Dr Tadele Tefera is currently Country Head of ICIPE (International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology), Ethiopia. He is an entomologist, obtained his PhD from Stellenbosch University, MSc and BSc from Haramaya University. He was Humboldt fellow at University of Göttingen, Germany. He mentored over 30 MSc and PhD students, authored over 100 publications and has a patent right in biopesticide. Dr Tefera was Associate Professor and Director of Research at Haramaya University. Dr Tefera was listed in The World’s Top 2% scientists released by Stanford University in 2021, scientists whose published papers have accelerated progress in their respective fields and influenced the productivity of other scientists. Dr Tefera served in international scientific bodies including Governing Board Member of The International Association for Plant Protection Sciences; editor-in-chief of the East African Journal of Sciences and Associate Editor of Indian Journal of Entomology. Dr Tefera made considerable contributions in the development of postharvest management technologies and crop specific IPM techniques for major crops. Dr Tefera worked as a scientist at CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center), he was a team member of CIMMYT maize breeders who released 8 high yielding, drought tolerant, pest resistant maize inbred lines and hybrids, in collaboration with and national maize program in east Africa, from 2010-2013. Under the leadership of Dr Tefera ICIPE Ethiopia received an award of excellence given in 2018 by the State Minster, Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia, for outstanding partnership and contributions in promotion of climate smart push-pull technology and contributions in commercial beekeeping development in Ethiopia. His team was awarded best team of the year 2017 by ICIPE Director General for strong leadership and outstanding efforts in expanding ICIPE’s programs in Ethiopia and beyond. Dr Tefera was awarded a fellowship by the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences in 2022 for his outstanding achievements.
