Gender: Woman
Nationality: Nigerian
Academy Affiliation: NAS, ASSAF, TWAS,
Academy Country: Nigeria
Field: Genomics, Multi-Omics, Metabolomics, Plant Health, Soil Fertility, Metagenomics

NOMINATED FOR: Policy Advice Committee;
TERM: First-time candidate

DESCRIPTION OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE ACADEMY'S ACTIVITIES OR IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
Through her leadership, research, and advocacy, Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola has made significant contributions to the Nigerian Academy of Science and international scientific communities. She was elected as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, one of the highest honors in Nigeria's scientific community, recognizing her outstanding research contributions. Building on this recognition, she emerged as the Foreign Affairs Secretary of NAS. In this role, she fosters international collaborations, facilitates capacity building, promotes science diplomacy, and enhances engagement with global scientific institutions. 
She holds several prominent international positions, including Vice President for OWSD and TWAS. She has played a key role in advancing science in developing countries. She was honored with an ISC fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by the council, recognizing her exceptional efforts in advancing science as a global public good. Her international engagements also include participation in the U.S -Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where she contributed to discussions on genomics and healthcare delivery in Africa.
As a prolific researcher, she has authored over 400 publications and supervised 36 PhDs and 25 MScs from various countries. Her work has earned her recognition as the top scientist in Africa for her field. Through her roles she continues to influence scientific research, policy, and collaboration in Nigeria, South Africa and globally.

EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES IN AN IAP, NATIONAL ACADEMY OR OTHER SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING BODY

• Honorary Fellow, International Science Council (ISC)
• Fellow, Academy of Sciences of South Africa (ASSAF)
• Fellow, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), VICE PRESIDENT (2023-2026, Africa)
• Fellow, The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), FOREIGN SECRETARY (2024-2026); Member, Science Prize Committee
• Fellow: The African Academy of Sciences (AAS), MENTOR
• Fellow: Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD, Africa region) VICE PRESIDENT (2016 -2025)

Boards, Advisory Panels & Councils

• 2024-2027: IAEA Group in Food and Agriculture.
• 2022 International Advisory Committee -Horizons.
• 2021-2025: TWAS Membership in Biological Systeership in Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences.
• 2022 to date: FARA: Africa Think-tank (CAAADP-XP4, DeSIRA).
• 2024 Mentor: (ASM) Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship Program (FLMF)
• 2023: Judge, the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Contest. USA
• 2023: FAO Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Other Committees AABNF, HEQC, scientifyRESEARCH, LEAP4FNSSA