Prof Sospeter Muhongo, a Tanzanian, Officier, Ordre des Palmes Académiques, is a Full
Professor of Geology at the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and an Honorary Professor of
Geology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Geological
Society of London (HonFGS), an Honorary Research Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Geological
Sciences (HonFCAGS), a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (FTWAS), a
Fellow of the Geological Society of Africa (FGSAf) and a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences
(FAAS). He is a fellow of eight highly learned professional societies. He is the first recipient (2004)
of the Prof Robert Shackleton (UK) Award for Outstanding Research on the Precambrian Geology
of Africa. He is the Vice President of the Commission of the Geological Map of the World (CGMW).
Prof Muhongo was the Chair of the Jury for the African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific
Awards – Continental Awards for Outstanding Scientists 2011 Edition. He is a member of the Executive Board of the
African Inter-Parliamentary Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (AIPF-STI).
He is effectively involved in various high-level regional (Africa) and global science, technology and innovation strategic
policy processes (e.g. Africa-Europe STI partnership). He is a Member of the International Experts Group (Global Science
Forum) of OECD and has occupied numerous important national, regional and international professional positions dealing
with STI, earth resources, science policy and science diplomacy. Prof Muhongo was nominated by his country to be a
candidate (2009) for the post of the Director General of UNESCO.
He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Earth Sciences (Elsevier), Associate Editor of Precambrian Research (Elsevier)
and a member of several editorial boards of science journals and bulletins. Prof Muhongo is the Senior Editor of the
published book (2009) on, "Science, Technology and Innovation for Socio-Economic Development: Success Stories from
Africa."
Prof Muhongo was the President of the Geological Society of Africa (1995-2001). He was the founding Regional Director
(2005-2010) of the ICSU Regional Office for Africa, Pretoria, South Africa. He was the Chairperson of the UNESCO-IUGSIGCP
Scientific Board of International Geoscience Programme (2004-2008), and the Chair (2007-2010) of Science
Programme Committee (SPC) of the UN-proclaimed International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE). He is a Chartered Geologist
and an active member of numerous professional societies including, the Geological Society of America, the Geological
Society of London, the Royal Commonwealth Society, Geologische Vereinigung (Germany), Geological Society of Africa,
Geological Society of South Africa and the Tanzania Geological Society.
He was the Chairman (1999-2005) of the Board of Directors of the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), Tanzania;
and was the Head (1997-2000) of the Department of Geology, University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Prof Muhongo was
the Chairman (2002) of the Tanzania Government's Commission of Inquiry on the deadliest Merelani tanzanite mine's
accident.
Prof Muhongo is intensively mentoring young scientists, engineers and technologists around the world. He is the Patron of the
University of Dar Es Salaam Geological Association of Students (UDGAS), a Patron of the National Young Earth Scientists
Network (YES, Tanzania) and is an Advisor to the Global Young Earth Scientists Network (YES, Global).
Prof Muhongo has published over 200 well acknowledged research articles, geological and mineral maps. He has delivered
more than 300 invited keynote speeches around the world at international conferences. He has undertaken over 100
contracted scientific research projects, and consultancy services in the mineral industry, environmental issues and STI
policy matters. Prof Muhongo has been on many STI review/evaluation panels and advisory boards for both national and
international institutions and organizations. He has been an External Examiner/Referee for numerous universities, i.e.
examinations moderator and academic staff referee/evaluator (e.g. candidates for professorship positions). Over the past
two decades, Prof. Muhongo has co-organized over 100 expert group meetings and international earth sciences, STI and
science policy conferences, including those on "Science with Africa (Rapporteur-General)" which are hosted by the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and their partners.
He has developed a special interest in the application of STI for sustainable growth and socio-economic development of the
global society. Prof Muhongo who is a recipient of numerous scholarly and professional awards, recognitions, grants, and
fellowships studied geology at the Universities of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania) and Gӧttingen (Germany). He graduated with
Dr.rer.nat. degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany. Prof Muhongo is fluent in Kiswahili, English, German
and French (basic). E-mail:
s.muhongo@bol.co.tz /
profmuhongo.sospeter@gmail.com
Prof Dr Sospeter MUHONGO (Officier, Ordre des Palmes Académiques)
FGSAf, FAAS, FASI, FASSAf, FGIGE, FTWAS, HonFCAGS, HonFGS, CGeol, EurGeol
24 April 2012