An Egerton University lecturer is among five women scientists recognized and awarded by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)–Elsevier Foundation Award for conducting groundbreaking research in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Dr. Tabitha Awuor Amollo, a lecturer and researcher at Egerton University, was feted for her life-changing innovations in solar energy conversion and thin-film technology, with a particular emphasis on developing cost-effective, high-performance solar cells.
The OWSD–Elsevier Foundation Award, a prestigious prize, honors early-career women scientists from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
Dr. Amollo was awarded alongside Cristina Dominquez (Guatemala), Fadia Alhaj Hussein (Syria), Duleeka Sandamali Gunarathne (Sri Lanka), and Victoire Ghafi Kondi Akara (Togo) for being involved in multiple fields of research.
They were each granted the USD $5,000 (Sh 647,750.00) award for using unique approaches in tackling major global challenges.
President of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Professor Luisa Echeverria King, explained that the young and dynamic scientists were bringing hope and innovative solutions to quality of life, not only in the Global South but worldwide, through their careers and relentless determination.
Professor King added that the five outstanding scientists demonstrated how scientific leadership could drive meaningful responses to the energy challenges faced by their communities.
“Through their work, they are not only generating solutions but also positioning themselves as role models and points of reference for other women across their regions, fostering pathways of leadership, collaboration, and long-term impact,” she elaborated.
The OWSD president said the scientists, through their work, were not only generating solutions but also positioning themselves as role models and points of reference for other women across their regions, fostering pathways of leadership, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Dr. Amollo, a physicist and materials scientist, was feted for translating her research into laboratory innovations and practical community applications, including solar-powered refrigeration systems designed to improve storage of medical supplies in rural health facilities.
She noted that her applied approach aligns scientific innovation with pressing development needs, particularly in expanding access to clean and reliable energy solutions.
The OWSD–Elsevier Foundation Award is a global recognition that celebrates early-career women scientists whose work advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while demonstrating leadership and community impact.
Dr. Amollo’s selection places her among a distinguished cohort of researchers shaping sustainable energy innovation across the Global South.
Egerton University Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage said that beyond Dr. Amollo’s research output, she was also actively engaged in mentorship and capacity building, supporting women and students in STEM disciplines and contributing to the development of the next generation of scientists.
Professor Kibwage indicated that her leadership in establishing and guiding a photovoltaics research laboratory further underscores her role in strengthening research capacity within the region.
He pointed out that the award highlights researchers who have overcome significant challenges to achieve research excellence.
Since its inauguration in 2013, the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award has recognized the achievements of 84 women scientists from over 38 countries across the global South.
The foundation indicated in a statement that this year’s awardees had harnessed their expertise to advance UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7—ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.
“The 2026 winners’ research demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling urgent energy challenges. From solar-powered refrigeration for rural health centers to geospatial modeling for forecasting community energy demand, these scientists are driving meaningful change in their regions.
Their achievements go beyond the laboratory, and each has demonstrated remarkable dedication to mentorship, inclusion, and supporting their communities,” read the statement.
Executive Director of the Elsevier Foundation Ms. Ylann Schemm said the five scientists were expanding the possibilities of sustainable energy for least developed communities.
She emphasized the vital role of women scientists in advancing the global energy transformation through well-deserved recognition and visibility, adding that women had a vital role in advancing global energy transformation.
By Esther Mwangi
