Segenet Kelemu

Segenet Kelemu
Born	Finote Selam, Ethiopia
Occupation(s)	Molecular plant pathologist, scientific authority, research leader
Known for	Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (2013–2023), Director of Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA), Vice President of Programs at AGRA, Head of Crop and Agroecosystem Health Management at CIAT
Notable work	Research on molecular plant pathology, agricultural science advancement in Africa

Segenet Kelemu is a distinguished Ethiopian expert in molecular plant pathology and a prominent scientific authority whose investigations have tackled agricultural issues spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America for almost thirty years.

Between November 2013 and December 2023, she held the position of Director General at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, the only African institution dedicated to research on insects and arthropods. Prior to this, she was Director of Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA), Vice President of Programs at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and Head of Crop and Agroecosystem Health Management at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

Among her honors are the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science (2014), election as a Fellow of TWAS − The World Academy of Sciences, an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University awarded in 2016, inclusion in Forbes Africa’s list of the 100 most influential African women (2014), and Fellowship of the African Academy of Sciences. Additionally, she has been awarded the Outstanding Senior Scientist Award from CIAT, China’s Friendship Award, and the TWAS Prize in Agricultural Sciences.

Early life

Originating from Finote Selam, Ethiopia, Segenet exhibited outstanding academic abilities and perseverance from a young age, encouraged by educators who recognized her promise. Her upbringing involved assisting with farm labor and managing sales at local markets, providing her with direct experience of agriculture’s demanding nature—particularly for women—and the obstacles to productivity that impact food security within her community. These formative experiences inspired her dedication to advancing agricultural science to address these challenges.

Education

In 1974, Segenet became the first woman from her area to enroll at Addis Ababa University, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1979 with a Bachelor’s degree. She subsequently pursued graduate studies in the United States, obtaining a master’s degree in plant pathology and genetics from Montana State University in 1985. She earned her PhD in molecular biology and plant pathology from Kansas State University in 1989, focusing her dissertation on molecular cloning of an avirulence gene from Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae. From 1989 until 1992, she conducted postdoctoral research on molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis at Cornell University.

Career

From 1992 through 2007, Segenet was affiliated with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, where she progressed from Senior Scientist to Leader of Crop and Agroecosystem Health Management. Her research emphasized molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens, innovative approaches to controlling plant diseases such as genetic engineering and biopesticides, pathogen genetics, and investigating the influence of endophytic microbes on plant growth.

In August 2007, she returned to Africa to assume leadership as Director of the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub. During her tenure, BecA transformed into a pivotal institution driving bioscience advancement across Africa by enhancing research infrastructure, personnel, funding sources, collaborations, and training initiatives. She assembled a dedicated scientific team committed to harnessing science for the continent’s progress.

In 2013, Kelemu briefly occupied the role of Vice President for Programs at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). Later that year, she was appointed as Director General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Africa’s exclusive center focused on insect science based in Nairobi. She became ICIPE’s fourth director general and notably its first woman to lead the organization.

In January 2018, philanthropist Bill Gates named Segenet among five "heroes [whose] lives inspire me," acknowledging her significant contributions to global development through scientific innovation.

Awards and recognitions

2025	Business Day, Nigeria	Listed among 9 prominent Africans
2024	Technology Networks	Included in e-Book Women in Science: Inspiring the Next Generation
2024	Africa Report	Featured in Top 50 Influential Africans under The Brains category for achievements in plant science
2023	International Society of Plant Pathology	Inducted as Fellow
2023	President of the French Republic	Conferred with Officier de L’Ordre national du Mérite
2023	Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel	Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Honoris Causa
2022	Ellis Island Medal of Honor	Honored for exceptional contributions to knowledge and humanitarian efforts
2022	United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)	Featured in publication highlighting outstanding African women scientists
2022	Enat Bank, Ethiopia	Designated 94th branch in honor of Dr Kelemu’s scientific excellence
2022	Doha Debates	Recognized in SolvingIt series as a leading African scientist and female research role model
2021	The Borgen Project	Acknowledged as a ‘modern Marie Curie’ for breaking barriers and advancing global health
2019	Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry International Fellow	Selected for contributions to agricultural and forestry sciences
2019	Distinguished Alumni Fellow, Kansas State University, USA	Honored for professional achievements and dedicated service
2019	Donald Danforth Plant Science Center	Science Honoree for significant impact on agriculture, nutrition, and health
2018	Woman of the Decade in Natural and Sustainable Ecosystems	Received highest accolade from Women Economic Forum for leadership excellence
2018	Bill Gates ‘Heroes in the Field’	Recognized by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for combating poverty, hunger, and disease
2017	The Mind of the Universe	Featured in open-access TV series promoting global knowledge dissemination
2016	Honorary doctorate, Tel Aviv University, Israel	Awarded for pioneering contributions to African agricultural development and women’s scientific leadership
2016	Fellow, TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences)	Recognized among the most distinguished scientists from developing countries
2014	L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards	Celebrated for outstanding scientific achievements by female researchers worldwide
2014	Forbes Africa Top 100 Most Influential African Women	Included among top African women influencing business and science sectors
2014	10 Most Influential African Women in Agriculture	Honored by Journal of Gender, Agriculture and Food Security for impact in agriculture
2014	Fellow, African Academy of Sciences	Awarded for distinguished scientific expertise
2011	TWAS Prize for Agricultural Sciences	Recognized for exceptional scientific contributions originating from developing nations
2006	Friendship Award, People's Republic of China	Highest recognition given to foreign experts aiding China’s economic and social advancement
date	Outstanding Scientist of the Year, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)

Advisory boards

Date	Board	Description	Role
2021	International Basic Science Programme (IBSP)	Serves on the Scientific Board offering guidance to UNESCO's Director-General and Member States on worldwide basic science matters.	Member
2020	Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control	Participates in a FAO-driven global effort to strengthen prevention and sustainable pest management capabilities.	Vice Chair
2020	Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)	Contributes expertise to enhance the impact of ACIAR’s research aimed at development outcomes.	Policy Advisory Council Member
2018 -- present	Advisory Board, End Hunger Sustainably	Engages in supporting data-driven initiatives to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).	Panel Member
2020	Falling Walls Conference, Life Sciences Jury Session	Involved in an international forum uniting science, business, and society to promote groundbreaking solutions.	Jury Member
2017	Boris Mints Institute prize	Participates in selecting recipients of a USD 100,000 award for tackling critical global issues.	Evaluation Panel Member
2016	National Science and Technology Council of Rwanda	Acts as a member of the governing body responsible for Rwanda’s National Commission of Science and Technology.	Council Member appointed by Rwanda’s Cabinet
2016	United Nations University (UNU)	Serves on the Governing Council of this autonomous UN entity focused on research and postgraduate education.	Governing Council Member by UN appointment
2016	Rolex Awards for Enterprise	Part of the judging panel for the 40th anniversary recognizing innovators improving lives worldwide.	Judging Panel Member
2015	L'Oreal-UNESCO Sub-Saharan Women in Science Award Jury	Evaluates candidates for awards honoring exceptional women scientists advancing research.	Juror
2015	Louis Malassis and Olam Prizes Jury	Assesses nominees contributing to innovation in food security and agricultural sustainability.	Juror

Personal life

Segenet Kelemu was married to Arjan Gijsman until his passing in June 2021, and they have one daughter named Finote Gijsman. She currently lives in Nairobi and has a passion for reading biographies.