Rwandan physicist Prof. Romain Murenzi has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), in recognition of his leadership in science, support for science education and efforts to expand international research cooperation.
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) announced the recognition on October 9, citing Murenzi’s work to create opportunities for women and girls in science, promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Rwanda and other developing countries, and build international scientific partnerships.
The APS recognised Murenzi for “his extraordinary leadership in leveraging science for peace and progress,” including initiatives that encourage scientific collaboration and excellence.
“I am grateful to the American Physical Society for this recognition,” Murenzi said.
He added that science could help build peace and prosperity by making the benefits of research and innovation accessible to people regardless of nationality or gender.
“Through science diplomacy, science can serve as an honest broker among nations, fostering dialogue and cooperation,” he said.
Murenzi is a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, United States, where he joined in 2024. His career has combined physics and mathematics with public service, science policy and international cooperation.
He served as Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific Research from 2001 to 2006. From March 2006 to July 2009, he was Minister in the President’s Office in charge of Science, Technology and Scientific Research, with responsibilities that included information and communications technology.
After leaving government in 2009, Murenzi joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, where he became director of its Center for Science, Technology and Sustainable Development.
He also served at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), directing its Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building in the Natural Sciences sector from 2016 to 2017.
Murenzi later led TWAS for two terms, from 2011 to 2016 and from 2017 to 2023. The academy supports scientific advancement in developing countries and promotes international cooperation in research.
His election as an APS Fellow adds to a career spanning scientific research, government leadership and efforts to broaden access to science and strengthen cooperation among researchers worldwide.
