Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute and Future Africa, University of Pretoria

Bernard Slippers is a Professor in Genetics at the University of Pretoria (UP). He is a core team member of the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme and Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology in the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI). Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and evolution of insects and micro-organisms that affect tree health, and the development of tools to mitigate their impact. He has received wide recognition for his research nationally and internationally. He has published more than 180 papers, an edited book and a number of book chapters. He is a founding member of the Global Young Academy (GYA) and the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). He has served in the leadership of both these organizations, including as co-chair of the GYA. Bernard is also a Young Affiliate of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). He currently leads the Future Africa project at UP, aimed at developing excellence in transdisciplinary science leadership for innovation in Africa.