Dr. Catherine Oluwakemi Esuola is a distinguished molecular biologist whose pioneering work integrates biotechnology with climate action to address agricultural challenges in Africa. She currently serves as Head of Unit and Principal Research Officer at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria, a position she has held since 2009, demonstrating sustained leadership in her field; however, explicit confirmation that she is head specifically of the Biotechnology Research Unit is corroborated only by secondary sources and not directly by official institutional listings. Additionally, she is recognized as a DAAD ClimapAfrica Postdoctoral fellow, reflecting international acknowledgment of her expertise in climate-focused agricultural research. Her professional journey includes valuable research collaboration in Germany, where she gained access to advanced scientific equipment and resources that enhanced her data generation capabilities. Dr. Esuola has established herself as a key figure in Nigeria's scientific community through her commitment to advancing biotechnological solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Esuola's groundbreaking research focuses on harnessing plant growth promoting microorganisms through molecular biology approaches to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems. Her work on plant-microbe interactions has resulted in innovative applications of biofertilisers and biopesticides for the biofriendly recovery of depleted soils, directly addressing food security challenges exacerbated by climate change. Her Google Scholar profile indicates 74 citations, reflecting the growing impact of her research in environmental biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. She has pioneered methods to overcome data limitations faced by African researchers, developing locally relevant approaches to generate scientific evidence despite resource constraints. Her scientific contributions bridge fundamental microbiological understanding with practical field applications, creating sustainable solutions that enhance soil health while mitigating climate impacts on African agriculture.
Beyond her laboratory achievements, Dr. Esuola co-founded the climapAfrica Women's Group in 2021, serving as its leader until 2022, to address the significant underrepresentation of African women in climate science research. This initiative provides essential professional development tools, mentorship, and confidence-building resources for women scientists across the African continent. She has been instrumental in creating a supportive network that helps women navigate research barriers including limited journal access, funding challenges, and balancing family responsibilities with academic careers. Dr. Esuola's vision extends to transforming the landscape of climate science in Africa by improving the representation of women researchers and fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer. Her ongoing work continues to shape effective climate action strategies through both scientific innovation and institutional leadership that empowers women scientists across Africa.
