The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) congratulates Prof Lukoye Atwoli, a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS), on being awarded the International Distinguished Fellow honor, the highest distinction conferred by the American Psychiatric Association during its 2026 Annual Meeting.
The award recognizes Prof Atwoli’s distinguished contributions to mental health research, psychiatric clinical practice, and leadership in advancing mental health services both locally and globally. The honour also reflects his continued commitment to strengthening mental health systems and inspiring the next generation of researchers and practitioners in Africa and beyond.
Prof Atwoli is a Professor of Psychiatry and Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College, East Africa. His research focuses on psychiatric epidemiology, including trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, genetics of mental disorders, children’s and youth mental health, and HIV and mental health. He has published more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Prof Atwoli also serves in several international leadership roles, including within the Alliance of Academic Health Centers International (AAHCI), the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), and the World Psychiatric Association’s Epidemiology and Public Health Section. He is an International Member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and a recipient of Kenya’s Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), one of the country’s highest national honours.
As a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, Prof Atwoli represents the Academy’s commitment to recognizing excellence in African science and supporting researchers whose work transforms lives and strengthens health systems. His recognition by the American Psychiatric Association highlights the growing global impact of African scientists and leaders in shaping the future of mental health care and research.
The AAS congratulates Prof Lukoye Atwoli on this distinguished achievement and celebrates his continued leadership in advancing mental health research, education, and innovation in Africa and beyond.