Meet Tanzania's Top 24 Scientists of 2024
Profiles of Julie Makani, Yunus Mgaya, Said Aboud, and more!
In 2022, I covered Tanzania's top 22 scientists using the AD Scientific Index 2023. It was the only list available for that purpose.
This year, I'm doing the same thing, but writing from Substack instead of my LinkedIn newsletter. And, of course, guided by the most recent rankings - the AD Scientific Index 2024.
Before you read on. Also check out my quick overview of Tanzanian science in 2023 (originally the intro, but now a separate article).
I. SELECTION CRITERIA
In our case, the AD Scientific Index focuses on individual scientists. It considers how influential their research is and how much they contribute to their field.
There are nine factors used to make this ranking, including how often their work is cited by others. Think of it like giving scientists points for their research:
Points for impact: How many times their work is cited by other scientists, according to Google Scholar.
Points for productivity: How much research they publish.
Bonus points for recent impact: Focusing on up to six-year-old work.
Other rankings in this category focus on where scientists work or where their research is published. AD, on the other hand, looks at the scientists themselves. It gives a more accurate picture of their impact.
The Index ranks scientists in various categories, such as medicine, engineering, or social sciences. You can even see these rankings for different countries and regions.
Want to know more? This guideline explains it all.
II. THE LIST
I looked at who's who in Tanzanian research, and here's what I found:
MUHAS is still Tanzania's best higher-learning institution! Six of the country's top 24 scientists work at this university. That's a 25% representation.
SUA follows close behind with five scientists. Or, 21% of the list.
Other top institutions include UDSM, IHI, CUHAS, NIMR, and NM-AIST. (Not familiar with some of the acronyms? I'll break them down in the next section of this article.)
More scientists in their 30s and 40s should be leading the way over the next ten years as more funding is allocated to the scientific community.
The majority of Tanzania's top scientists hold professorships
There are some catches, though:
This list focuses on researchers actively publishing new work. Some renowned professors and science communicators might not be on top, even though their contributions are valuable.
I respect all scientists. Featured or not. And apologize if anything is misrepresented.
There are only 2 social scientists on this list. The rest work(ed) in the life sciences.
This year, I've also included two non-Tanzanian top scientists since they work here. And they might not appear in their home country lists.
Now, to the main event!
1. Ferdinand Mugusi
Position: Professor of Medicine at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).
2022 Rank: N/A
Investigation area(s): Professor Mugusi's research primarily focuses on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He analyzes their prevalence, risk factors, and management in Tanzania. He has conducted extensive studies on NCDs like HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke, often comparing their occurrence and impact in both rural and urban settings.
Notable achievement(s): Mugusi's 2004 study in the New England Journal of Medicine was a landmark investigation into the effect of multivitamin supplements on HIV progression and mortality. This research significantly contributed to understanding the potential of nutritional interventions in HIV management.
2. Rudovick Kazwala
Position: Professor and Department Head, Veterinary Medicine and Public Health at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA).
2022 Rank: #1
Research area: Professor Kazwala dedicates his research to understanding the complex interplay between animals, humans, and the environment. Only in the context of infectious diseases. He focuses on zoonoses—diseases that can jump from animals to humans—and explores their origins, transmission dynamics, and control strategies.
Notable achievements:
Unraveling the sheep's domestication story: Kazwala's 2009 study in Science used retrovirus integrations to shed light on the history of sheep domestication, providing valuable insights into human-animal relationships in ancient times.
Predicting future pandemics: Kazwala's recent work on ranking the risk of animal-to-human spillover for newly discovered viruses contributes significantly to pandemic preparedness. By using genomic and ecological data, he helps prioritize research and prevention efforts for potential zoonotic threats.
Championing canine rabies elimination in Africa: Kazwala's work on canine rabies, a major public health threat, challenged doubts about its feasibility in Africa. His data-driven approach helped pave the way for effective rabies control programs across the continent.
3. Sayoki Mfinanga
Positions:
Director and Chief Scientist of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Muhimbili Center.
Deputy Director of the African Science Partnership for Intervention Research Excellence (ASPIRE).
2022 Rank: #2
Investigation areas: Dr. Mfinanga's research portfolio spans diverse infectious diseases, with a focus on tuberculosis (TB), cryptococcal meningitis, and hypertension. He tackles these challenges from multiple angles, investigating epidemiology, treatment options, and global health strategies.
Notable achievements:
Global TB Landscape: Dr. Mfinanga co-authored the 2020 Global Tuberculosis Report, a comprehensive analysis of the global TB burden, treatment progress, and future directions. His contributions to this vital document inform global TB control efforts.
Hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa: Dr. Mfinanga's research on hypertension prevalence in rural and urban African communities has shed light on the unique risk factors and disparities faced by these populations. His findings guide tailored interventions for effective blood pressure control across diverse settings.
TB Drug Development and Treatment: Dr. Mfinanga actively participates in research on new TB drugs, treatment regimens, and host-directed therapies. His involvement in the Lancet Infectious Diseases review on this topic highlights his clinical expertise and contributions to advancing TB management.
4. Honorati Msanja
Position: Chief Executive Director of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI).
2022 Rank: #3
Research areas: Dr. Masanja's research career has focused on improving child health outcomes in Tanzania and beyond, with a particular emphasis on malaria, childhood illnesses, reproductive health, and epilepsy. He tackles these challenges through clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and health policy interventions.
Notable achievements:
Pioneering Malaria Vaccine Trial: Dr. Masanja played a key role in a landmark 1994 Lancet study testing the efficacy of the SPf66 vaccine against malaria in Tanzanian children. This research, though ultimately unsuccessful, contributed significantly to malaria vaccine development efforts.
Unveiling the Burden of Epilepsy in Africa: Dr. Masanja's research on the prevalence and risk factors for epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa provided crucial data on this often-neglected neurological condition. His findings inform strategies for improving epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and care across the region.
Establishing the Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance System (RHDSS): He played a key role in setting up the RHDSS, which provides annual data on births, deaths, causes of death, and migration in a population of about 90,000 people.
5. Stephen E. Mshana
Positions:
Professor of Clinical Microbiology at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS).
Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the 950-bed Bugando Medical Center (BMC) in Mwanza.
2022 Position: #4
Investigation areas: Mshana's research focuses on infectious diseases in the context of healthcare settings, such as hospitals. He analyzes the impact of disease on vulnerable populations like neonates, pregnant women, and patients undergoing surgeries.
Notable achievements:
Predicting Infections: Mshana figures out signs that show if a baby or someone getting surgery might get sick from germs.
Fighting Antibiotic Resistance: Mshana also studies tough germs (bacteria and fungi) that don't die from drugs designed to kill them. He finds some of these germs in hospitals and tries to understand how they spread. This helps make healthcare facilities safer by adopting infection control techniques.
6. Said Aboud
Positions:
Director General of the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)
Associate Professor at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
2022 Rank: N/A
Investigation areas: Dr. Aboud studies the relationship between nutrition, infectious diseases, and maternal health. Mostly in the context of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in Tanzania. He investigates the impact of nutritional factors like vitamin D and micronutrient supplementation on disease progression, mortality, and childbirth outcomes.
Notable achievements:
Pandemic Response Strategy: He led a committee of scientists that advised the government of Tanzania on how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
Unveiling the Vitamin D-HIV Connection: One of Dr. Aboud's papers explored the link between vitamin D status and HIV progression in women. His findings shed light on how vitamin D deficiency potentially worsens HIV outcomes. And highlighted the importance of nutritional interventions for HIV-positive individuals.
Developing Promising HIV Vaccines: He also collaborated on research testing a multi-pronged HIV DNA vaccine approach. His contributions to the Journal of Infectious Diseases publication showcased the potential of this strategy for generating broader immune responses against HIV.
7. Patrick Ndakidemi
Position: Professor in the School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST).
2022 Rank: #5
Investigation areas: Dr. Ndakidemi focuses on understanding and improving soil health, as well as its impact on sustainable agriculture in Tanzania and beyond. He investigates the roles of microorganisms, enzymes, and organic amendments in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth, while also exploring eco-friendly solutions for pest and disease control.
Notable achievements:
Turning Waste into Fertilizer: His work on using plant waste to create vermicompost, a nutrient-rich fertilizer, offers an environmentally friendly and effective solution for waste management. It can also boost vegetable yields.
Harnessing Nature's Defense System: Dr. Ndakidemi utilized using plant-derived chemicals as antibiotic alternatives against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. His research showcases the potential of nature's arsenal in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Boosting Bean and Soybean Yields: Dr. Ndakidemi's research on the benefits of inoculating beans and soybeans with beneficial bacteria has led to improved crop yields and economic gains for Tanzanian farmers. Thus promoting sustainable food production.
8. Audax ZP Mabulla
Positions:
Associate Professor in Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
Former Director General at the National Museum of Tanzania (NMT).
2022 Rank: N/A
Investigation areas: Dr. Mabulla's research focuses on understanding the past and present of humans. How? Through studying hunter-gatherer communities, ancient DNA, and human behavior. He investigates evolutionary history, diet, and adaptations. This sheds light on how we came to be who we are today.
Notable achievements:
Reconstructing African Population History: Dr. Mabulla's ancient DNA analysis contributed to reconstructing prehistoric African population structures. It provided valuable insights into human migration patterns and genetic diversity across the continent.
Hunter-Gatherer Energetics and Obesity: Dr. Mabulla's research on the energy expenditure of Hadzabe people compared to modern humans challenged our understanding of obesity and its evolutionary roots. His data suggested our sedentary lifestyles may play a significant role in weight gain.
9. Fredros Okumu
Position: Director of Science at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI.
2022 Rank: #8
Research area: Dr. Okumu is a leading figure in the fight against malaria. He focuses on innovative vector control. And advocating for research-driven solutions to eliminate the deadly disease. His work spans diverse areas, from traditional tools like insecticide-treated nets to cutting-edge technologies like gene drives.
Notable achievements:
Optimizing Malaria Control Strategies: Dr. Okumu's research on combining indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated nets has informed effective malaria control programs in Africa. He demonstrated the importance of multi-pronged approaches in healthcare.
Developing Smarter Mosquito Traps: Dr. Okumu co-developed a synthetic mosquito lure that is more attractive to mosquitoes than humans. This innovative technology holds promise for improving mosquito trapping and reducing human exposure to malaria bites.
10. Sarah Moore
Position: Head of the Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) at the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI).
2022 Rank: #5
Investigation area(s): Dr. Moore understands and manipulates mosquito behavior to develop effective strategies for malaria control and prevention. She explores diverse approaches, including plant-based repellents, spatial repellents, and mosquito-feeding behavior, to disrupt the mosquito-human interaction. And ultimately reduce malaria transmission.
Notable achievements:
Championing Plant-based Repellents: Dr. Moore co-authored a comprehensive review of plant-based insect repellents. She highlighted their potential as safe and accessible alternatives to synthetic insecticides for mosquito control. This work has inspired further research and development of natural repellent solutions.
Decoding Mosquito Dining Habits: Dr. Moore's research on anopheles feeding behavior and its impact on malaria transmission across Africa sheds light on crucial factors influencing disease spread. This knowledge enables the development of targeted interventions tailored to specific mosquito populations and transmission dynamics.
BREAK
Information on the following listees may be updated on demand.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with their names, linked to either their Google Scholar or workplace profiles, so you can judge for yourself. And possibly confirm their status as Top Scientists.
III. ADDITIONAL TOP SCIENTISTS
Prof. Sylvia Kaaya
Prof. Karim Manji
Prof. Elgius Lyamuya
Prof. Bruno Sunguya
Prof. Sia Msuya
Prof. Robinson H. Mdegela
Prof. Rhodes H. Makundi
Prof. Esron Daniel Karimuribo
Prof. Yunus D. Mgaya
Prof. Rachel Manongi
Prof. Mark Rweyemamu
Dr. Rose Mpembeni
Prof. Julie Makani
Prof. Issa G. Shivji
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
I seem to be better at asking questions than answering them. But stay tuned for a future article or project where I'll tackle some of the following questions head-on.
Should COSTECH (or anyone!) create a more relevant local ranking of scientists in Tanzania?
Should scientific achievement be measured by commercial success, or by traditional metrics like publications? And can Tanzanian technology be judged by its adoption, particularly in underserved communities?
Can we evaluate emerging or early-career researchers? Do we need a ranking system for secondary school and undergraduate scientists? In addition, what are the best ways to determine the potential of Ph.D. graduates before they begin their formal academic careers?
Google Scholar is awesome. But we need even more tools to recognize great research!
How cool would it be to find the next Einstein in high school?
V. CONCLUSION
Thank you for taking the time to read this piece. I wish you a productive and peaceful New Year.
Kazi iendelee in 2024!
Impressive article. Thank you.