Send us a text When 50 girls from underprivileged communities gathered at the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit in Durban, something big happened. In just three days, these young innovators became creators, inventors and problem-solvers who dared to reimagine their worlds and their futures. The summit challenged participants to develop solutions addressing real community problems through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The result was innovations that showcased technical ...
Jun 16, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 160
Send us a text What happens when passion meets purpose in the world of medical data? Dr. Okechinyere Achilonu takes us through her journey in the evolving landscape of biostatistics in Africa. She reveals how this often-overlooked field serves as the backbone of health research across the continent. Born in Nigeria, Dr Okechi is currently a lecturer and biostatistician at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa. She also shares the impact of the Sub-Saharan Africa Advanced Consortium for...
Jun 01, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 159
Send us a text What happens when African scientists tackle our continent's most pressing challenges? The May 2025 edition of our News Roundup, the first release under this segment, majorly focuses on innovation in health. The first is an AI-powered, solar-powered device that diagnoses Malaria and dispenses medicine. We also talk about Ghana's Yamachi Biotech and their creation of Africa's largest cancer genomic database. Our conservation segment unveils a wildlife trafficking crisis, which invol...
May 18, 2025•15 min
Send us a text On this Africa Day podcast, five African science communicators discuss their role in amplifying authentic African research voices. They explore how digital platforms are transforming science communication across the continent. From immunology and plant science to scholarly communication and mentorship platforms, these podcasters share their journeys of creating digital spaces where authentic African scientific voices can thrive. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rooto...
May 13, 2025•53 min•Season 5Ep. 158
Send us a text What if the invasive plants ravaging African agriculture could become part of the solution to our energy crisis? In this conversation, researcher Bongiwe Mtshali reveals her innovative work converting problematic alien plant species into valuable renewable energy resources. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The Root Of The Science Podcast Facebook: The Root of The Science Podcast LinkedIn: The Root Of The Science Podcast ...
Apr 27, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 157
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Rachel Mkandawire shares her journey from plant pathology to agricultural policy. With degrees in crop science, plant nematology, and a PhD in plant pathology, Rachel brings unique scientific insights to her work at the Food Agriculture Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN). She explains how her work at FANRPAN is transforming food systems across Southern Africa through participatory farmer research and evidence-based policy making. Support the s...
Apr 06, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 156
Send us a text Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, claiming approximately 3,400 lives daily. On this World TB Day episode, We speak with Professor Leigh Fairley, Director of Maternal and Child Health at Wits RHI and Associate Professor at the University of Witwatersrand, about groundbreaking research that could transform TB prevention. As a key figure in the M72 trial, she discusses the M72 trial, its significance in the fight against TB and the potential impa...
Mar 23, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 155
Send us a text Nearly 19 million children in Southern Africa face stunting, while over 40 million people experience food insecurity annually. What drives these alarming statistics and how can we address them effectively? Professor Kennedy Dzama, who leads the Southern Africa Food Lab at Stellenbosch University, offers profound insights into this critical issue. He talks about the interconnectedness of climate change and food security, the establishment of the Southern Africa Food Lab and how it ...
Mar 16, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 154
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Charles Takalana, Deputy Director of the Office of Astronomy for Development and Interim Head of Secretariat for the African Astronomical Society, shares how Africa is advancing in the fields of space science and astronomy research. Dr. Takalana also highlights the society's work in building a strong astronomical community across Africa since its revival in 2019. Key initiatives include supporting young scientists, addressing misconceptions about astronomy, an...
Mar 10, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 153
Send us a text How did we transform from a single podcast into a dynamic media platform that is promoting African voices in STEM on the global stage? Join Anne Chisa, our Founding Director in this exclusive release of where we started and where we are going. Our commitment is to spark even bigger conversations, thanks to our incredible team and the support from our listeners, guests, and partners. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The R...
Feb 03, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 152
Send us a text Ever wondered how African researchers are shaping the global scientific narrative? Today, we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Root of the Science podcast with a special collaborative episode featuring Joy Owango, the founding director of TCC Africa. As we discuss the necessity for a multidisciplinary approach and the growing demand for digital accessibility, Joy and I tackle the strategic challenges of effectively navigating today's digital platforms, exploring how to levera...
Jan 19, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 151
Send us a text In our final episode this year, we spoke with Jenn Gardy (Deputy Director, Malaria Surveillance, Data & Epidemiology, Gates Foundation) and Susan Rumisha (Principal Research Scientist and Lead, Malaria Atlas Project, Dar Node), to unlock the secrets to eradicating malaria by 2030. They discuss the innovative approaches and daunting challenges in the ongoing battle against malaria. From preventive strategies like environmental modifications and dual active-ingredient (AI) insec...
Dec 15, 2024•57 min•Season 5Ep. 150
Send us a text What does it take for Africa to lead the charge in sustainable industrialization? Join us on this enlightening conversation with Dorcas Jelagat Tuitoek , a PhD student at the University of Oxford, whose research on industrial decarbonization in the steel industry is setting a new standard for green technology. Discover how Dorcas transitioned from a promising career at Deloitte to becoming a key player in the global effort to combat climate change. Support the show Follow the show...
Dec 08, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 149
Send us a text In this episode we discuss the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in healthcare with Sabine Mensah, the Deputy CEO of the AfricaNenda Foundation. Sabine shares her expert views on how DPI, with its vital components like digital identity and payment systems, is reshaping access to health services for governments, businesses, and individuals. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The Root Of The Science Podcast Fa...
Nov 24, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 148
Send us a text This is a thought-provoking conversation with Tabita Ntuli, a global health advocate with over a decade of experience in public health and community development. Tabita serves as an Equality and Rights for All Adviser for the UN Joint Program on AIDS (UNAIDS). In this episode, we dive into the sociocultural dynamics that influence sexual health practices and policies, the latest sexual health interventions for young women, and strategies for scaling these initiatives to reach more...
Nov 12, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 147
Send us a text Earlier this year, The Dream Women In STEM Technovation Summit (June 26-28) brought together young women, leaders, and innovators from Dream Big Stay Humble and the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) to tackle global challenges. Through the Technovation Challenge, high school learners were challenged to develop solutions addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. In this...
Oct 28, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 146
Send us a text In this episode, we are honored to have Neil Watkins, Deputy Director of Global Policy & Advocacy at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Neil discusses the recently released 2024 Goalkeepers Report on Tackling Global Malnutrition. Under this, he explores the malnutrition crisis affecting 400 million children, the role of climate change in worsening food systems, innovative solutions such as fortified foods, the economic toll of malnutrition and calls for global cooperation ...
Sep 23, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 145
Send us a text In this episode, we dive into a critical conversation with Tamuda Chimhanda, a Software Engineer at Dell Technologies and founder. Not only does he explore emerging technologies in Africa, but as a member of the Microsoft Council for Digital Civility, Tamuda fights online scams and educates the public on digital safety. Tune in and learn more about the rising threat of online scams targeting young people, especially young men. Don’t miss this one! Resources below to help with onli...
Sep 08, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 144
Send us a text Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively . Our conversation with Dr. Cornelia Ndifon, a Physician, Reproductive/Maternal & Child Health from Namibia is all about cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine. Dr. Cornelia explains the burden of cervical cancer in Africa and the critical roles of the HPV vaccine and screening in preventing this disease. She also addresses common myths and misconc...
Aug 25, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 143
Send us a text Solving our region’s biggest health challenges can only be achieved by innovative African-led solutions. And our guest today is Asante Chisa, a young health innovator and a BSc student in Biomedical Engineering from Malawi. Asante will talk about her passion for medical innovation, her love for interior design and her current project on the design and fabrication of an IoT drip monitoring system, which is set to revolutionise patient care in Malawi. Let's take a listen! Support th...
Aug 11, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 142
Send us a text In this episode, we listen to the story of Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje from Nigeria. She talks about her involvement in polio eradication in Nigeria, her role in increasing polio vaccine access, building trust in the vaccine, and ultimately contributing to Nigeria's success in eradicating wild polio. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The Root Of The Science Podcast Facebook: The Root of The Science Podcast LinkedIn: The Root ...
Jul 22, 2024•17 min•Season 5Ep. 141
Send us a text In the second part of our conversation with Dr. Samuel Usman, explores the crucial engagement strategies employed by the CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP) in Nigeria to eradicate polio, the role of traditional and religious leaders in vaccination campaigns and the essential involvement of women in the vaccination process. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The Root Of The Science Podcast Facebook: The Root of The Science Pod...
Jul 16, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 140
Send us a text This is the first episode in the polio eradication in Nigeria story series. Our guest, Dr. Samuel Usman will talk about the spread of polio, how it affects the body and how the polio vaccine works. He will also explain the challenges in Polio eradicaton in Nigeria and his personal experience in this field. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The Root Of The Science Podcast Facebook: The Root of The Science Podcast LinkedIn:...
Jul 10, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 139
Send us a text Science communication, especially in health, is crucial for fostering informed and resilient communities in Africa, where public health challenges are prevalent. In our upcoming episode, Treezer Michelle Atieno, a health and science journalist from Kenya will be joining us. Treezer is also our show producer and will talk about her experience in science communication and the launch of her reporting project on polio eradication in Nigeria. LinkedIn : Treezer Michelle Atieno X : @Mic...
Jul 01, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 138
Send us a text Can forests be the salvation for our planet's future? Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of genetics and sustainable forestry with our guest today, Nthabiseng Dhlamini, a Tree Breeder from South Africa. In our first ever video episode, we take a deep dive into the vital role forests play in our ecological balance and the pressing need for sustainable solutions to combat the threats of deforestation and unsustainable logging. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter...
Jun 17, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 137
Send us a text The Root of the Science Media is here! Yes! We have officially transitioned to multimedia science content production and dissemination. This episode is a celebration of our achievements and call to fellow African science communicators seeking a stage to showcase their passion. With a suite of new content formats — from newsletters to visual storytelling — we're set to quench your thirst for credible, engaging science communication. Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Ro...
May 20, 2024•5 min
Send us a text In today's episode, our guest Jenalea Rajab from Lelapa AI talks about her work in reshaping the landscape of natural language processing but and championing the cause of underrepresented languages. Jenalea's transition from the field of electrical engineering to AI innovation is as intriguing as it is inspiring, offering invaluable lessons in how diverse experiences can culminate in a career that's both dynamic and impactful. LinkedIn: Jenalea Rajab Support the show Follow the sh...
Apr 21, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 136
Send us a text Listen to the first episode of #AfricanWomenInAI Series with Aulan Lucrece Zahoundo, the Quantum AI expert from Benin. She gives us an exclusive look into her groundbreaking PhD work with the AIMS Institute at the University of Ghana Within the dynamic field where quantum computing meets machine learning, Aulan's story is one that breaks barriers and challenges the norm. LinkedIn: Aulan Lucrece Zahoundo Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootof...
Mar 18, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 135
Send us a text In this episode, we are happy to have Tabitha Wangechi, a Digital Security Advocate from Kenya. She sheds light on the dark side of the internet where women are often targets to doxing, revenge pornography, and the barrage of digital harassment women face. Listen to this and more on the solutions available for digital harassment. LinkedIn: Tabitha Wangechi. Twitter: @T_Wangechi Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofscipod YouTube: The Root O...
Feb 26, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 134
Send us a text Prepare to be moved by Asonele Kotu' s work is rewriting the narrative for young girls in Africa. Asonele Kotu from South Africa is the founder of Femconnect and a Social Impact Entrepreneur. She talks about period poverty, the transformative education Femconnect provides on menstruation and family planning and tackling the deep-rooted stigmas surrounding sex education in Africa. LinkedIn: Asonele Kotu Support the show Follow the show on: Twitter: @Rootofscipod Instagram: @Rootofs...
Feb 11, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 133
