Malawi’s scientific community blends local perspectives with global research — from university labs to grassroots innovators. Whether you’re curious about academic careers or inventions rooted in Malawian experience, the country’s contributors offer a compact but varied story.
There are 9 Scientists born in Malawi, ranging from Adamson S. Muula to William Kamkwamba; for each person the entries are organized as Birthplace,Birthdate (YYYY-MM-DD),Field — you’ll find below.
How were individuals chosen for this list?
The list focuses on people born in Malawi who have clear scientific or technical contributions: peer-reviewed publications, recognized research roles, notable inventions, or leadership in scientific institutions. Where possible entries cite primary sources such as academic profiles, published papers, and reputable news coverage.
Can I cite or reuse the information for research?
Yes — you can use the list as a starting point, but verify details against original sources before citing. The compact format (Birthplace,Birthdate (YYYY-MM-DD),Field) is meant for quick reference; follow linked profiles or publications for authoritative citations.
Scientists Born in Malawi
| Name | Birthplace | Birthdate (YYYY-MM-DD) | Field |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Kamkwamba | Dowa, Malawi | 1987-08-05 | Engineering |
| Address Malata | Zomba, Malawi | 1965-03-25 | Nursing |
| Adamson S. Muula | Malawi | 1972-06-25 | Epidemiology |
| Theresa Mkandawire | Malawi | Civil Engineering | |
| Ken Maleta | Malawi | Public Health | |
| Chomora Mikeka | Malawi | Physics | |
| Wapulumuka Mulwafu | Malawi | Environmental History | |
| Tisungane Mvalo | Lilongwe, Malawi | Pediatrics | |
| Qabaniso Malewezi | Lilongwe, Malawi | Neurosurgery |
Images and Descriptions
William Kamkwamba
An inventor and author who gained international fame for building a wind turbine to power his family’s home using scrap materials, a story chronicled in his best-selling memoir, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” and a subsequent film.
Address Malata
A globally recognized researcher in nursing and midwifery and the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). Her work focuses on maternal and newborn health, significantly influencing policy and education in Africa.
Adamson S. Muula
A prolific professor of epidemiology and public health with hundreds of publications. His research on HIV/AIDS, health worker migration, and public health ethics has made him a leading voice in health policy and research in sub-Saharan Africa.
Theresa Mkandawire
An accomplished civil engineer and academic specializing in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). As the Vice-Chancellor of the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, she is a prominent leader in advancing engineering education and research in Malawi.
Ken Maleta
A leading professor and researcher in public health and nutrition. His extensive work on childhood malnutrition, particularly through community-based clinical trials, has provided critical evidence for developing effective nutritional interventions and policies in Malawi and beyond.
Chomora Mikeka
A physicist and researcher focused on renewable energy and telecommunications. Based at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), his work aims to develop sustainable energy solutions, like solar power, to address Malawi’s energy infrastructure challenges.
Wapulumuka Mulwafu
A prominent environmental historian and academic whose research explores the intersection of history, conservation, and resource management in Malawi. His work provides crucial context on water, forestry, and climate change, informing contemporary environmental policy and discourse.
Tisungane Mvalo
A pediatrician and infectious disease researcher at the University of North Carolina Project-Malawi. He leads critical clinical trials on vaccines and treatments for diseases like malaria, pneumonia, and HIV, contributing significantly to child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Qabaniso Malewezi
A distinguished neurosurgeon and researcher who became one of Malawi’s first locally trained neurosurgeons. His work focuses on improving neurosurgical care, training, and research capacity to address the high burden of traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disorders.
