Award | 2026 OWSD–Elsevier Foundation Award for Sustainable Energy for Tabitha Amollo
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
A former Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) fellow, Dr Tabitha Amollo from Kenya, is among five Women Scientists from the Global South who have been honoured with the 2026 OWSD–Elsevier Foundation Award for Sustainable Energy.
The Award recognises early-career women scientists advancing sustainable energy research and expanding access to affordable, reliable, clean energy in developing countries, in line with UN SDG 7.
“These five outstanding scientists demonstrate how scientific leadership can drive meaningful responses to the energy challenges faced by their communities. Through their work, they are not only generating solutions but also positioning themselves as role models and points of reference for other women across their regions, fostering pathways of leadership, collaboration, and long-term impact."
Luisa Echeverría King,
President of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
Dr Amollo is a physicist and materials scientist from Kenya. She developed cost-effective, high-performance solar cells using thin-film technologies. Her innovations have translated into community-based applications, including solar-powered refrigeration systems for rural health centres, expanding reliable energy access for essential services.
How did it come about that you were considered for the award?
I applied for the award when it was announced. Among the eligibility requirements was that the applicants' current research should address SDG 7 (sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy). My research focus, i.e. materials and a device engineered for solar energy conversion, directly contributes to the provision of affordable and clean energy.
What was your reaction when you heard you were one of the five winners, the only one from Africa?
Well, I was more than elated. The fact that my research efforts are recognised internationally is quite a motivation.
The USD 5,000 cash prize is a wonderful windfall – how do you plan to use this?
We are resource-constrained. This will be a boost to running the lab, e.g., for buying consumables.
Winners also get a travel grant to attend a leading international conference. Where are you aiming to go and when?
The awardees and the organisation have yet to decide on that.
How do you feel about awards in general, and about this one in particular?
Awards are special because they recognise excellence. This particular one is special because it recognises the merit of my research efforts. So, it’s a motivator because the road in research isn't always smooth.
The award seemed to be based mostly on the work you have done as a FAR-LeaF fellow?
Yes, the community outreach aspect was done in the FAR-LeaF program. You know, this program emphasises transdisciplinary research, which I really appreciated. Some of the other aspects were from a TWAS grant and collaborations.
The 2026 Awardees are: Cristina Dominguez (Guatemala) – Engineering Sciences; Fadia Alhaj Hussien (Syria) – Chemical Sciences; Duleeka Sandamali Gunarathne (Sri Lanka) – Engineering Sciences; Tabitha Awuor Amollo (Kenya) – Physics; Victoire Ghafi Kondi Akara (Togo) – Physics
Heidi Sonnekus in discussion with Tabitha Amollo
