United Kingdom’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS
By Brenda Mazhambe
The United Kingdom’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Dame Angela McLean DBE FRS, is in Zimbabwe on a high-level visit aimed at bolstering science, innovation, health, education, and climate change collaboration between the two nations.
Professor McLean’s programme includes meetings with senior government officials, researchers, and innovators, alongside field visits showcasing Zimbabwe’s sustainable development initiatives.
Today, she is set to tour Foundations for Farming to assess climate-smart agriculture practices, including Pfumvudza, a model for smallholder resilience against drought and climate shocks. She will also hold bilateral talks with Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, on science innovation in education.
Other key engagements include a roundtable with health and science stakeholders—among them Neotree, the Fleming Fund, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative—focusing on public health innovation. A reception on climate adaptation is expected to bring together policymakers, scientists, and youth leaders, including Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Washington Zhakata.
Professor McLean will also meet Dr. Agnes Mahomva, Public Health Adviser to the President, and hold discussions with Professor Stephen Chivasa of Durham University on diaspora-led research into drought resistance and climate resilience.
“Science and innovation are powerful tools for tackling global challenges,” McLean said ahead of her visit. “I’m delighted to be in Zimbabwe to explore how modern UK-Zimbabwe partnerships can drive progress in climate resilience, public health, and education.”
British Ambassador Pete Vowles said the visit underscored the UK’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based solutions. “From climate-smart agriculture to health innovation, our shared future depends on collaboration,” he said.
The visit comes as part of the UK’s broader engagement in Zimbabwe, supporting green growth and the development of human capital.
