Evelyne Isaack Mbede Quotes

I decided to dedicate my life to science during my childhood.

We Tanzanian scientists are all equally passionate for our country.

In relation to COVID-19, helium is being used in thermal helium-oxygen therapy for patients and in the storage of vaccines as a coolant to meet the need for cold-chain freezers in the absence of a power supply.

Recent years, the application of helium has diversifed, increasing the demand and value of the gas. Helium’s greatest potential lies in its application at very low temperatures, as it is the only coolant that can reach temperatures lower than 15 K (-434ºF or -258.15°C).

This ability to liquefy at such low temperatures makes helium a superconductor of electricity. For example, liquid helium is used as a coolant in magnetic resonance imaging, a breakthrough technology that generates high-resolution images of the human body, avoiding the need for radiation.

My father was a primary school teacher. We used to listen to BBC programmes and read scientific and geographical magazines. It was then that I started thinking that I should be able to go to a scientific university.

I did not expect it at all, I was surprised when I got the notification, because I felt that my career was similar to that of other colleagues:

The global helium demand has more than doubled throughout the last 20 years as a consequence of new manufacturing and research techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging.

The seismology unit of our department is part of a wider team including the minister of energy and other groups. We are involved in advising the government about the seismic risk.

We believe that Tanzanian sedimentary rift basins hide substantial concentrations of helium.

This represents a great opportunity for Tanzania: it would pave the way to joint collaborations for researchers from UDSM and private companies, addressing questions of interest for the country. And it would help us build a new class of experts in various disciplines related to this research."

Those 10 years at the ministry were an experience I really enjoyed, but my heart beats for science. I am definitely a scientist and teaching is among my preferred activities.

We also do continuous training for people who live in highly tectonic areas, like the Rungwe Mountains. After a seismic event, we rush to the earthquake-stricken area to make sure that people are not affected by aftershock.