Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
Zimbabwean scholar and researcher Professor Gift Mehlana has won the 2025 World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award for his work on porous materials for catalysts at the recently concluded conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Midlands State University scientist, one of the country’s outstanding early-to-mid-career researchers, was awarded the 2025 TWAS-Atta-ur Rahman Award in Chemistry for his contribution to the development of porous materials as support platforms for biological and chemical catalysts.
This annual award, named after TWAS Fellow and distinguished Pakistani scientist Atta-ur-Rahman, is now sponsored by Searle Company Ltd, and the winner receives USD$5,000.
“Being awarded the TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry is a proud and humbling achievement,” Prof Mehlana said after receiving the award.
“It affirms my dedication to scientific excellence, enhances the international profile of Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, and reminds me of my responsibility to mentor and inspire young African researchers to believe in their potential to shape the world.”
His groundbreaking work focuses on “Water-Stable Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks as Host Materials for Biological Catalysts in Carbon Dioxide Conversion to Methanol.”
Prof Mehlana’s research has the potential to address problems facing African societies and the world at large, particularly in reducing carbon emissions while producing methanol, an energy material essential for green economies.
His research uses natural processes that have evolved over time to produce methanol from carbon dioxide.
As a result, natural enzymes in a controlled chemical environment convert carbon dioxide captured by metal-organic frameworks into methanol.
“Since enzymes are sensitive to pH and temperature changes, their use in industrial processes is limited. Consequently, metal-organic frameworks provide a platform that prevents enzymes from unfolding, allowing them to remain highly active and applicable for industrial use in harsh environments,” a report cited his research.
“In our approach, we explore both chemical and biological routes to convert greenhouse gases into high-value chemicals.”
Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences President Prof Charles Nhachi congratulated Prof Mehlana, stating that his outstanding achievement and international recognition firmly put Zimbabwe on the global map for its contributions to science and research for sustainable solutions.
“It’s a good thing for us scientists and for the country. We are excited about his achievements. We are proud of his outstanding accomplishment, which places our country on the global map in terms of research and the advancement of new innovations,” he said.
The conference, which ran from September 29 to October 2, 2025, attracted more than 300 leading scientists from over 60 countries across the global South and North.
Scientists discussed some of the most pressing science-related issues modern societies face, such as artificial intelligence and global health.
This conference brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across the global South and beyond.
The event was held under the theme: “Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Global Development.”
Said TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim: “We’ve had some inspiring and rich scientific discussions through presentations. We’ve also had incredible opportunities to network with old friends and make new connections.”
