Dr. Linda U. Obi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) at North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa, and a member of the Phytomicrobiome and Circular Agriculture (PACA) research group, NWU. She holds a Master's and PhD in Environmental Science, specializing in Microbial Ecology. Her research focuses on microbiome engineering, plant-microbe interactions, environmental bioinformatics, and applied waste management, with particular emphasis on rhizosphere and endosphere dynamics that advance circular-economy approaches to environmental sustainability. Affiliation: North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa

Dr Oluwadamilola Makinde is a postdoctoral researcher at the North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa, with over eleven years of research experience spanning food microbiology, antimicrobial resistance genomics, mycotoxin surveillance, and the phytomicrobiome of traditional African food systems. Affiliations/ Institution: North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa

Dr Siphiwe Gloria Lusiba is a Senior Lecturer and researcher at the University of Venda, in the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences with over 10 years of experience in academia and research. Her expertise includes soil fertility and plant nutrition, soil chemistry, Soil health, soil ecology, soil microbiology and biological nitrogen fixation. Her research focuses on the use of biochar, organic amendments, biofertilizers, and regenerative agricultural practices to enhance soil health and crop productivity within sustainable agricultural systems. Affiliations/ Institutions: University of Venda, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Agriculture, Department of Plant & Soil Sciences, Thohoyandou, South Africa.

Nolwandle Khumalo is a PhD researcher in the Department of Microbiology at North-West University (NWU), with a research focus on honey bees, beneficial microorganisms and plant–microbe–pollinator interactions. Her doctoral research investigates microbial exchange between plants and honey bees, with particular interest in how beneficial plant-associated microorganisms may contribute to honey bee health, nutrition and fitness, while also supporting plant growth and health. Beyond her research, Nolwandle is passionate about science communication and public engagement with science. She is a FameLab finalist 2022, an achievement that reflects her commitment to communicating science in engaging and accessible ways. She has participated in various science outreach and public engagement initiatives aimed at making science relatable and inspiring young people, particularly young girls, to consider careers in STEM. In 2026, she was awarded the DSTI–Prof. Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Doctoral Fellowship in the Public Engagement with Science category at the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA). Through her research and science communication, Nolwandle hopes to raise awareness of the importance of honey bees and inspire the next generation of scientists

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Prof Ahmed Idris Hassen is a Senior Research Scientist at the Agricultural Research Council, Plant Health and Protection, and an adjunct professor of Applied Microbiology at the department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Venda in South Africa. Prof Hassen leads various research projects on biological nitrogen fixation and beneficial plant-microbe interaction and is the manager of the South African Rhizobium Culture Collection (SARCC) for expansion as genetic resources and public good assets. His research outputs have been published in leading scientific journals and has supervised several MSc and PhD students. Prof Hassen is an NRF C-3 rated scientist who has collaboration with various bilateral international research and culture collection related projects with Egypt, China, Switzerland, Tunisia, Australia and the United Kingdom. 

Professor Olubukola Oluranti Babalola (Pr.Sci.Nat., MRSSAF, MASSAF, FTWAS, FAS, FAAS, FISC, FRSB, FAAM) is Vice-President of The World Academy of Sciences (UNESCO-TWAS), former Vice-President of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (UNESCO-OWSD, Africa Region), and a South African NRF B2-rated scientist, MBA graduate, and former Director of the Food Security and Safety Niche Area at North-West University, South Africa. After completing her PhD, supported by fellowships from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and UNESCO-OWSD, she undertook postdoctoral research at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, and the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. With more than 24 years of research experience in rhizosphere metagenomics and plant microbial biotechnology, Professor Babalola has made significant contributions to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture across Africa, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). She has authored more than 450 peer-reviewed publications, with an h-index of 93 and over 40,500 citations. She has supervised 39 PhD and 30 master's graduates and leads extensive international research collaborations. She also serves on numerous editorial boards and scientific advisory committees. An alumna of the AAAS-TWAS Science Diplomacy programme, Professor Babalola currently serves as a Policy Advisor to the International Science Council (ISC). Her many accolades include recognition as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2022 and 2023), the SAWiSA 2024 Award, and selection as a GenderInSite 2020 finalist. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the American Academy of Microbiology, among several other distinguished academies and professional societies. Her recent Springer book, Food Security and Safety: Africa's Perspective, reflects her commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges on the continent. She is currently ranked No. 1 in Africa in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. Affiliations/ Institution: Soil-Plant-Microbe Interactions Group, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa 

Prof Lucy Moleleki is Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and Research Leader is the Director of the Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Her research focuses on plant–pathogen interactions and soil/plant microbiomes, with the ultimate goal of leveraging this knowledge to enhance food production systems in South Africa and across Africa. She studies economically important crops, exploring how biotic stresses, such as pests and pathogens, and abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, salinity, and flooding, impact plant yield. A key area of her work is understanding pathogen virulence factors, or effectors, which manipulate host defences and cause disease. By unravelling these mechanisms, we can develop strategies to protect crops and secure yields. Additionally, she investigates microbiome-based solutions to promote climate-resilient crops, identifying beneficial rhizosphere microbes—including bacteria and fungi—that enhance plant tolerance to specific environmental stresses. Since her appointment, she has supervised 5 Postdoctoral Fellows, 12 PhD students, 17 MSc students, and numerous Honours students, demonstrating a sustained commitment to postgraduate training and research capacity development. Her current research group comprises 3 Postdoctoral Fellows, 10 PhD candidates, and 7 MSc students. Her group has published more than 50 peer-reviewed research articles in leading, high-impact journals, including Nature, Nature Reviews Microbiology, Annual Review of Phytopathology, Current Opinion in Microbiology, and Current Opinion in Plant Science. Professor Moleleki serves on the editorial boards of mSystems, Virulence, and BMC Microbiology, contributing to scholarly leadership within her field. She has been invited to present her research at numerous national and international conferences, including keynote lectures, reflecting her global standing in her field.