February 2025: Dr. Laura Estelle Loko Yeyinou – African Female Researcher of the Month
Dr. Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko Yeyinou is a distinguished scientist whose groundbreaking contributions to zoology, genetics, and agricultural entomology have earned her international recognition. A dedicated researcher and educator, she serves as an Associate Professor at the Higher National School of Biosciences and Applied Biotechnologies (ENSBBA) of the National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, and Mathematics (UNSTIM) in the Republic of Benin. In addition, she leads the Laboratory of Applied Entomology at ENSBBA, where she conducts pioneering research focused on ecological and sustainable methods for pest management and the conservation of Benin’s plant genetic resources.
2024 TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences
Dr. Loko Yeyinou’s innovative work in biological pest control and plant genetic conservation has earned her the prestigious 2024 TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences, which includes a USD 5,000 prize. This esteemed award recognizes her contributions to developing environmentally friendly biological control methods against insect pests and her role in enhancing the knowledge and preservation of plant genetic resources in Benin. Her work is instrumental in advancing sustainable agriculture and promoting food security in the face of climate change.
A Stellar Scientific Career
Dr. Loko Yeyinou’s research is centered on the development and implementation of innovative and ecological practices for integrated pest management in crops. By merging genetics and entomology, she explores cutting-edge solutions to minimize the impact of pests on agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability. Her research has also highlighted the importance of underutilized crop species, which she advocates as essential to building resilience against climate change and strengthening food security.
With a prolific academic record, Dr. Loko Yeyinou has authored over sixty scientific articles in prestigious international journals, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in her field. Her expertise and leadership have also been recognized through numerous grants and fellowships, including:
- 2023 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World
- 2020 One Planet Fellowship
- 2014 L’Oréal-UNESCO Regional Postdoctoral Fellowship for Women in Science (Sub-Saharan Africa)
Educational Journey and Career Milestones
Dr. Loko Yeyinou’s path to scientific excellence was shaped by perseverance and a passion for discovery. Born into a modest family, her parents—a rewinder operator and a shopkeeper—worked tirelessly to support the education of their four daughters. She obtained her high school diploma in 2002 and pursued her studies at the Higher National School in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In 2006, she graduated as a grade-one secondary school teacher specializing in life and earth sciences.
While teaching, she simultaneously pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology, followed by a Master’s degree in Animal Biology with a specialization in zoology at the University of Yaoundé I. Her determination to take on challenging academic programs was evident in her selection of a rigorous Master’s program, where she was among the few students willing to embrace the demanding coursework.
In 2007, she returned to Benin and settled in Cotonou, where she continued her research and professional development. Her contributions to scientific knowledge and education have since positioned her as a leading figure in the scientific community of Benin and beyond.
Commitment to Science and Society
Beyond her academic and research excellence, Dr. Loko Yeyinou is deeply engaged in promoting scientific development and policy-making in Benin. She is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including:
- The Academy of Young Scientists of Benin (AJSB)
- The Agriculture, Education and Ethics Committees of the Benin National Academy of Sciences and Arts
Despite her demanding career, she balances her professional and personal life with remarkable dedication. As a mother of five, she is an inspiration to young scientists, particularly women in STEM, proving that a successful career in science can be harmonized with family life.
Vision for the Future
Dr. Loko Yeyinou’s current research continues to explore the intersection of genetics and entomology to develop sustainable pest management strategies that are safe for human health and the environment. She remains committed to advocating for the conservation of Benin’s plant genetic resources, emphasizing the significance of neglected crops that can offer long-term solutions for climate adaptation and food security.
Her contributions are not only shaping the future of agricultural science but also inspiring a new generation of scientists in Africa and beyond. Through her pioneering work and unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture, Dr. Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko Yeyinou is undoubtedly a trailblazer in her field, making lasting impacts on both science and society.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
