Verdiana Masanja

Biography

Prof. Dr-Ing. Verdiana Grace Masanja is a Full Professor of Mathematics at Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT) and Professor Emerita of Applied Mathematics and Computational Science at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). She is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) and serves as Vice-President of the African Mathematical Union (AMU), responsible for 14 Eastern African countries. She also sits on the Basic Sciences Committee of the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).

Prof. Masanja holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics from the Technical University of Berlin, following a BSc and MSc in Mathematics from the University of Dar es Salaam. Since 1976, she has taught and conducted full-time research for over 49 years in Tanzania and Rwanda, and part-time in institutions across East Africa and Europe. Her interdisciplinary, demand-driven research spans applied mathematics, computational science, educational innovation, and gender equity in STEM. Her work frequently involves collaboration with policymakers, industry, and health professionals. She has supervised over 26 MSc and PhD candidates to completion and continues to supervise more than 18 postgraduate students.

She has held senior university leadership positions for over 24 years, including roles as Director and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation. Prof. Masanja has served on numerous national and regional boards, academic associations, and education-focused networks, demonstrating a strong commitment to transforming STEM education—particularly for girls and under-resourced schools.

Her work has earned her several accolades, including recognition from the Next Einstein Forum, FAWE, HeForShe, and the University of Dar es Salaam. Prof. Masanja’s career reflects a profound dedication to expanding access to high-quality mathematics and science education, strengthening research capacity, and promoting gender equity across Africa’s STEM landscape.