The Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences (NSCES) is headed by an Executive Dean, Dr Wilfred Kadewa. It was the second school to be operationalised at MUST in 2015. NSCES prides in saying that it is a School where innovation meets the environment. The school’s vision is to be a leading institution in earth, climate and environmental sciences, fostering innovative and solution-oriented research, training, and consultancy. It aims at driving socio-economic growth and sustainable development through its various undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes, research, and consultancy services.

Departments and Centres
At the heart of NSCES are four dynamic departments and two specialized centres, each led by experts in their fields.

A.   Department of Climate Sciences

Under the interim leadership of Dr Vincent Msadala, this department focuses on meteorology, climate change, and water resources management.

 

B.   Department of Energy Resources Management
Under the leadership of Dr John Taulo as head of department, this department covers sustainable energy engineering, petroleum geosciences, and energy management.

C.   Department of Earth Sciences

Headed by Dr Chikondi Chisenga, it specialises in geology, earth observation, and geophysical studies.

D.   Department of Water Resources Management

Dr Vincent Msadala is the head of this department, which is dedicated to water quality management and related studies.

Additionally, the NSCES also houses the following centres:
      •Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management

       • The African Drone and Data Academy

Academic Programmes
The School provides a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes specifically crafted to empower students with the expertise and tools needed to tackle today’s most urgent environmental challenges.

Undergraduate Programmes
·       Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Climate Sciences

·       Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences (Geology)

·       Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Risk Management

·       Bachelor of Science in Geo-Sciences (Earth Observation)

·       Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geo-Sciences (Oil and Gas)

·       Bachelor of Science in Water Quality Management

·       Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering

Postgraduate Programmes
.       Master of Science in Biodiversity Informatics

·       Master of Science in One Health

·       Master of Science in Disaster and Risk Management

·       Doctor of Philosophy in One Health

Centre for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
The centre specializes in research in different areas and consultancies. For example, the Disaster Risk Management consultancy at NSCES specialises in tackling the challenges of managing multiple hazards and reducing their impacts. Its core activities include mapping and assessing various hazards to understand their effects on communities and infrastructure, and creating strategies to reduce vulnerabilities and risks.

The consultancy also focuses on developing mobile applications and deliver timely warnings to at-risk populations, helping to minimise disaster impacts through early action.

Additionally, it conducts detailed studies on the economic, environmental, and social losses caused by disasters, providing critical data for shaping policies, compensation plans, and insurance frameworks. These services aim to strengthen the disaster resilience of governments, organizations and communities through practical solutions and innovative technologies.

African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA)
The ADDA, housed within the Malawi University of Science and Technology, is a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing drone technology and data analysis in Africa. Established through a partnership with Virginia Tech in the USA with funding from UNICEF, ADDA offers a curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with hands-on experience in drone construction, piloting, and data analysis. This programme is designed to empower students with the ability to build and operate drones, integrating them into the vital sectors like medical supply chains and agricultural operations.

ADDA aligns itself with UNICEF’s initiative, “Drones and Data for Good”, highlighting the transformative potential of technology in youth empowerment. The academy places a strong emphasis on safety, integrity, quality education, and the development of partnerships, while promoting diversity and empowerment across its programmes.

The academy’s mission is to equip African youth with essential 21st century skills in drone flight and data analysis. ADDA is structured into several core sections, each contributing to its overreaching vision. The keys sections include:

o   ADDA Training Programme: Focused on equipping Malawian youth and young people across Africa with cutting-edge skills in drone technology and data analysis.

o   Emergency Response Centre (ERC): Acts as a first responder during natural disasters, providing critical assistance through drone technology.

o   Incubation Centre: Supports youth innovation by offering scholarships to those with groundbreaking ideas, fostering the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

o   Student Support Unit: Includes the MUST Drone Club and relevant curriculum modules, offering drone-hiring services and support to MUST students.

ADDA offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, along with specialized drone courses tailored to the needs of companies. The certificate programme is divided into two levels, with Level 1 available online and Level 2 requiring on-campus attendance, fully funded through scholarships.

ADDA has successfully graduated over 1,100 students who have gained expertise in various domains of drone technology. These graduates are equipped to use drones in agricultural applications, mapping, emergency response, and even in the medical sector for tasks such as disease vector identification and disaster prevention.

The academy is also making strides in innovation, with ongoing projects that include developing drones constructed from locally sourced materials.

Pioneering Innovations
NSCES is proud to be at the forefront of technological and environmental advancements. Our achievements include producing 3D-printed drones through the ADDA and pioneering biogas generation projects that are ready for large-scale implementation.

Get in touch
Whether you’re looking into our programmes, research opportunities, or consultancy services, we’re here to connect with you. Check out our university Prospectus or through the office of the University Registrar.