Columbia World Projects, an initiative that helps academics connect with outside organizations to solve real-world problems, has announced two new programs aimed at improving public health and energy access in Africa. The first, led by Columbia public-health professor Darby Jack in collaboration with researchers from the University of California at Santa Barbara and the government of Ghana, will promote the use of clean-burning stoves in parts of Ghana where most people still cook over polluting open fires. The second, led by Columbia engineering professor Vijay Modi and colleagues from the School of International and Public Affairs, will design new data-driven methods of mapping energy demand in Uganda. The team’s research will guide UN efforts to expand access to sustainable energy throughout the country.
