The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) celebrates the outstanding achievement of Professor Gift Mehlana from the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, a recipient of the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) fellowship, who has been awarded the prestigious 2025 TWAS–Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry. The honour was presented in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the 17th TWAS General Conference on 2 October 2025, marking a significant milestone not only for Prof. Mehlana but also for African scientific excellence on the global stage.

The TWAS–Atta-ur-Rahman Award recognises exceptional scientists from developing countries who are pushing the boundaries of chemical sciences and driving innovation with global impact. Professor Mehlana was honoured for his pioneering research on porous materials, particularly metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which he has advanced as novel support systems for both biological and chemical catalysts. His work in this field addresses some of the most pressing environmental and industrial challenges of our time and has gained international recognition for its originality, relevance, and transformative potential.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Professor Mehlana is widely respected for his commitment to strengthening Africa’s research capacity. He is an active mentor to early-career researchers and postgraduate students, nurturing the next generation of African scientists who will drive the continent’s future innovation landscape. His dedication to mentorship and capacity building strongly aligns with both TWAS’s mission to promote scientific excellence in the Global South and the AAS’s commitment to empowering Africa’s scientific leadership.

Reflecting on the award, Professor Mehlana described the honour as “humbling and deeply motivating,” noting that it reinforces his drive to pursue research that addresses environmental sustainability while uplifting future African scientists. He emphasized that the recognition strengthens his resolve to continue developing transformative scientific innovations that not only advance chemistry as a discipline but also contribute to global sustainability goals.

The AAS congratulates Professor Gift Mehlana on this distinguished achievement and celebrates his ongoing contributions to scientific excellence, innovation, and capacity building in Africa. His success reflects the impact of initiatives such as ARISE, which are designed to support outstanding African researchers and elevate the continent’s role in global science.