Executive Director for Research, Innovation and Industrialisation

Professor Florence Mtambanengwe

 Professor Florence Mtambanengwe is the University of Zimbabwe’sExecutive Director for Research Innovation & Industrialisation. She is a Full Professor of Applied Ecology and Agro-systems Development and holds a PhD in Agriculture (Soil Science), MPhilScience (Applied Ecology), and a BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences all from the University of Zimbabwe. Prof Mtambanengwe is a leader,motivator and systems researcher specialising in understanding the ecology and functioning of agricultural and natural ecosystems for sustainable development and enhanced livelihoods among smallholder communities. Forover 30 years, she delivered impactful research rallying farmers towards ensuring household food and nutrition security, and climate change adaptation, in addition to training and working with public and private extension, farmer organisations, fellow researchers and academics, NGOs, and regional and international research organizations and policy makers. 

Prof Mtambanengwe is the inaugural Executive Director for Research Innovation and Prof Mtambanengwe is the inaugural Executive Director for Research Innovation and Industrialisation at the University of Zimbabwe following the introduction of the Government’s Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy in higher and tertiaryinstitutions to promote the production of knowledge-based goods and services within Universities. Being in the driving seat for research and innovation, the University ofZimbabwe has seen the development and implementation of a successful Research-Innovation-Industrialisation Ecosystem encompassing the research and innovation fromits 11 Faculties, the UZ Innovation Hub, UZ Industrial Incubation Centre and the UZAgro-Industrial Park leading to the registration of the University’s first ever Start-Upcompanies from the institution’s Innovation Hub which now stand at over 50.

With a track record of >120 publications in peer reviewed regional and internationaljournals, book chapters and conference proceedings as evidence of this experience,Prof Mtambanengwe continues to contribute to the scientific discourse as evidenced byher appointment in December 2022 as a Fellow of the International Science Council (ISC).The Council recognises scientists with potential to impact society and continue to make a unique contribution to ISC mission and to global science leadership. She is a recipient of several scientific and global recognitions and awards including being ranked No.5 in Zimbabwe’s top 500 Scientists according to the AD Scientific Index (Alper-Doger Scientific Index) for 2023 for her work in the fields of Agriculture & Forestry / Soil Sciences and Plant Nutrition, Soil fertility and remains in the top 10 in the AD Scientific index for 2024. Won 2022 Director of the Year Megafest Business Awards as theDiamond Winner Director for 2022 for her work in spear heading research and innovation at the University. Prof Mtambaenngwe was also a finalist in the Pan-Africa Awards of CEO Global Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government in Awards of CEO Global Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government in recognition of achievement in the Education, Training and Academic within the SADC North Region sector in 2018. 

Some leadership and membership status of National and International significance include: 

• Board Chairman National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) of Zimbabwe
• Vice Chairman of Kutsaga (formerly Tobacco Research Board) 
• Member of the United Kingdom College of Research and Innovation (UKRI) andUKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) Panel Review Member 
•  Member of the United Nations High Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) Project Teammember for “Agroecological approaches and other innovations for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance Food Security and Nutrition” http://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/en/ 
• Member of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Global Fellows NetworkMember of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Global Fellows Network
•  Member of the Regional Forum for Agricultural Universities in Africa (RUFORUM)
•  Member of the Global Soils Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) of the Food andAgriculture Organisation (FAO).