up Phase One of our inaugural cohort. Some of our students, along with our Finance and Administrative Lead, Ms. Kartumu Sonii, and Lead Coordinator, Mr. Kies Sorbor Kiteah I, came together to share a message of appreciation to everyone who contributed to making Phase One a success. Press play to hear their reflections and gratitude.

We look forward to your continued support and involvement as we prepare for Phase Two! Thanks to Arch Media for recording and compiling the video. Follow us for more updates!

20/11/2025

Our Cohort One Phase One report is out.

Phase One of Cohort One was worth it. This report reflects the commitment, hard work, and growth of our Cohort One (1) participants, and we are proud to share this progress with our wider community.

Kindly download the report here: http://bit.ly/4pmMhm1

Thank you to our partners, facilitators, sponsor, and participants for making this phase a success. We look forward to continued learning, collaboration, and innovation in the next phase!