Professor Kelly Chival, one of Africa’s leading scientists in the field of drug discovery, has been elected as an international member of the US (US) National Academy of Sciences (NAS), one of the highest honors in the world science community.
Professor Chibare, chairman of Africa-centric drug discovery and development at the University of Cape Town (UCT), was among the 30 international members selected this year, along with 120 US-based scientists. His election recognizes his “supporting and continuous achievements in the original study” especially in the development of treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect the African population.
The announcement, made by the NAS last week, brings the total number of international members to 556. International members are non-voting and have citizenship outside the United States.
The NAS is a private, non-profit organization established under the Congressional Charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Elections for membership will recognize science achievements and provide science, engineering, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.
“This recognition is a great honor and responsibility.”
“I was on the night shift when an email from a US colleague appeared at 8:15pm on April 29th and responded to a message sent in 2021,” recalls Chibare. “The message simply read, ‘I just wanted to celebrate being elected to the National Academy of Sciences!” he made a mistake and mentioned the election to the National Academy of Medicine last October.
Trailblazer
Chibale’s latest honors closely followed his election to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2024, making him one of the few African scientists recognized by both well-known institutions.
A pioneer in his field, Chibare is the founder and director of the Centre for Drug Discovery (H3D), the first such type of centre in Africa, housed at UCT’s Chemistry Bureau and the Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine. Under his leadership, H3D led several groundbreaking initiatives, including the discovery of the first small molecule clinical candidates for any disease studied in African soils by an African-led team.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
“I intend to contribute meaningfully to the Academy’s mission, advise on scientific issues and help shape science policy.”
“This recognition is a great honor and responsibility,” he said. “I intend to contribute meaningfully to the Academy’s mission, advise on science issues, and help shape science policy. I also want to be prominent in scientific entrepreneurs. Science should not only satisfy curiosity, but also promote development and create jobs.”
Looking back on his incredible journey as a leading scientist, Chibale said there is no formula for success. “I have always believed in making the most of every opportunity, being consistent and using God-given talent. Challenges are inevitable, but I see them as opportunities.”
He emphasized the importance of investing in basic science research and supporting the next generation of African science entrepreneurs.
“Young scientists need to be incentivized to think of entrepreneurs. Supporting young basic scientists better, ensuring career progress, and supporting scientific entrepreneurship will help advance the continent. In an increasingly polarized world, science is a united person,” he said. “It does not know the boundaries and belongs to all humanity.”
