Experiences from our Commonwealth Fellowship at the British Geological Survey

Since we first stepped into the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham, in March 2026 we have experienced an inspiring blend of scientific training, cultural exchange, networking and personal growth. Our fellowship journey has not just sharpened our technical skills; it also reshaped how we think about environmental research and scientific collaboration back home in Kenya and Cameroon.

Despite coming from different institutions and scientific backgrounds, we quickly discovered a shared passion for strengthening environmental research systems across Africa.

A host institution beyond the laboratory

Our fellowship was hosted at the Inorganic Geochemistry Facility at BGS under the leadership of Michael Watts. BGS is far more than a laboratory. It is an international centre for geoscientific research and development, bringing together scientists, technicians and innovators working on environmental challenges from around the world.

One of the most inspiring aspects of our experience was the immediate sense of inclusion. From the first day, the induction process integrated us into the BGS community, giving us access not only to advanced laboratory facilities but also to the immense expertise of the staff.

The collaborative research between BGS, the University of Eldoret and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institue (KMFRI) on land-to-lake interactions in Kenya’s Winam Gulf created a particularly meaningful context for our training, especially as fellows working in aquatic and environmental sciences.

Learning the science behind quality data

A major focus of the fellowship has been training in practical laboratory skills and quality-management systems. We gained hands-on experience in:

• recording and tracking samples using the Laboratory Information Management System
• sample storage and traceability
• soil sample preparation through sieving and milling
• preparation of reference materials for quality control purposes

These activities highlighted the importance of precision, consistency and quality assurance in generating reliable scientific data. The fellowship also exposed us to internationally recognised analytical techniques and laboratory protocols that strengthen confidence in environmental data production.

Sharpening our analytical skills

One of the most valuable aspects of our stay has been the opportunity to learn directly from experienced scientists and laboratory specialists at BGS. Our training included:

• quality assurance and quality control systems
• statistics and geospatial analysis using R and QGIS
• standard operating procedures for acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis
• water chemistry analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography
• research proposal and PhD concept development

The collaborative nature of the training allowed us to interact closely with experts, including several members of the BGS analytical and research teams. Beyond technical knowledge, these sessions strengthened our confidence in designing internationally competitive research projects and laboratory systems back home.

Building networks through meetings and visits

Our fellowship extended well beyond the BGS campus. We had opportunities to attend meetings and visit institutions including:

• Agilent Technologies in Oxford
• University of Plymouth
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Nottingham
• University of Salford

These engagements opened doors for future collaborations, academic partnerships and potential PhD opportunities.

Understanding the past to shape the future

While at BGS, we also explored the institution’s National Geological Repository, museum and library. These visits demonstrated how historical geological and environmental records can help scientists understand long-term ecosystem change and predict future environmental trends. For researchers interested in climate change, pollution, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, these archives offer invaluable scientific insight.

Fellowship life beyond science

The fellowship experience was not all work and laboratory routines. We also had opportunities to relax, socialise and explore life in the UK. Some memorable moments included weekly Wednesday tea socials, sports activities, outings and comfortable accommodation close to BGS.

We also travelled to several cities and historic locations including Manchester, Liverpool, York, Whitby, the Isle of Wight and London. We made further community connections through St Giles Church and the Holy Spirit Church in West Bridgford, who also made our stay more welcoming and enriching.

Laying the foundations for a scientific future back home

Perhaps the biggest lesson from the fellowship has been what we described as a ‘conceptual shift’. For Cameroon, the experience highlighted opportunities to leapfrog traditional systems by integrating advanced data management and soil information systems at the University of Buea. For Kenya, the fellowship reinforced the importance of strengthening existing laboratories, improving analytical quality systems and building international collaborations at KMFRI.

Our shared vision is to return home and disseminate the knowledge we gained through our training, mentorship and collaboration. Ultimately, we hope to strengthen our institutions so they can generate globally trusted environmental data while retaining research capacity within our countries.

Gratitude and looking ahead

We remain deeply grateful to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for investing in our careers and scientific futures.

We also sincerely thank Michael Watts, Andrea Mills and the entire BGS team for their mentorship, hospitality and commitment to supporting our growth.

The fellowship eventually ended, but the collaborations, friendships, skills and inspiration gained during this experience will continue shaping our work for many years to come.

About the fellows

This fellowship brought together researchers from Cameroon and Kenya, each contributing expertise from different environmental science disciplines.

	Nathan Lenjo Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Research Scientist, Water and environment
	James Last Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Research Scientist, Water and environment
	Valantine Asong University of Buea, Cameroon Soil Scientist, Land use management