Prof Abdon Atangana, a leading professor of applied mathematics at the University of the Free State (UFS), was recently elected to the Council of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). His term commences 1 January 2027 and runs until 31 December 2028.
The Council is responsible for supervising all Academy affairs.
“An election of this kind carries particular meaning because it comes from the scientific community itself, and to be entrusted with a Council position representing Africa is a significant responsibility,” said Prof Atangana, who added that this election represents a growing responsibility to serve the scientific community.
He has seen immense growth in his service to TWAS, working his way from being a member of the Membership Advisory Committee for Mathematical Sciences to being elected to the TWAS Council.
Prof Atangana indicated that this election connects strongly to his identity as an African scientist, particularly his commitment to contributing to the development of African researchers. He argued that African representation in global science leadership is important because participation helps shape the questions that receive attention, the expertise that informs decisions, and the way research opportunities are designed.
Using that logic, he intends to utilise his time as a Council member to contribute towards building stronger connections between African researchers and the TWAS community – connections that continue beyond his time in this role. “I would like African research needs and achievements to be clearly reflected in Council discussions, and I hope to help bring greater visibility to original contributions from across the continent,” he said.
Duties of a TWAS Council Member
In his capacity as a Council Member, Prof Atangana will contribute to conversations and decisions made regarding the Academy’s affairs – including its broad policy and programme direction – while supporting TWAS’ mission of advancing scientific excellence and research capacity in developing countries.
He explained that the Council plays a critical role in the process of electing new TWAS Fellows. After an assessment by the relevant Membership Advisory Committees, the Council then makes a recommendation regarding a final list of candidates to be elected by the Fellows. He intends to rely on his experience gained from serving as the Chair of the Membership Advisory Committee between 2024 and 2026; a committee which evaluates nominations for fellowships in mathematics.
Priorities during his term
Beyond his assigned duties, Prof Atangana has several priorities he would like to champion during his term as a Council Member.
He is passionate about the development of young researchers, especially ensuring a smoother transition from doctoral training to independent scientific work. “A strong doctoral result needs to be followed by opportunities to continue research, develop collaborations, and build a programme of work,” he said. To this end, he intends to use this opportunity to advocate for clearer access to information, sustained mentorship, and connections that will help promising researchers make that transition, with particular attention to researchers from institutions that have limited access to established international networks, and to barriers that hinder the entry and contribution of women in science.
Prof Atangana is intentional about making sure that there is a connection between scientific research and the everyday problems that affect people, such as water security and environmental degradation. And, he said, this is possible through the building of relationships in which “researchers and decision-makers can learn from one another and use scientific evidence responsibly”. He, therefore, intends to collaborate with colleagues within and beyond TWAS to ensure that these priorities are realised.