The 2026 Meddin Emerging Researcher Scholar is Japheth Ofwono
We’re happy to announce Japheth Ofwono as NABSA’s 2026 Meddin Emerging Researcher Scholarship recipient!
Japheth Ofwono is a Ugandan researcher and recent graduate of the M.A. in Smart Cities and Urban Informatics program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His research focuses on micromobility, accessibility, and transportation systems in rapidly urbanizing cities.
His Master’s thesis, Rethinking Micromobility in African Cities: Understanding the Interaction Between Micromobility and Informal Transport Networks in Nairobi, examined how bicycles and other emerging micromobility modes interact with informal transport systems and contribute to first and last-mile accessibility. Through this work, he explored the role of micromobility in expanding mobility options in contexts where formal transportation infrastructure remains limited.
Japheth is particularly interested in how micromobility can support more accessible, equitable, and sustainable urban mobility systems, especially in cities across the Global South. His broader research interests include transport equity, mobility justice, and understanding how transportation systems shape access to employment, education, healthcare, and other opportunities.
As the 2026 Meddin Emerging Researcher Scholar, he looks forward to engaging with researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders working to advance shared micromobility and sustainable transportation worldwide.
NABSA looks forward to learning more from Japheth’s research over the coming year. The Meddin Emerging Researcher Scholarship is offered annually for emerging researchers in the field of shared micromobility. Click here to learn more about the scholarship and how to apply for it in the future.