Segenet Kelemu
Born
Finote Selam, Ethiopia
NationalityEthiopian
Alma materAddis Ababa University, (BS) Ethiopia;
Montana State University, (MS)
Kansas State University, (PhD)
Cornell University, (postdoc)
AwardsL'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science (2014)

Segenet Kelemu is an Ethiopian scientist, noted for her research as a molecular plant pathologist, and outstanding scientific leadership. For close to three decades, Kelemu and her team's research has contributed to addressing agricultural constraints in Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America.

Since 2013, Kelemu has been the Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology,[1] Africa's only institute dedicated to research on insects and other arthropods. Previously, she was the Director of Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA); Vice President of Programs at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and Leader of Crop and Agroecosystem Health Management at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

Kelemu has received many international accolades including: the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science in 2014; Fellow, TWAS − The World Academy of Sciences; honorary doctorate by Tel Aviv University, in May 2016; recognition as one of Forbes Africa top 100 most influential African women, in May 2014; mentioned as one of 10 most influential African women in agriculture by the Journal of Gender, Agriculture and Food Security (AgriGender Journal) and election as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences. Her other honours include: CIAT's Outstanding Senior Scientist Award; Friendship Award granted by the People's Republic of China and the TWAS Prize for Agricultural Sciences, by TWAS, The World Academy of Sciences.

Early life

Segenet Kelemu was born in the Ethiopian town of Finote Selam.[2][3] In school, Kelemu, though prone to challenging and contradicting teachers, demonstrated self-determination and, above all, academic prowess. She was fortunate to have teachers who recognized and nurtured her potential.[4]

Like many other children in her village, Kelemu was expected to help out with farming chores. Moreover, from an early age, she displayed a strong sense of responsibility, and as a result, her mother assigned her the task of selling farm produce in the market; certain that she would negotiate the best prices and keep the money safe. Thus, Kelemu learnt the hard truths about agriculture: its back breaking labour—especially for women, as well challenges to productivity, which placed people in her community in a constant struggle to meet minimum households food needs; but amidst all, the sector's potential. As a result, she felt a calling to seek solutions for agricultural constraints. Therefore, though an all-round top grade student, Kelemu decided to dedicate herself to science and agriculture.[4][5]

Education

In 1974, Kelemu became the first woman from her region to join Addis Ababa University—where she was one of a handful girls in a class of 200—graduating, on top of her class, with a Bachelor's degree in 1979. She then relocated to the US. At Montana State University, she earned a master's degree in plant pathology and genetics in 1985. She subsequently attended Kansas State University, earning a PhD in molecular biology and plant pathology in 1989. Her PhD thesis was "Molecular cloning and characterization of an avirulence gene from Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae". Kelemu undertook postdoctoral research on the molecular determinants of pathogenesis at Cornell University from 1989 to 1992.[5][6]

Career

Between 1992 and 2007, Kelemu worked at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia, first as a Senior Scientist, and later Leader of Crop and Agroecosystem Health Management. Her research focused on elucidation of molecular determinants of host-pathogen interactions, development of novel plant disease control strategies including genetic engineering, biopesticides, pathogen population genetics and dynamics, endophytic microbes and their role in plant development. In August 2007, Kelemu decided to return to Africa, determined to contribute her experience in applying cutting-edge science to developmental issues, towards resolving the continent's problem. She accepted a position as the Director of the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub. Under her leadership, the BecA initiative was transformed from a contentious idea into a driving force that is changing the face of African biosciences. BecA's research capacity, staff, facilities, funding, partners and training programs have expanded at an ever accelerating pace. She has assembled and inspired a scientific and technical team bound by a common passion for using science to enhance Africa's biosciences development. In 2013, Kelemu joined the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) as Vice President for Programs for about a year. In November 2013, Kelemu became the Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology[1] (ICIPE), Africa's only institution dedicated to research on insects and other arthropods, which is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the fourth chief executive and the first woman to head the institution.[7][8][9]

In January 2018, Kelemu was singled out by philanthropist Bill Gates as one of five "heroes [whose] lives inspire me".[10]

Awards and recognitions

2023President of the French RepublicDr Kelemu was awarded the title of Officier de L’Ordre national du Mérite (Officer in the National Order of Merit), by the President of the French Republic. 
2023 Honorary Doctorate degree of Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.
2022Ellis Island Medal of HonorThe Medal recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate, their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity. [11]
2022United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)Dr Kelemu is one of the scientists featured in a publication titled, Earth, Oceans and Skies: Insights from selected, outstanding African women scientists, published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). [12]
2022Enat Bank, EthiopiaNamed its 94th branch, located in Addis Ababa, after Dr Kelemu, in honour of her excellence in the world of science.
2022Doha DebatesOn 7 June, Doha Debates announced that the latest individual honoured in their SolvingIt series is Dr Segenet Kelemu, one of Africa’s leading scientists and a role model for women in science and research around the world. [13]
2021The Borgen ProjectDr Kelemu was recognised among brilliant women breaking barriers, improving global health, and inspiring others to pursue careers in science, a ‘modern Marie Curie’, by The Borgen Project, in honour of International Women and Girls in Science Day and International Women’s Day, 2021.
2019Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry International FellowThe Fellows are chosen for their work as related to the academy's mission: "To promote agriculture and forestry and associated activities with the support of science and practical experience and in the interest of society."[14]
2019Distinguished Alumni Fellow of Kansas State University, USAThe Fellows are chosen based on their high levels of professional accomplishment and distinguished service in their respective careers [15]
2019Science Honoree of the Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterEach year, the Center acknowledges an exceptional individual who has had extraordinary impact in agriculture, food nutrition, or human health. [16]
2018Woman of the Decade in Natural and Sustainable EcosystemsThe award is the highest honour conferred by the Women Economic Forum (WEF) for outstanding leadership. A global conference of the ALL Ladies League (ALL), WEF is the largest women chamber in the world, with about 70,000 members in 150 countries.[17]
2018Bill Gates ‘Heroes in the Field’The ‘Heroes in the Field’ are individuals who are using their talents to fight poverty, hunger and disease, and providing opportunities for the next generation. The ‘heroes in the field’ were featured in a Time magazine article guest edited by Mr. Gates;[18] a short video that he has narrated on his blog;[19] on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Facebook page and through a series of tweets from Mr. Gates
2017The Mind of the Universe[20]The Mind is an ideological cross media project. It will be the first open source TV series ever, providing the whole series for free to all countries in the world in order to 'spread knowledge'.[21]
2016Honorary doctorate by Tel Aviv University, Israel[22]Over the past 50 years, Tel Aviv University has conferred honorary doctorates to remarkable figures in recognition of their professional and philanthropic contributions to society. Kelemu was honoured for pioneering role for women scientists in Africa; commitment in directing major efforts for the transformation of African agriculture; international acclaim as recipient of prestigious awards; service on advisory boards of key international institutions; and her support in the establishment of the Manna Center Program in Food Safety and Security of Tel Aviv University.
2016Fellow, TWAS, The World Academy of SciencesTWAS Fellows consist of the developing world's most prestigious scientists.
2014L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards[4]The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme recognises achievements and contributions of exceptional females across the globe, by awarding promising scientists with Fellowships to help further their research.
2014Top 100 most influential African women list by Forbes Africa[4]Forbes is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.
201410 most influential African women in agricultureAwarded by the Journal of Gender, Agriculture and Food Security (AgriGender Journal)[23]
2014Fellow, African Academy of SciencesThe African Academy of Sciences fellowships is awarded to scientists who have excelled in their respective fields of expertise.
2011TWAS Prize for Agricultural Sciences[24]The TWAS Prizes are awarded to individual scientists from developing countries in recognition of an outstanding contribution to scientific knowledge.
2006Friendship Award granted by the People's Republic of China[4]The Award is the People's Republic of China's highest award for "foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress.
dateOutstanding Scientist of the Year[25]Awarded by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)

Advisory boards

DateBoardDetailsDesignation
2021International Basic Science Programme (IBSP)member of the Scientific Board of IBSP, the only international forum in the United Nations that makes recommendations to the Director-General of UNESCO and its Member States on the global situation of the basic sciences.[26][27]
2020Global Action for Fall Armyworm ControlLaunched in 2019 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and chaired by the Director General of FAO, the three-year global initiative will take radical, direct and coordinated measures to strengthen prevention and sustainable pest control capacities at a global level.Vice Chair [28]
2020Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Government of AustraliaDr Kelemu shares her expertise to help ACIAR investment in research for development to have the biggest impactPolicy Advisory Council Member [29]
2018 -- presentAdvisory Board, End Hunger SustainablyThe initiative aims to build the evidence base to achieve the SDGs.Panel member[30]
2020Falling Walls Conference, Life Sciences Jury SessionSince its inception, the conference has become a unique global platform connecting science, business and society through a shared commitment to create breakthrough solutions to challenges across borders and disciplines.Jury member [31]
2017Boris Mints Institute prizeThe prize, which started in 2017, will award USD 100,000 to an exceptional individual who has devoted their research and academic life to solving a strategic global challenge.Member, Evaluation Panel[32]
2016National Science and Technology Council of RwandaThe National Science and Technology Council of Rwanda is the governing body of the country's National Commission of Science and Technology (NCST)Member, of the 11 member Council, which was appointed by Rwanda's Cabinet Meeting of 9 December 2016, chaired by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Kagame.[33]
2016United Nations University (UNU)UNU is an autonomous UN organisation that conducts research, postgraduate training and the dissemination of knowledge.Member, UNU Governing Council, at the invitation of United Nations Under Secretary General.[34]
2016Rolex Awards for EnterpriseThe Rolex Awards honour individuals who have, or are, developing ground-breaking initiatives that have the potential to improve life on the planet.Member, eminent judging panel of the 2016 series of the Rolex Awards marked the 40th anniversary of this global philanthropic program.[35]
2015L'Oreal-UNESCO Sub-Saharan for Women in Science Award Jury.The L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science aims to improve the position of women in science by recognizing outstanding women researchers who have contributed to scientific progress.Juror[36]
2015The Louis Malassis and Olam Prizes JuryAgropolis Fondation's Louis Malassis International Scientific Prize is given once every two years. It aims to recognize individuals for their exemplary and promising contribution in promoting innovation through research, development and/or capacity building in order to improve food and agricultural systems sustainability as well as to address food security and poverty reduction.Juror[36]

Personal life

Kelemu was married to Arjan Gijsman, who passed away in June 2021,[37] and has a daughter named Finote Gijsman. She resides in Nairobi. She enjoys reading biographies.[38]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Segenet Kelemu.
  1. 1 2 International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Retrieved 2017
  2. ↑ "Interview with the Boss - BecA-ILRI hub". hub.africabiosciences.org. Retrieved 30 September 2017..
  3. ↑ "Segenet Kelemu - the mind of the universe". VPRO. 11 June 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Chinese honour nudges scientist home". The East African. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  5. 1 2 "Interview with the Boss - BecA-ILRI hub". hub.africabiosciences.org. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  6. ↑ "Dr Segenet Kelemu". icipe.org. International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  7. ↑ "Ethiopian Scientist Appointed 4th Director General of icipe - DireTube - Ethiopian Largest Video Sharing Site". Archived from the original on 15 September 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  8. ↑ "Ethiopian Scientist Appointed 4th Director General of icipe". Diretube. August 2013. Archived from the original on 15 September 2017.
  9. ↑ "Dr Segenet Kelemu | icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology". www.icipe.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  10. ↑ Gates, Bill (4 January 2018). "No masks or capes, but these heroes are saving the world".
  11. ↑ "Ellis Island Medals of Honor Archive".
  12. ↑ "Earth, oceans and skies: insights from selected, outstanding African women scientists". Economic Commission for Africa Knowledge Repository. 2022.
  13. ↑ "Top Ethiopian scientist honored by international news organization".
  14. ↑ "EIHS Medalists".
  15. ↑ "Icipe Director General honoured by alma mater | icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology".
  16. ↑ "Icipe Director General honoured for research impact on African farmers | icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology".
  17. ↑ "Icipe Director General honoured | icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology".
  18. ↑ "This Ethiopian scientist is saving lives by studying insects". Time.
  19. ↑ Bill Gates (4 January 2018). "No masks or capes, but these heroes are saving the world". GatesNotes (Blog).
  20. ↑ VPRO, The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision &, Segenet Kelemu: Extra footage 1, retrieved 14 September 2017
  21. ↑ VPRO, The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision &. "Mind of the Universe". Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  22. ↑ "Honorary Degrees - Honorary Degrees". www6.tau.ac.il. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  23. ↑ "10 influential African women in agriculture". 29 April 2015.
  24. ↑ "TWAS Announces 2011 Prize Winners". TWAS. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  25. ↑ "Dr Segenet Kelemu - icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology". www.icipe.org.
  26. ↑ "Universidad de la República". University of the Republic Urugua (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  27. ↑ "Ellis Island Medals of Honor Archive". Ellis Island Honors Society.
  28. ↑ "Coordination Bodies | Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations".
  29. ↑ "Policy Advisory Council Members". Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
  30. ↑ Laborde, David; Porciello, Jaron; Smaller, Carin (15 November 2018). "Journal Advisory Board" (PDF). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization. p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2023. Segenut Kelemu, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) (Kenya)
  31. ↑ "About | Falling Walls Conference".
  32. ↑ "icipe Director General appointed panel member of BMI prize | icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology". www.icipe.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  33. ↑ "Dr Segenet Kelemu, Director General and CEO of icipe appointed member of the National Science and Technology Council of Rwanda | icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology". www.icipe.org. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  34. ↑ "Dr Segenet Kelemu - United Nations University". unu.edu. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  35. ↑ "Rolex Awards for Enterprise : 40th anniversary Jury announced". Rolex Awards for Enterprise : 40th anniversary Jury announced. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
  36. 1 2 "icipe honours in 2015 - icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology". www.icipe.org.
  37. ↑ "Arjan Gijsman". DSSAT. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
  38. ↑ Kamencu, Kingwa (30 May 2014). "Dr Kelemu's rise: From climbing trees in rural Ethiopia to excelling in science". The East African. Archived from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2016.
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