We are saddened to hear of the death of Prof Calestous Juma at the age of 64. Prof Juma had a huge influence on scholarship and public debate about science and innovation worldwide.
Among his many achievements was the founding of the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) in 1995, a pioneering development research thinktank. He was an alumnus of the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) and continued to engage with SPRU much later – including participating in discussions around the STEPS Centre’s ‘Innovation, Sustainability, Development: A New Manifesto’ project in 2009.
He will be much missed as an excellent communicator, mentor and passionate advocate for the application of science, technology and innovation in sustainable development.
I remember Calestous Juma as a humble person who despite his achievements, academic stature, was always ready to talk to people. He would hold long discussions with people who worked for him despite their rank. He always strived to bring out the best in you. I will miss the smile and infectious laughter of this great man.