Honoring Legacy. Connecting Experience. Inspiring the Future.

Honorary Members & Alumni Network

Behind WAITRO’s global innovation community stands a legacy of visionary leaders, dedicated experts, and committed contributors who have shaped the organization across generations. Our Honorary Members and Alumni Network recognize those whose leadership, expertise, and service have strengthened WAITRO’s mission and helped build a lasting foundation for international collaboration. More than a reflection of the past, this network represents a living knowledge community. Former presidents, board members, regional representatives, and partners continue to contribute experience, mentorship, and institutional memory — supporting new ideas, guiding future initiatives, and reinforcing WAITRO’s shared values of collaboration, inclusiveness, and sustainable innovation. Together, they embody WAITRO’s heritage while remaining an active part of its evolving global innovation family.

Honorary Members

Honorary Membership is one of WAITRO’s highest distinctions, awarded to individuals whose outstanding dedication, leadership, and vision have significantly shaped the organization and its global mission. Through years of service and contribution, these individuals have helped strengthen international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on WAITRO’s development and identity. Beyond formal recognition, Honorary Members embody the values and collaborative spirit that define the organization. Their experience, expertise, and continued connection to the network serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of WAITRO members, reflecting the enduring importance of leadership grounded in shared purpose and global partnership.

  • Moses Mengu

    Senior Expert 1984-1986, Deputy Secretary General 1987-2002, RR Africa 2004-2007, RFP Europe 2011-2017

  • Hollis Charles

    Founding Member of WAITRO

Alumni Network

While Honorary Membership recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership and long-standing contributions have shaped WAITRO’s development, the Alumni Network reflects the broader community of professionals who have actively contributed to WAITRO’s programmes, governance, and collaborative initiatives over the years. Together, they represent the continuity of knowledge and engagement within the organization. Former leaders, experts, and participants remain connected through shared experiences and a common commitment to advancing innovation cooperation worldwide — demonstrating that involvement in WAITRO extends beyond individual roles or mandates.

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    Dr. Björn Lundberg

    WAITRO President 2002-2006

    Sweden

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    Ömer Kaymakçalan

    WAITRO President 1999-2002

    Türkiye

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    Prof. S. A. Odunfa

    RR Africa 1999-2000

    Nigeria

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    Prof. Bahadir Tunaboylu

    RR Middle East & North Africa, 2016-2020

    Türkiye

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    Prof. Dr. Ildar Utiamyshev

    RR Central & Eastern Europe 1998-2002

    Russia

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    Roger Short

    WAITRO Secretary General 1988-1991

    UK/Italy

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    Liaquat A. Shah

    1st Vice President 2011-2014, 2nd Vice President 2007-2010, RR Latin America & Caribbean 2003-2006

    Trinidad & Tobago

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    Moses Mengu

    Senior Expert 1984-1986, Deputy Secretary General 1987-2002, RR Africa 2004-2007, RFP Europe 2011-2017

    Denmark

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    Dr. Robert Arunga

    RR Africa 1985-1988

    Kenya

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    David Grier

    1st Vice President 2007-2008, 2nd Vice President 2003-2006, RR North America 1998-2002

    Canada

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    Prof. Dr. Adel Nofal

    RR Middle East & North Africa 1997-2000, RFP MENA 2001-2005

    Egypt

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    Hollis Charles

    Founding Member of WAITRO

    Trinidad & Tobago

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    Knud Erik Hilding-Hamann

    Leader of WAITRO Benchmarking Project, 2020 – 2024

    Denmark

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    Aziz Manan

    WAITRO Secretary General 2002-2004

    Malaysia

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    Prof. Eugenia J. Olguín

    Acting President 1998, 1st Vice President 1999-2002, 2nd Vice President 1995-1998, RR Latin America & Caribbean 1987-1988

    Mexico

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    Rubén Cruz

    1st Vice President 2019-2022, RFP 2012-2014, RR Latin America & Caribbean 2015-2018

    Colombia

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    Prof. Charles Kwesiga

    WAITRO President 2015-2016, 1st Vice President 2013-2014, 2nd Vice President 2009-2012

    Uganda

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    Rakesh Kumar Khandal

    WAITRO President 2010-2014

    India

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    Dr. Ndumiso Cingo

    RR Africa 2016-2020

    South Africa

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    Berenice Lue Marais

    RR Africa 2013-2014, RFP Africa 1999-2012

    South Africa

A Network Beyond Time

WAITRO’s strength lies not only in its current members but also in the people who have contributed to its journey and continue to inspire its future. By honoring past leadership and maintaining lasting connections through its alumni community, WAITRO preserves institutional knowledge while fostering new opportunities for collaboration and mentorship.As the organization evolves, these enduring relationships reinforce a shared vision: advancing science, technology, and innovation through global partnership and collective expertise — across generations and across borders.

We invite former members, collaborators, and partners to remain part of this shared journey and stay connected with the WAITRO community.