Photo of Dr. John Kinyuru, one of the new AAS fellows in the category of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) has expanded its prestigious Fellowship with the induction of 70 new Fellows, marking one of the most diverse and multidisciplinary cohorts in the Academy’s recent history. These individuals have been selected through a rigorous, merit-based nomination and peer-review process that recognises outstanding achievement and lasting contributions to science, technology, innovation, and scholarship in Africa and globally.

The new cohort includes 56 Fellows and 14 Associate Fellows, drawn from eight broad disciplines and spanning the Academy’s ten scientific clusters. While men continue to dominate with 54 elected compared to 16 women, AAS says the rising visibility of female scholars reflects ongoing progress toward improving gender representation within Africa’s science ecosystem.

Rather than simply expanding the Fellowship, AAS leaders say the new class is strategically positioned to support Africa’s pursuit of evidence-based policymaking, homegrown innovation, and global scientific relevance.

“These newly elected Fellows bring not only academic excellence but strategic insight into the continent’s most pressing challenges,” said AAS President Prof Lise Korsten. “Their collective expertise will be invaluable as we work to advance science, technology and innovation as foundations for sustainable African development.”

The Fellows’ work spans health systems strengthening, climate and environmental science, engineering, agriculture, AI and digital sciences, and the social sciences; areas closely aligned with Africa’s Vision 2063 and the continent’s intensifying push for science-driven growth.

The expansion of the Fellowship is also expected to deepen intra-African collaboration, mentorship structures, and interdisciplinary research networks. AAS officials note that many of the elected scholars are already leading major research programs, advising governments, and shaping global scientific conversations roles that will now be amplified through the Academy’s platform.

By integrating these leaders into its governance and programme ecosystem, AAS aims to accelerate cross-border scientific cooperation and support early-career researchers, particularly through mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

With its expanding Fellowship, AAS says it is better positioned to influence national and regional policy, strengthen research ecosystems, and champion African priorities in global scientific arenas.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

Photo Courtesy / Linkedin

https://aasciences.africa/news/honouring-excellence-aas-welcomes-70-newly-elected-fellows