Jennifer Thomson
Jennifer Ann Thomson | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 16, 1947 Cape Town, South Africa |
| Occupation(s) | Microbiologist, Professor |
| Known for | Expertise in agricultural applications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), development of genetically engineered maize resistant to maize streak virus and drought |
| Notable work | Genes for Africa, Seeds for the Future, Food for Africa |
Jennifer Ann Thomson (born 16 June 1947) is a distinguished South African microbiologist recognized for her expertise in the agricultural applications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Originating from Cape Town, she currently holds a professorship at the University of Cape Town.
Education and career
Thomson obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Cape Town, followed by a Master of Arts in Genetics from Cambridge University, and completed her PhD in Microbiology at Rhodes University. Her postdoctoral studies included research fellowships at Harvard Medical School and a one-year tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Her academic journey commenced with roles as lecturer and associate professor specializing in genetics at the University of the Witwatersrand. She then established and led the Laboratory for Molecular and Cell Biology at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. Presently, Thomson is an Emeritus Professor of Microbiology and serves as Deputy Dean of Science at the University of Cape Town.
In addition to her academic duties, she contributes as an advisor and board member to several organizations such as the Council for Biotechnology Information, African Agricultural Technology Foundation, International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, BIO-EARN, and the European Action Group on Life Sciences. Thomson also presides over the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World.
Research
Thomson spearheads efforts to develop genetically engineered maize varieties that exhibit resistance to the African endemic maize streak virus (MSV) as well as drought conditions. MSV significantly impairs crop yields, intensifying food scarcity issues in regions targeted by her research. This pioneering GMO initiative represents the first transgenic crop created by African scientists on the continent to tackle a local agricultural challenge, showcasing effective protection against MSV and drought stress. Her work underscores the critical role of GMOs in advancing agricultural sustainability across Africa.
Publications
She has published three books—Genes for Africa, Seeds for the Future, and Food for Africa—which analyze GMO technology's implementation within South American crop systems.
Awards
Thomson’s achievements have been recognized with notable honors including the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science and an honorary doctorate awarded by the Sorbonne. Additionally, she received both the Four Outstanding SA Woman Achiever of the Year and Young Woman Achiever accolades from South Africa’s Women's Bureau. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa and was recently bestowed with Italy's Accademia dei Lincei International Prize for the Protection of Human Rights.