Recognised as one of the best young scientists in Ethiopia

Dr Fenet Belay was recently selected as a member of the Ethiopian Young Academy of Sciences (EtYAS). The EtYAS was established in 2015 with the objectives of identifying, bringing together, and supporting the very best young scientists and scholars to champion excellence and innovation in national scientific research, and to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and representation among young scientists in Ethiopia. The EtYAS will represent the voice of young scientists in national and international scientific venues and serve as a bridge between young and senior scientists in the country.

How did this honour come about?

This honour came through a competitive selection process by the EtYAS, under the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, recognising young scholars who demonstrate scientific excellence, leadership potential, and societal impact. I was selected for my contributions to research, teaching, and community engagement in climate change, food security, sustainable agriculture, gender-responsive development, and coffee-based livelihood systems in Ethiopia.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in interdisciplinary and international collaborations focusing on climate resilience, sustainable coffee landscapes, and smallholder farming systems. My work particularly emphasises climate-smart agriculture, gender-responsive adaptation, food security, and sustainable development within coffee-growing communities. Being recognised by EtYAS is both a personal milestone and an acknowledgement of the importance of research that connects science with community needs and policy relevance.

What does this membership mean for you?

This membership represents more than professional recognition. It is an opportunity to become part of a national network of young scientists committed to advancing science for societal transformation in Ethiopia. It is both an honour and a responsibility. The membership motivates me to continue producing impactful, inclusive research that addresses urgent development challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and gender inequality. It also reinforces my belief that science should not remain only within academia but should contribute directly to improving livelihoods, informing evidence-based policy, and supporting sustainable development pathways.

How does your academy membership promote your career?

The membership strengthens my academic and professional visibility nationally and internationally. It creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific networking, policy engagement, mentorship, and leadership development. As a researcher working at the intersection of climate change, agriculture, gender, and sustainability, the platform allows me to engage with experts from diverse disciplines and institutions.

It also supports my ongoing international collaborations through initiatives such as FAR-LeaF II, Future Africa, and other regional and global research networks. These connections are important for strengthening research quality, expanding collaborative opportunities, and increasing the policy relevance and visibility of my work.

In addition, the fellowship complements my growing role in mentorship and in strengthening research capacity. Currently, I am mentoring PhD students under the PASET-RSIF programme and serving as a mentor in the Knowledge Catalyst Fellowship Programme coordinated by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). These experiences allow me to support emerging African researchers while strengthening collaborative and interdisciplinary research networks across the continent.

What type of opportunities does this selection create for you?

The fellowship creates opportunities for collaborative research, policy dialogue, mentorship, science communication, leadership development, and international engagement. It opens pathways to work closely with scientists, institutions, and policymakers both within Ethiopia and beyond.

It also provides opportunities to contribute to evidence-based solutions for climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, agro-bioeconomy transitions, biodiversity conservation, and gender-responsive development. In addition, the fellowship strengthens opportunities for joint research initiatives, research funding, publication collaborations, and knowledge exchange across Africa and globally. Importantly, it also creates opportunities to expand mentorship and capacity-building initiatives for early-career researchers, particularly in climate change, sustainable agriculture, food security, and gender-responsive research.

What does this mean for you in everyday practice?

In my everyday work, this recognition encourages me to collaborate even more, act responsibly, and be inclusive as a researcher, mentor, and educator. It reinforces the importance of translating scientific research into practical solutions that can benefit farmers, communities, and decision-makers. It also motivates me to continue mentoring young researchers and promoting interdisciplinary and gender-responsive approaches in research and development practice.

In practice, this strengthens my commitment to science communication, scientific collaboration, and supporting the next generation of African researchers through regional and international research networks. I strongly believe that addressing climate and development challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and communities, and this fellowship provides an important platform to contribute to that vision.

Dr Fenet Belay in conversation with Heidi Sonnekus (FAR-LeaF programme)