Two professors from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS) at the University of Pretoria have recently been elected as Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). This recognition highlights their commitment to scientific excellence and their dedication to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges through research and scholarship. 

Prof. Paxie W. Chirwa and Prof. Eugenie Kayitesi were elected through a rigorous, merit-based process. They have both demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective fields, making significant contributions to advancing science, technology, and scholarship in Africa and worldwide. 

Two decades advancing African forestry 

With over twenty years of experience in the public sector, international research institutions, and academia, Professor Chirwa, Chair of Forest Science in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, has played a pivotal role in advancing science across the African continent. His leadership has greatly enhanced collaborative research, secured competitive funding and resulted in numerous high-impact scientific publications, strengthening Africa’s scientific capabilities. 

“This continental recognition celebrates my contributions to research, innovation, and development throughout Africa. This prestigious award acknowledges my past achievements and serves as a catalyst for further research collaboration, policy engagement, and knowledge-sharing across the continent,” stated Chirwa. 

He is a member of the African Forest Forum and holds positions as Editor, Associate Editor, and Guest Editor for esteemed journals, including Agroforestry Systems, Journal of Forestry Research, Scientific African, and Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science. In 2023, he received South Africa’s “Oscars of Science” – the NSTF/South32 Award – as well as the Exceptional Achievers Award from the University of Pretoria. In 2025, Professor Chirwa will continue to lead through mentorship as part of the AWARD Climate Action Fellowship and will support doctoral scholars through the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif). 

Pioneering nutritional science excellence 

Professor Kayitesi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, was thrilled to have been elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS).  “This recognition reflects my commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences. Being named a Fellow of the AAS is a significant honor, awarded to distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science, especially in ways that have a lasting impact on the continent,” she stated. 

As a Fellow, she will be involved in implementing key science, technology, and innovation programs, leading evidence-based policy formulation, and collaborating with governments and policymakers to promote science, technology, and innovation across Africa. Her election to this esteemed group underscores her dedication to excellence in research and her leadership role within the academic community.  “The recognition by the AAS not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also inspires students, researchers, and academics alike,” she added. 

Professor Kayitesi has received several awards recognising her contributions to science, including being one of seven women scientists from the Global South awarded the 2023 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for her significant contributions to food security. This prestigious award was presented to her during the 5th Global Food Security Conference, held in April 2024 in Leuven, Belgium.