Uganda’s Dr. Clet Wandui Masiga Honored with Prestigious Alliance for Science Innovation Award

Renowned Ugandan scientist, innovation specialist, and policy expert Dr. Clet Wandui Masiga has been awarded a prestigious international recognition by the Alliance for Science, a global institution dedicated to communicating science.

The special recognition honors Dr. Masiga’s outstanding contributions to policy impact in enhancing the adoption of science innovations globally. The Alliance for Science is hosted the Future of Science Communication Forum, a two-day conference which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 25 to 26, 2025.

The landmark event celebrated 10 years of groundbreaking achievements in advancing science communication and advocacy worldwide.

Dr. Masiga, who serves as the Executive Director of the Tropical Institute of Development Innovations (TRIDI), was recognized for his pioneering work in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical implementation through innovative policy frameworks. His efforts have significantly accelerated the adoption of critical scientific and technological innovations across Uganda and beyond.

“This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to Uganda’s growing influence in the global scientific community,” said Dr. Masiga. “It reinforces our commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development and improved livelihoods.”

In addition to his leadership at TRIDI, Dr. Masiga serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science, Innovations and Technology Development in Bugisu Kingdom, where he is working on initiating numerous initiatives to promote scientific advancement and technological adoption among local communities.

Dr. Masiga’s career spans decades of dedicated service to advancing scientific innovation in Uganda. His multidisciplinary expertise has enabled him to develop comprehensive approaches to complex challenges facing the agricultural sector, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.

At TRIDI, Dr. Masiga has spearheaded groundbreaking research projects focused on rural development, crop improvement, livestock development, and climate-smart agricultural practices. Under his leadership, the institute has become a regional center of excellence, collaborating with international research organizations and academic institutions to develop locally-relevant solutions to pressing challenges.

“Dr. Masiga exemplifies the transformative power of science when coupled with innovative policy approaches,” said a representative from the Alliance for Science. “His ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable policy frameworks has accelerated the adoption of critical innovations, particularly in agricultural biotechnology and environmental management.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Masiga has consistently advocated for evidence-based policymaking and the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern scientific approaches. His inclusive approach has been particularly effective in engaging stakeholders across different sectors, from small-scale farmers to government officials and international partners.

The award from the Alliance for Science highlights Dr. Masiga’s contributions to creating enabling environments for scientific innovation through regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with safety and environmental considerations. His work has been instrumental in developing policies that encourage research and development while addressing public concerns about new technologies.

“Science alone cannot solve our development challenges,” Dr. Masiga noted. “We need innovative policies and management practices that facilitate the adoption of scientific discoveries and ensure they benefit those who need them most.”

As a respected thought leader in his field, Dr. Masiga has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to numerous international forums on science policy and innovation management. His expertise is frequently sought by regional and international organizations working on science, technology, and innovation policy.

The recognition from the Alliance for Science adds to Dr. Masiga’s impressive list of accolades and reinforces Uganda’s growing reputation as a hub for scientific innovation in Africa. It also highlights the importance of strengthening the science-policy interface in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable development.

Dr. Masiga’s colleagues and collaborators have praised his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing science for development. They note that his holistic approach to innovation—encompassing research, policy, and implementation—has created lasting impact across multiple sectors.

Looking ahead, Dr. Masiga plans to leverage this recognition to further strengthen collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and communities to accelerate the adoption of beneficial innovations. He remains committed to mentoring the next generation of African scientists and innovation leaders who will continue this important work.

”As Director of Planning at TRIDI, I am delighted to see Dr. Clet Masiga Honoured with the prestigious Policy Impact Award from Alliance for Science”,Demas Kutosi said.

He added that throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Masiga has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to translating scientific innovations into actionable policies that address critical challenges in agriculture and sustainable development. His collaborative approach, combined with remarkable scientific acumen, has built bridges between researchers, policymakers, and communities, resulting in tangible improvements to food security and agricultural practices across the region. Dr. Masiga’s ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders has been instrumental in ensuring that evidence-based solutions are adopted at the policy level, making him uniquely deserving of this recognition.

“As Director of Partnership and Capacity Building at TRIDI, I have had the privilege of witnessing Dr. Clet Masiga’s extraordinary ability to forge meaningful collaborations across sectors,” states Emma Walimbwa. “His visionary approach to science policy has created sustainable partnerships between research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, resulting in innovative programs that strengthen local capacity and empower communities. Dr. Masiga’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists while simultaneously influencing policy frameworks makes him an outstanding candidate for the Allicae for Science Policy Impact Award.”

“Dr. Clet Masiga represents the perfect intersection of scientific excellence and practical implementation,” affirms Alosius Nyahagene, Business Development Program Leader. “Under his guidance, we have successfully transformed research findings into scalable business models that benefit smallholder farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs alike.

His foresight in identifying market-relevant innovations and his skill in navigating policy environments to create enabling conditions for their adoption has generated measurable economic impact across the agricultural value chain. Few scientists have Dr. Masiga’s unique talent for bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world application through effective policy influence.”

The award ceremony was held at the Alliance for Science’s annual global symposium on 25^th February 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.