Meet Anne Chisa, a science communicator and advocate for education and gender equality. Anne was born in Malawi and later moved to South Africa, where she developed a passion for the sciences during her high school years. She is currently pursuing a PhD in agricultural science at the University of KwaZulu Natal. Anne amplifies African voices in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through her work with The Root of the Science Podcast and Root of the Science Media. Her work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 5: Gender Equality.
Founded in 2020, The Root of the Science Podcast was Anne’s response to the need for more excellent representation of African scientists. The podcast features stories of African scientists and innovators, showcasing their achievements and breaking down stereotypes. By providing a platform for these voices, Anne aims to inspire young Africans to pursue careers in STEM and see themselves reflected in these role models.
Anne’s experiences growing up in Southern Africa highlighted the lack of diversity in the scientific community. This drove her to establish Root of the Science Media, a venture to address the visibility gap for African scientists, combat misinformation, and create career paths for science communicators. Anne says about her media arm: “The platform disseminates credible scientific information and engages experts to share insights into the latest STEM developments through podcasts, interviews, multimedia content, and written articles.” Anne regularly hosts experts in their fields on topics such as Inclusion in AI, Food Security, Climate Resilience, various views on vaccines in Africa and many more topical issues.
Anne’s journey has not been without challenges. Balancing her academic pursuits with her initiatives, securing funding, and navigating the relatively uncommon career path of science communication in Africa have been significant hurdles. However, her unwavering dedication and resilience have led to notable achievements, including recognition as a Goalkeeper in 2023 and being selected as one of the Mail and Guardian Top 200 South Africans in 2022. Her most recent achievement of covering the 2024 Lindau Nobel Laurette meeting in Lindau, Germany which is a gathering where young scientist and Nobel Prize Winners in the Science fields meet annually.
Anne envisions Root of the Science Media as a solution to the visibility gap for African scientists and a promoter of credible scientific information. Her work not only ensures that African scientists and innovators receive the recognition they deserve but also inspires future generations in STEM, promising a brighter and more diverse future for the field.
Outside of her professional work, Anne enjoys cooking, which brings balance to her busy life. Her ability to create networks and leverage her social capital to support others underscores her deep commitment to her community and mission. Anne Chisa is a dedicated scientist and communicator, using her platform to promote education, gender equality, and a more inclusive future in STEM. Her efforts are paving the way for greater representation and recognition of African scientists on the global stage.
LinkedIn: The Root of the Science Podcast
Email: goalkeepers@sun.ac.za