Karim Maredia Honored as Fellow of African Academy of Sciences

By Andi Anderson

Dr. Karim Maredia, professor and assistant dean at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS).

This honor recognizes his leadership in international research, outreach, and capacity building in agriculture.

AAS Fellows are chosen through a rigorous process and represent excellence in science and technology. Professor Lise Korsten, AAS President, said that Maredia’s global expertise supports the academy’s mission to drive sustainable development in Africa through innovation.

Maredia directs MSU’s World Technology Access Program (WorldTAP), which supports knowledge-sharing and technology transfer in partner nations. For more than 30 years, he has led training programs in agricultural biotechnology, food safety, biosafety, and intellectual property, training over 12,500 professionals globally.

Before joining MSU in 1989, Maredia worked at CIMMYT in Mexico, where he researched ways to reduce grain losses caused by insect pests. At MSU, he helped expand the university’s global outreach by building networks and promoting research with direct applications in developing countries.

Since 2017, Maredia has served on the African Union’s High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET), assessing innovations to support Africa’s development. He was also named a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences in India.

Dr. Berhanu Abegaz, a former AAS Executive Director, praised Maredia for bringing international perspective to African science. “His global understanding has strengthened our policy approach and enriched our scientific focus,” Abegaz said.

The AAS Fellowship offers Maredia a role in shaping science policy at the highest level. He hopes to connect AAS with other global science academies and foster collaboration across regions.

“It’s a great honor to receive this recognition,” Maredia said. “I look forward to supporting meaningful projects across Africa and beyond.”

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu