Fathiya Khamis, is a Molecular biologist, senior scientist and Head of the Arthropod pathology unit of icipe working on native and invasive insect pests of fruits and vegetables that are of economic importance for food security in Africa and beyond. Fathiya applies molecular biology techniques for insect pest identification and understanding variabilities in pest populations - essential for the development of sustainable, integrated pest management (IPM) systems. She has also worked in identification and characterisation of entomopathogens for development of biopesticides, a key component of IPM for sustainable agriculture for food and nutrition security and safety. Fathiya also applies molecular techniques to assess the safety of insects as a sustainable source of nutritious food for humans and feed for livestock. Furthermore, she is advancing research in microbiome analyses to enhance control of crop pests, improve biocontrol and reduce pesticide resistance in pest population. Fathiya is also active in building research capacity in Africa through mentoring and supervising students at graduate and postgraduate levels, young scientists, and technical staff. Fathiya has contributed significantly to the body of scientific knowledge through authoring and co-authoring more than 140 articles and book chapters. Fathiya has and is contributing significantly at her institution at a corporate level, serving at different panels, boards and icipe institutional committees. She is also a member of several regional and global scientific societies. She is also currently an editor and review editor for several journals in her field of expertise. To pursue her research, focus and objectives, she has taken an active role in resource mobilization in collaboration with colleagues. She has also built and established networks of partners, collaborators, and stakeholders to drive her research agenda. In recognition of her contribution to research and development in Africa, Fathiya was awarded the 2019 TWAS-Abdool Karim Prize in Biological sciences.