Dr. Segenet Kelemu is an Ethiopian scientist and the first woman to serve as the Director General and CEO of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology from November 2013 to December 2023. She is currently a Senior Advisor at the MasterCard Foundation. With over 25 years of experience in the United States and Latin America, she has made significant contributions to food and nutrition security, capacity building, and agricultural biosciences.

Dr. Kelemu’s career began as a molecular plant pathology scientist and progressed to leadership roles, including her position as Director of the Biosciences eastern and central Africa Hub and Vice President for Programs at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). She has received numerous awards for her work and has participated in high-level forums and advisory panels globally. Her efforts focus on transforming agricultural practices to better support farmers and advance development in Africa.