Two professors from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS), Prof Paxie W Chirwa and Prof Eugenie Kayitesi, have recently been elected as Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). 

Prof Chirwa, Chair of Forest Science in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, said, “This continental recognition celebrates my contributions to research, innovation, and development across Africa. This prestigious award is a recognition of my past achievements and a catalyst for further research collaboration, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing throughout the African continent.”

With more than two decades of experience spanning the public sector, international research institutions, and academia, Prof Chirwa has been a driving force in advancing science on the continent. His leadership has significantly fostered collaborative research, secured competitive funding, and contributed to high-impact scientific publications, reinforcing Africa’s scientific capabilities.

Prof Chirwa is a member of the African Forest Forum and serves as Editor, Associate Editor, and Guest Editor for renowned journals such as Agroforestry Systems, Journal of Forestry Research, Scientific African, and Southern Forests. In 2023, he received South Africa’s “Oscars of Science”—the NSTF/South32 Award—and the Exceptional Achievers Award from the University of Pretoria.



Prof Paxie Chirwa

In 2025, Prof Chirwa continues to lead through mentorship as part of the AWARD Climate Action Fellowship, and he supports doctoral scholars through the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).

Prof Kayitesi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, is also excited about being elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Science. “It is a recognition of my contribution and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences. Being named a Fellow of the AAS is a significant honour, awarded to distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science, particularly in ways that have had a lasting impact on the continent.”

She added, “As a Fellow, I will participate in the implementation of key science, technology, and innovation programmes, lead in evidence-based policy formulation, and engage with governments and policymakers to promote science, technology, and innovation on the continent. My election to this esteemed group highlights my dedication to excellence in research and my role as a leader in the academic community. The recognition by the AAS not only celebrates individual accomplishments but inspires students, researchers, and academics alike.”

Prof Eugenie Kayitesi

Prof Kayitesi has earned several awards in recognition of her contributions to science, notably, she was recently among seven women scientists from the Global South who received the 2023 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for their scientific research contribution to Food Security. The prestigious award was presented to her during the 5th Global Food Security Conference, in April 2024, in Leuven, Belgium.

The AAS distinguished Scholars, elected through a rigorous and merit-based process, have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and have significantly contributed to advancing science, technology, and scholarship in Africa and globally.

The newly elected Fellows represent diverse academic disciplines, spanning the Academy’s ten disciplinary clusters. Their election into the AAS Fellowship underscores their commitment to scientific excellence and dedication to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges through research and scholarship.