One of the core mandates of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is to recognise excellence and it does this is by electing scholars who have excelled in their fields of expertise as its members. The AAS Fellowship comprises individuals who have reached the highest level of excellence in their field of expertise and have made contributions to the advancement of science and innovation on the African continent. 

Fellows of the AAS (FAAS) are elected based on their achievements which include: their publication record; innovations; leadership roles; and contribution to society. Election into the AAS Fellowship is done through a rigorous review process. 

Although the term “Fellow” is used generally to refer to all those elected into the AAS Fellowship, the Fellowship has four categories: 

Founding Fellows 

The AAS was conceived on 6 July 1985 when 22 prominent scientists met in Trieste, Italy, at the inauguration of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). A task force under the leadership of the late Professor Thomas R. Odhiambo completed and presented the constitution of the AAS within six months leading it to be ratified on 10 December 1985 at a meeting held at the TWAS headquarters in Italy. Thirty-three African scholars who had taken part in the July and December meetings became Founding Fellows with Prof Thomas R. Odhiambo elected as the first President of the AAS. 

Honorary Fellows 

Honorary fellows are elected from persons of eminence who have made significant contributions to the objectives of the Academy. 

Associate Fellows 

Associate fellows are elected from active and outstanding non-African scientists residing elsewhere or in Africa who have made significant contributions to the development of researchers, as well as the development of science, technology and innovation in Africa. 

Non-African scientists who have taken citizenship of an African nation and Africa-born scientists who may have taken citizenship outside Africa will be considered under the category, ‘Fellows’. 

Fellows 

Fellows are elected from among active African scientists residing in Africa or elsewhere and who have attained the highest international standards and/or who have made significant contributions to the development and application of science, technology and innovation in Africa. 

Disciplines of the AAS