Dr. Luna Kamau is a female Kenyan scientist currently serving as a senior principal scientist and Deputy Director, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) where she heads the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development (CBRD).  Since completing her PhD in Molecular Entomology at Kenyatta University under a CDC/WHO Programme in 1998, she has undertaken extensive research in molecular vector biology and ecology and has an excellent track record in research grants acquisition and scientific publication.

Luna has contributed to the advancement of science in three broad ways.  First, through research aimed at developing new tools and strategies for malaria control and understanding the resilience of the malaria transmission system. This includes participation in research that formed the backbone of policy for Insecticide Treated Nets use worldwide in the 1990s and since 2004, in insecticide resistance mapping, contributing to the change in the Indoor Residual Spraying policy from use of pyrethroid insecticides in Kenya in 2013 as well as spearheading various malaria vector genetic studies. Second, she has served in diverse areas of leadership in science, including in institutional and national committees dealing with research management and coordination, health and safety and scientific and ethics review. She has also served in global forums for peer review, grant review and graduate thesis examination. Third, Luna has mentored upcoming scientists through teaching at graduate school level and supervision of graduate students’ thesis projects.

For her work, Luna has received various recognitions including the KEMRI Global Research Excellence Award (2020), KEMRI Gold (Nelion) Excellence/ Merit Award (2015), membership to the Kenya National Academy of Sciences, KNAS (2018), Merit Award for Significant Contribution in Capacity Building and Research Support in Africa - PanAfrican Malaria Control Association, PAMCA (2019) and election as a Young Affiliate and Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences, TWAS (2008, 2018).