The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) has officially launched the 2025 call for nominations to its esteemed Fellowship, inviting a broader pool of candidates from across disciplines, genders, and regions of the continent. The nomination window closes on 30 September 2025, offering an opportunity to spotlight Africa’s most distinguished scientific minds through lifetime recognition.

Open to nominations across three categories—Fellows, Associate Fellows, and Honorary Fellows—the AAS Fellowship stands as one of the highest honours for scientists on the continent. It recognises individuals who have made sustained and globally acknowledged contributions to science, innovation, and societal development.

Eligible nominees must have held a PhD for at least 10 years and demonstrate significant impact in their field, including a minimum H-index of 20 (excluding social sciences) and at least one publication with over 100 citations. Candidates must also be senior or lead authors on the majority of their selected research outputs. Scholars can be nominated from any of the ten scientific clusters represented by AAS, ranging from agricultural sciences and health to engineering and policy research.

Yet this year’s call emphasises more than academic metrics. In a strategic push to diversify African science leadership, the AAS is actively encouraging the nomination of women scientists and scholars from underrepresented disciplines. All current AAS Fellows are required to nominate at least one woman, while women Fellows are encouraged to submit at least two female candidates.

“This is more than a fellowship—it's a platform to transform African science by ensuring it reflects the breadth of talent and experience across the continent,” said a representative from AAS.

For the first time, the AAS is also expanding recognition criteria to include social scientists and legal scholars, with a new annex outlining how peer-reviewed books, judicial citations, and legal opinions may be evaluated on par with scientific articles.

Only current AAS Fellows or Associate Fellows may submit nominations—self-nominations are not accepted, though aspiring candidates are encouraged to seek nomination by engaging with existing Fellows.

Through a rigorous peer-review process, the AAS ensures that only candidates who demonstrate international-level excellence and local relevance are inducted. The Fellowship also provides a vital platform for African-born scientists working abroad and naturalised non-African scientists who have contributed meaningfully to African research and development.

As AAS continues to grow as a pan-African scientific authority, the 2025 Fellowship call represents not only recognition of excellence but also a step forward in building a more inclusive and representative African science ecosystem.

For nomination details and eligibility, visit the AAS Fellowship nomination portal.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

Photo/Google

https://aasciences.africa/news/2025-call-for-aas-fellowship-nominations