Based at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Professor Tommie Meyer has been elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in recognition of his excellence in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The AAS is a pan-African organisation dedicated to pursuing excellence by funding and recognising transformative research across the continent. Fellowship recognition is awarded to scholars who have achieved the highest level of excellence in their fields and have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and innovation in Africa.

The Academy focuses its efforts on six key areas: climate change; health and well-being; food security and nutritional well-being; water and sanitation; sustainable energy; and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

At UCT, Prof Meyer is the CAIR-UCT Research Chair in AI, a professor of Computer Science and a co-director of the AI Research Unit (AIRU). He is also the co-director of the national Centre for AI Research (CAIR) and one of only three South African Computer Scientists to have obtained an A-rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).

"With the recent extraordinary advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is important for Africa’s voice to be represented on the world stage when it comes to global decisions on this issue. I hope to be able to contribute to this important discussion on behalf of the AAS,” he said.

Africa has embraced the transformative capabilities of AI as technology, policy and opportunities advance on the continent. Meyer's innovations in AI policy and education in Africa have significantly contributed to the development of AI both on the continent and internationally. His commitment to fostering AI in Africa and beyond highlights his notable accomplishments and dedication to the field.

As an AAS Fellow, he will have the opportunity to support the mandate of the Academy to strengthen capacity and develop strategies that promote science in Africa that is relevant to the needs of the continent.

Original article written by Ayanda Mthethwa published in UCT News.