Forty promising African early career scientists selected

Forty African early career scientists, who have demonstrated excellence in the development and application of science in Africa, were competitively selected to become Affiliate members of the AAS from 2020-2024.

This fifth cohort of Affiliates will receive professional development support in grant writing, publishing, science communication, ethical conduct of research, intellectual property issues, collaborative research, scientific leadership and entrepreneurship, mentoring and networking.

Since 2015, the AAS has employed a rigorous nomination and review process to recognize high-achieving post-PhD researchers on the African continent. This is in line with the overall mandate of the Academy to build a critical mass of thriving and impactful science leaders in Africa.

Following changes to the Affiliates programme in early 2019 to increase annual membership numbers and ensure diversity, the 2019 Call for Affiliates attracted over 300 highly competitive applicants from where a diverse cohort of 40 Affiliates has been selected.

The 40 early career researchers join an existing network of 87 Affiliates drawn from various African countries, across several scientific disciplines. AAS Affiliates are zealous researchers who strengthen and build the scientific community by being innovators, reviewers, supervisors, mentors, lecturers, volunteers, policy advisors, and members of professional associations.

By recognizing emerging scientists who demonstrate excellence in their work, the AAS seeks to create a platform through which younger researchers are motivated to pursue a rewarding career in science. Ultimately, the Affiliates programme seeks to produce all-rounded scientists embodying the AAS’ values of excellence, empathy, diversity and integrity.

Dr Judy Omumbo, Programme Manager, Affiliates and Postdoctoral Programmes, says, “It is exciting to witness the growing recognition of science in Africa’s development agenda. The continent’s best early career researchers are well placed to develop the research and innovations that will ensure future sustainable lives and economies for Africa’s citizens. The AAS Affiliates programme is developing a truly pan-African and vibrant community of practice in science for Africa’s policy agenda and we are delighted to see the fifth cohort of AAS Affiliates join over 80 colleagues in this effort.”

The fifth cohort of AAS Affiliates are: 

1. Laura Estelle Yêyinou, Beninese
2. Reham Abo-Shnaf, Egyptian
3. Michael Chipeta, Malawian
4. Adeyemi Aremu, Nigerian
5. Stella Kabiri-Marial, Ugandan
6. Felicitas Mukumbo, Zambian

Biosciences

7. Tonjock Kinge, Cameroonian
8. Lydia Mosi, Ghanaian
9. Yaw Bediako, Ghanaian
10. Julien Bi Zahouli, Ivorian
11. Benard Kulohoma, Kenyan
12. Enitome Bafor, Nigerian
13. Kolapo Oyebola, Nigerian
14. Aida Badiane, Senegalese
15. Gavin Rishworth, South African
16. Victor Muposhi, Zimbabwean

Chemical Sciences

17. Nicholas Musyoka, Kenyan
18. Nowsheen Goonoo, Mauritian
19. Philiswa Nomngongo, South African

Cultural Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences

20. Jude Kimengsi, Cameroonian
21. Beatrice Kengne, Cameroonian
22. Ebenezer Amankwaa, Ghanaian
23. Nelson Zavale, Mozambican
24. Helena Shillomboleni, Namibian

Engineering Technology & Applied Sciences

25. Jean Noel Yankwa, Cameroonian
26. Lobna Said, Egyptian
27. Mohamed Ahmed, Egyptian
28. Miora Ramanakoto, Malagasy
29. Isaac Akinwumi, Nigerian

Geological, Environmental, Earth & Space Sciences

30. Jessica Thorn, Namibian
31. Anthony Egeru, Ugandan
32. Shakespear Mudombi, Zimbabwean

Mathematical Sciences

33. Sara Abdelsalam, Egyptian

Medical & Health Sciences

34. Amin Hassan, Kenyan
35. Barbara Burmen, Kenyan
36. Niaina Rakotosamimanana, Malagasy
37. Lenine Liebenberg, South African
38. Veron Ramsuran, South African

Physical Sciences

39. Zebib Nuru, Ethiopian
40. Edem Mahu, Ghanaian

For more information on the fifth cohort visit the Affiliates page to access their full bios.