Dr. Perpetra Akite wins British Ecological Society Marsh Award for Ecologists in Africa

Dr Perpetra Akite has been awarded the Marsh Award for Ecologists in Africa.

This prize aims to celebrate the significant scientific achievements of African ecologists and raise their profile in the UK. It is provided by the Marsh Charitable Trust and administered by the British Ecological Society.

Dr Akite is one of Uganda’s leading entomologists and experts in butterflies. She has made important advances in improving knowledge about insects in Uganda, contributing to assessing and mapping key ecologically sensitive species in the country. She has even had a moth named after her.

Dr. Akite is also passionate about passing on her knowledge to younger generations and takes part in a great deal of outreach activities at both the school and university levels. Her goal is to encourage more young people – especially African girls – to begin a career in science.

The winners will be presented with their prizes during a ceremony held at the BES Annual Meeting which runs from 18^th – 21^st December in Edinburgh. The meeting will bring together over 1000 ecologists (in person and online) to discuss the latest advances in ecological research across the whole discipline.

Source: Makerere University