The Tuks professor designs, analyses, parameterizes, and simulates novel mathematical models for the transmission dynamics and control of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases of major public health significance.
University of Pretoria mathematics and applied mathematics Prof Abba Gumel has been elected fellow of Unesco’s World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
TWAS is for the advancement of science in developing countries and supports sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy and diplomacy.
Members of the academy represent the apex of scientific achievement in their respective fields and contribute to the collective expertise of the academy.
“It means our little effort in promoting world-class science worldwide is recognised by our peers. Nothing is more gratifying than being able to help empower others with the scientific tools they need to be the best they can become and collectively build a much better planet for themselves and all of us,” he said.

He said it is always great for a researcher to be elected into an academy or scientific organisation that consists of the best.
“It’s humbling yet empowering. It recognises our mathematical sciences work, which focuses on addressing some of the pressing challenges of our time, notably outbreaks of major infectious diseases and the effect of climate change on the global distribution and burden of disease,” he said.
“The award is, in summary, a validation and recognition of the excellent work my collaborators particularly students – postdocs, junior – colleagues around the world and I do to improve the planet we live in,” he said.
Gumel’s research uses mathematical approaches (modelling, rigorous analysis, and data analytics) to gain insight and provide an understanding of the transmission dynamics of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases of public health significance.
His work entails quantifying the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, insecticide and drug resistance, land-use changes and human mobility on the spread and control of vector-borne diseases.

Gumel is no stranger to accolades.
He is an elected fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), African Academy of Sciences (AAS), American Mathematical Society (AMS), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Society for Industrial Mathematics (SIAM).
Gumel received the Bellman Prize, a merit award for research excellence at the University of Manitoba five times, and the Young African mathematician medal, among others.

Original article published by Citizen here.