At induction of new fellows: CAS urges new members to contribute to progress of science, technology.

The event was chaired by the CAS President, Prof Beban Sammy Chumbow, in the presence of the institution’s Executive Committee members.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Prof Ebelle Etame Rebecca Madeleine, also sat through the event.

In his remarks at the start of the induction ritual, Prof Sammy Chumbow said the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, which is the oldest academy of science in Francophone Africa, has been of great service not only Cameroon but the continent as a whole.

“We have the responsibility to put science at the service of the nation, give advice based on the results of scientific works and research,” the CAS president said, adding that science is the engine of development.

According to him, those in positions of responsibility and who are directly concerned with the development and emergence of Cameroon have to take decisions based on research works, without which the emergence drive is bound to fail.

New members admitted on merit

The new members admitted into the Cameroon Academy of Science are all renowned university professors in Biological Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences as well as Social Sciences. 

Their rich academic and professional careers were presented during the ceremony before they took their induction oath. 

Amongst the 13 was the Minister State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo, who was admitted in the College of Social Sciences in the academy.

According to Prof Sammy Chumbow, the CAS Executive Committee had to carefully scrutinise the scientific works and publications of those who applied to be admitted into the academy, adding that all 13 admitted merited their places.

Speaking before the induction proper, the Executive Secretary of CAS, Prof Francois Xavier Etoa has the induction of new fellows into the academy was to guarantee continuity.

Also, on the occasion some 15 members were also inducted into the Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists. CAS president said the creation of this academy is to prepare young scientists to eventually integrate the Cameroon Academy of Sciences. 

He, however, warned that being admitted into the Cameroon Academy of Young Scientist isn’t a guarantee that they will be eventually admitted to CAS.

“You have to be motivated to work hard in order to become full fledge members of CAS,” he said, adding that those who show seriously will have the opportunity to travel across the world for research works. 

Wednesday’s induction ceremony marked the entry of the fellows into the prestigious institution and also honoured them while anchoring their role in a long tradition of promoting knowledge and scientific research.

Overview of Cameroon Academy of Sciences

The 35-year-old institution was established in 1990 by a group of Cameroonian scholars during a symposium on agriculture and agricultural research in Sub-Saharan Africa in Douala. It is an assembly of scientists, including high-level researchers from universities and research institutes.

The aim of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences is to promote the progress of science and technology for the economic, social and cultural development of Cameroon. 

As such, it ensures the dissemination of scientific culture, and produces opinions and recommendations on major scientific issues with a view to informing debates, choices in our society and public policies.

To achieve these objectives, CAS organises conferences and seminars, publishes journals, implements research projects, prepares reports for decision-makers, and encourage young researchers through prizes and scholarships.

The academy has three colleges, including, the College of Biological Sciences, College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and College of Social Sciences. The institution currently counts 95 members, amongst them 14 women and 81 men. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3417 of Friday April 11, 2025