Dr Segenet Kelemu; ICIPE CEO

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) Director General and CEO, Dr. Segenet Kelemu, has been recognized as the 2019 Science Honoree of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, an institution that aims to improve the human condition through plant science.

Notably, Dr. Kelemu is the first African to receive the Danforth Center Science Honoree recognition. She was honored for her distinguished career in advancing international agricultural research to deliver impact for African farmers.

Speaking during the presentation of the award at Danforth Center’s 20th Annual Fall Symposium in St Louis, Missouri, USA, Dr. Kelemu said that it is a great privilege to receive an award that combines two of her passions: science and agriculture.

"Much of my scientific career has focused on using molecular tools to address agricultural constraints. In addition, having grown up in rural Ethiopia, I have been continually inspired by the possibility of changing the lives of farmers, moving from a vicious cycle of struggle to a virtuous one of prosperity,” she added.

Each year, the Center acknowledges an exceptional individual who has had an extraordinary impact on agriculture, food nutrition, or human health.

Dr. Kelemu joins a list of previous acclaimed awardees including: Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the World Food Prize, Norman Borlaug: internationally renowned botanist and powerful conservation advocate, Peter Raven (USA); eminent plant biologist and geneticist, Joanne Chory (USA); Sir David Baulcombe, a British plant scientist and geneticist; and Vicki Chandler, noted as one of the foremost geneticists in the world.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Article by Jedidah Mwangi

http://www.icipe.org/news/icipe-director-general-honoured-research-impact-african-farmers