Former education minister and physicist Romain Murenzi has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), one of the leading professional honours in physics, in recognition of his contribution to science leadership, education and international scientific cooperation. The recognition places Murenzi among scientists acknowledged by the US-based professional society for their exceptional contributions to physics and service to the scientific community. ALSO READ: Rwandan educator gets award from US university According to the APS, Murenzi was honoured “for extraordinary leadership in leveraging science for peace and progress: creating opportunities for women and girls in science, championing STEM education in Rwanda and the developing world, and launching innovative programmes fostering sustainable global collaborations and excellence.” The programme recognises individuals whose achievements include original research, innovative applications of physics, contributions to physics education, and service to the scientific community. ALSO READ: ON PROFESSOR ROMAIN MURENZI’S LEAVE AND NEXT JOB Murenzi, who is currently a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, United States, has built a career spanning scientific research, public service and international science policy. Murenzi served as Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific Research from 2001 to 2006. In 2006, he moved to the President’s Office as minister in charge of science, technology and scientific research, with responsibilities that included information and communications technology, serving until 2009. ALSO READ: Prof. Murenzi named on UN technology team He joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2009 as a senior scholar. He later became director of the organisation’s Center for Science, Technology and Sustainable Development. He also served at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), where he directed the Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building in the Natural Sciences sector from 2016 to 2017. Murenzi’s international leadership also includes his tenure as executive director of World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) , an organisation that promotes scientific capacity and excellence in developing countries. ALSO READ: Minister Murenzi wins top ICT award He led the academy from 2011 to 2016 and returned for a second term from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure, TWAS expanded its education and training activities, strengthened its role in global science policy and advanced initiatives in science diplomacy and international scientific cooperation. Between 2014 and 2015, Murenzi also chaired a United Nations Secretary-General’s high-level panel on a technology bank for least developed countries, contributing to efforts to improve access to technology and scientific knowledge in countries facing development challenges.
