|
Luke Mumba took up the challenging task of steering the SANBio
Network of NEPAD Biosciences in 2006.
SANBio is one of four regional bioscience networks in Africa,
and consists of a regional Hub at the CSIR in South Africa, linked to
12 countries in the sub-region, namely Angola, Botswana, Malawi,
Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Seychelles, South
Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Luke Mumba provided the ACGT with insights into his background
and his vision for the future of SANBio.
Born and raised in Zambia, Luke graduated in Biology and
Chemistry from the University of Zambia in 1985 and immediately joined
the teaching staff of the university. As part of the University's staff
development programme he was sent to the University College of Swansea
in Wales where he studied for a taught MSc degree in molecular
genetics. He also produced a dissertation on the inhibitory effect of
certain alkaloids in herbal cancer remedies on multiplication of
transformed cancer cells. He was awarded the Roger Gilbert memorial
prize for the most outstanding dissertation of his class.
Luke returned to Zambia for four years, but in 1991 he won a
Beit Trust scholarship to study for his PhD in Plant Genetics at St
Edmund's College, University of Cambridge. His thesis explored the
basis of genetic incompatibility between two different gene pools of
the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, and
established the genetic basis of this incompatibility and was also able
identify certain combinations of varieties that produced fertile
offspring and could therefore be used by plant breeders as a "bridge"
between the gene pools.
In 1994 Luke once again returned to Zambia and furthered his
career at the University of Zambia, rising through the academic and
administrative ladders to the level of Associate Professor of Genetics
and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, respectively. He remained
committed to research and the development of biotechnology in his
country, and has several publications to his name. He played a central
role in the debate on GMO food aid (he is currently publishing a book
on this topic), and was instrumental in the formulation of national
biotechnology and biosafety policies.
Luke is the Founding Director of the Biotechnology Outreach
Society of Zambia, a professional association spearheading biotech
outreach in Zambia. Luke is also one of the founding trustees of the
Zambian Academy of Sciences. He has received many awards, fellowships
and visiting scholarships including from the Hawaii State Foundation
(Honolulu), Austrian (Innsbruck) and the British ODA Fellowships. He
has served in many national boards including as Chairman of the
National Aids Council Biosafety Committee, member of the Board
Directors of the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), Member of the
National Plant Genetic Resources Committee, member of the University of
Zambia Council and Senate, and as member of the National Biosafety
Committee.
After 21 years at the University of Zambia, Luke has taken on
the new challenge at SANBio with enthusiasm. He points out that the
framework for S&T innovation on the African continent has been
set at a high political level and that it is now up to the continent to
pool its resources to develop products and services. Africa has a
number of world class scientists but they are scattered over the
continent. It is essential to bring them together to achieve an
enabling environment. As he points out, "Kakumo kamozi
sikangapeye inda", a Cinyanja saying meaning "One finger
cannot kill a louse".
Luke emphasizes that the biggest challenge for SANBio and
NEPAD is mobilization of financial resources, and success will only be
achieved by building on the political will shown by the International
Community, African Union and the Heads of State. The involvement of
experienced scientists on the continent will be critical to ensure that
success is achieved in attracting funding. A major focus on human
resource development is also essential, particularly because the
scientific community is being depleted due to better opportunities
overseas, as well as through the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Nevertheless,
Africa has enormous advantages through its natural resources and
biodiversity; things just need to be brought together to create the
missing link.
Luke and his wife Rose have four children (a girl and three
boys), aged between 23 and 10. All his children are studying, though
none - so far - are following their father's footsteps in the
biological sciences. We wish Luke and his family a pleasant and
productive stay in South Africa.
|
