By Shelby Jefcoat
Dr. Alice Mweetwa, lecturer and assistant dean for Post Graduate Studies at the University of Zambia, recently was recognized by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) with the 2016 Science and Technology Merit Award.
The NSTC annually recognizes Zambian scientists who contribute to socio-economic development through science, technology and innovation. The council chooses one male and female to honor. The NSTC describes the awarded scientists as those “who have made exceptional and invaluable contributions to Research & Development (R&D) in science and technology.”
Mweetwa was evaluated based on her research, the outputs of that research, and how they translated to technology and publication. The council seeks out candidates who have displayed mentoring abilities as well.
The NSTC honored outstanding scientists during the commemoration of World Science Day for Peace and Development. The Zambian Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Professor Nkandu Luo, M.P. made a celebratory appearance at the ceremony held on November 10th, 2016 at the Northern Technical College in Ndola.
Mweetwa is a collaborator on both the Southern Africa Peanut Value Chain Interventions and Southern Africa Pre-harvest Value Chain Analysis projects.