One of the most significant testimonials of the role of HQP, their value adds, and the richness of their training is found by noting that ~ 90% of the 2576 STARaCom publication since 2020 were first authored by HQP, and ~ 92% include STARaCom HQP co-authors. It is the cultural norm in ICT for HQP to lead publications. This speaks volumes of the foundational role HQP have in STARaCom’s outreach, technical dissemination, and overall successes both in M1, and later in M2.