The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) has officially opened nominations for its 2026 Fellowship, inviting the continent's most accomplished scientists to be considered for one of Africa's highest honours in research and scientific leadership.

The call, which opened in July 2026, will remain open for two months, with nominations closing on 30 September 2026. Successful candidates will be announced following a rigorous peer-review and election process by the Academy's Fellowship Council and Governing Council. 

Rather than simply recognising lifetime achievement, the Fellowship plays a strategic role in strengthening Africa's scientific leadership by bringing together distinguished researchers who help shape research priorities, provide evidence-based policy advice, mentor emerging scientists and champion science-driven development across the continent.

Election to the Fellowship is based on exceptional scientific achievement and sustained contributions to society. Nominees are evaluated on the originality and impact of their research, publication record, innovation, leadership, mentorship, policy influence and broader contributions to advancing science in Africa.

Only existing AAS Fellows and Associate Fellows are eligible to nominate candidates, ensuring that Fellowship remains a peer-recognised honour based on scientific excellence. Researchers who are not Fellows may, however, request an eligible Fellow or Associate Fellow to submit a nomination on their behalf. Self-nominations are not permitted. 

The Academy is encouraging nominations from across all scientific disciplines while placing particular emphasis on increasing the representation of outstanding women scientists, early pioneers in emerging fields and researchers from underrepresented regions of Africa.

Successful candidates become Fellows for life and join an influential network that advises governments, regional institutions and international organisations on issues ranging from health, climate change and food security to artificial intelligence, biodiversity, engineering and sustainable development.

Beyond recognition, Fellows contribute directly to the Academy's work through scientific advisory panels, policy dialogues, mentorship programmes, research assessments and continental initiatives designed to strengthen Africa's research ecosystem.

The 2026 Fellowship call comes as the Academy enters a new strategic phase under its recently inaugurated 2026–2029 Governing Council, which has pledged to deepen the Academy's role in science diplomacy, evidence-informed policymaking and African research leadership.

The AAS Fellowship remains one of the continent's highest recognitions for researchers whose work is generating knowledge, influencing policy and delivering solutions to Africa's most pressing challenges. 

Photo courtesy:The African Academy of Sciences (AAS)

Article by Jed Mwangi

https://aasciences.africa/news/2026-call-for-nominations-for-aas-fellowship