In the exercise of its mandate conferred by the Malawi Government under the Science and Technology Act, No. 16 of 2003; Gazette Supplement Notice No.1 of 20th February, 2009, the Board of Directors of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) appointed Associate Professor Elijah Malinga Menard Wanda (PhD) as its 3rd Director General (DG) with effect from 29th May, 2020. Associate Professor Wanda holds a PhD in Nanotechnology and Material Chemistry, which he obtained in 2018 from the University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology under the Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit.
As Director General, Associate Professor Wanda undertakes to diligently and faithfully perform the duties assigned to him for the term of his engagement and act in all respects according to the lawful instructions or directions given to him by the Employer for the provision of the strategic leadership and guidance to NCST in the implementation of corporate policies, work progress and plans as approved by the Board in line with the commitment of the Government of Malawi in advancing Science and Technology in Malawi as declared in the National Science and Technology Policy.
Prior to his appointment at NCST, Associate Professor Wanda served as an Associate Professor and Head of Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Technology and Innovation (FoSTI) of Mzuzu University (MZUNI), undertaking research and teaching of both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Chemistry. He also served as Senate representative on MZUNI Council as well as FoSTI representative on MZUNI Senate.
Associate Professor Wanda brings with him a wealth of research, technical and managerial experience and expertise in strategic and operational planning, organizational structures, which he obtained from Mzuzu University. He is a recipient of the following wards: (1) 2016 Ghandi Inspired Research and Innovation 5th Annual Research Showcase – Natural and Physical Sciences (Best Long Paper Category) – South Africa; (2) 2015 Ghandi Inspired Research and Innovation 4th Annual Research Showcase – Natural and Physical Sciences (2nd runner up – Oral presentation Long Paper Category) – South Africa. His PhD thesis involved hydrochemical modelling and removal of emerging micropollutants from water using fabricated nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes/polyethersulfone (N-CNT/PES), silicon dioxide (silica) (SiO2) and germanium dioxide (GeO2) embedded polyethersulfone (PES) blend membranes.
Associate Professor Wanda is mindful of the global recognition of the role of science and technology in wealth creation, which has resulted in various efforts to enhance science and technology. To this effect, through the development and application of science and technology, Malawi can create wealth necessary for transformation from being a predominantly importing and consuming nation to a predominantly producing and exporting nation. This therefore calls for bringing together expertise from research, scientific and technological institutions in the country to actively collaborate, consult and cooperate towards development and application of science and technology for worthwhile innovations that can stimulate sustainable growth and development.
In his tenure, Associate Professor Wanda will strive to enhance the character and visibility of NCST as a strong research, science, technology and innovation hub necessary to stimulate socio-economic developments, urgently required to improve the people lives and livelihoods in Malawi. One of his priorities during his tenure will be on high level research management and more meaningful engagements with the Malawi Government and stakeholders from research, scientific and technological institutions within Malawi and beyond. Also high on the agenda is to ensure that NCST has vibrant science and technology fund that could help NCST move towards being a self-sustaining science and technology institution in Malawi.
NCST wishes him all the best as he steers the institution towards achieving a nation with scientifically and technologically- led sustainable growth and development.
