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Kenyan
scientist honoured (Professor Calestous Juma - 1993 Laureate)
Story by ZIPPORAH
MUSAU in London
Publication Date: 7/16/2006
A top Kenyan scientist has been admitted to the Royal Society
of London as a fellow.
Prof Calestous Juma was honoured for his work on the "application
of science and technology in developing and developed countries"
at a ceremony held at the society's headquarters at Carton House
Terrace in London on Friday.
He is a professor of international development and project director
of science, technology globalisation at Harvard University's Kennedy
School of Government in the US.
He has also played a leading role in promoting the conservation
of biological diversity.
"This is a great honour. However, the honour comes with a
lot of expectation. It is not just a honorary activity but also
a significant beginning of new collaboration between the UK and
developing countries, especially Africa," Prof Juma told
the Sunday Nation moments after signing the royal charter.
Prof Juma was the only African among the 44 scientists recognised
for their exceptional contributions to science, engineering and
medicine this year.
They are from the UK and Commonwealth countries, and come from
a wide range of fields, including neuroscience, tropical medicine,
and astrophysics and quantum optics.
The ceremony was presided over by Lord Rees, President of the
Royal Society. The Kenya High Commissioner, Mr Joseph Muchemi,
congratulated Prof Juma for his outstanding work in science and
innovation.
Prof Juma holds a PhD in science and technology policy studies
from University of Sussex, UK, where he will also be given an
honorary degree.
He is currently the co-chair of the expert panel on modern biotechnology
of the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa's Development
(Nepad).
Before moving to Harvard, Prof Juma was the executive secretary
of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.
He is also the founding director of the African Centre for Technology
Studies in Nairobi, and has served as Chancellor of the University
of Guyana.
Prof Juma was coordinator of the UN Millennium Project task force
on science, technology and innovation.
The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural
and applied sciences.
Founded in 1660, it plays an influential role in national and
international science policy and supports developments in science
engineering and technology.
Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox
Head, Outreach and Special
Events
Division of Communications
and Public Information
United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP)
P. O. Box 30552
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (254-20) 762 3401
Fax: (254-20) 762 3927 or
762 3692
E-mail: Elisabeth.Guilbaud-Cox@unep.org
Website: www.unep.org
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