Professor Priscilla Kolibea Mante of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has earned international acclaim after being featured in the newly launched UNESCO Virtual Science Museum, a digital platform designed to share compelling science stories from around the world.
Shining a Global Spotlight on Ghanaian Science
The UNESCO Virtual Science Museum is part of the United Nations International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033).
The museum aims to make scientific knowledge accessible, inclusive and engaging through interactive narratives and cultural context, connecting scientific discovery with everyday life and pressing global challenges.
Prof. Mante’s inclusion comes as part of the museum’s inaugural exhibition “Women in Science – A Story in Motion,” which celebrates women whose scientific contributions have reshaped understanding and advanced knowledge across disciplines and cultures.
A Pioneer in Neuroscience and Plant-Based Therapeutics
Prof. Mante, an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at KNUST, is widely recognized for her research at the intersection of neuroscience, pharmacology and plant science.
Her work investigates how plant-derived compounds interact with neurological systems, with a particular focus on drug-resistant epilepsy, neuroinflammation, depression and anxiety.
Drawing on Ghana’s rich botanical heritage and traditional medicinal knowledge, Prof. Mante explores plant-based therapeutic approaches to address complex neurological conditions—a research area that combines cutting-edge science with cultural wisdom.
Her feature in the virtual museum highlights not just her scientific results but also the personal journey and motivations that drive her work—an approach aligned with UNESCO’s goal of making science relatable and inclusive.
Championing Women in Science
Prof. Mante’s presence in the “Women in Science” exhibition underscores her role as a leader and advocate for increased representation of African women in science and research policy.
Beyond her laboratory achievements, she has been active in promoting young scientists’ participation in global research and policy forums, helping bridge science with broader societal engagement.
Her achievements build on a history of international recognition.
In 2019, she was the only African recipient of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Rising Talent Award, for her pioneering work on epilepsy and novel therapeutic strategies.
Why This Matters
The inclusion of Prof. Mante’s story in the UNESCO Virtual Science Museum does more than honor her individual accomplishments—it puts African scientific innovation on the world stage and showcases how local research can contribute to tackling global health challenges.
By highlighting scientists like Prof. Mante, the museum reinforces the message that diverse perspectives and cultural contexts are essential to science and that contributions from research communities in Africa and around the world enrich the global scientific enterprise.
