Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann Makes History as First Ghanaian Elected International Fellow of the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering

Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, one of Ghana’s most respected STEM leaders, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Ghanaian International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) in the UK. She joins an exclusive global cohort of only nine individuals elected worldwide in 2025, marking a landmark moment for Ghanaian engineering and STEM leadership.

The trailblazing biomedical engineer was officially inducted at a ceremony held in London on 18 November 2025, where she signed the Academy’s prestigious roll book, an honour reserved for the world’s most accomplished engineering minds.

Professor Kaufmann, who currently serves as founding head of the University of Ghana’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, is widely admired for her outstanding contributions to STEM education, research innovation and public science communication. She is also known across Ghana for her iconic role as the Quiz Mistress of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), where she has inspired a new generation of young scientists and problem-solvers.

Her election to the Royal Academy recognises her pioneering work in establishing and shaping Ghana’s biomedical engineering landscape, her strong record of academic leadership, and her dedication to advancing STEM capacity across Africa. The Academy described her as an engineer whose influence extends far beyond national borders.

Local and international outlets including the University of Ghana and the Royal Academy of Engineering have confirmed her selection and celebrated the significance of the achievement.

Professor Kaufmann’s recognition marks a powerful milestone for Ghana, solidifying her legacy as one of the nation’s most influential STEM figures. Her journey continues to serve as a blueprint for aspiring engineers, especially young women seeking to break barriers in science and technology.