Johannesburg – One of South Africa’s most distinguished scientists, Professor Roseanne Diab, has passed away.
·The Academy of Science SA (ASSAf) announced her passing on Monday, 12 January 2026, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor Roseanne Diab, Vice-President of ASSAf and former Executive Officer (2008–2018)”.
Commenting on her passing, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, said he was “deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Roseanne Diab”.
The minister said Professor Roseanne Diab was one of South Africa’s most distinguished scientists and served our country in a number of capacities.
“Through her long service at the Academy of Sciences of South Africa (ASSAf) and other national scientific and academic bodies, she contributed to enhancing the quality of our country’s research and thereby strengthening South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation policy,” said Minister Nzimande.
“She was also a strong advocate for gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and because of this, she served as Director of GenderInSite and chaired the Gender Advisory Committee of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).”
The minister said Professor Diab contributed to science policy formulation in such areas as emerging and transformative technologies, environmental sustainability, and equity in higher education.
She was also widely recognised for her pioneering research in air quality, atmospheric pollution, and climate change.
“Professor Diab’s passing constitutes an incalculable loss for our South Africa’s scientific and academic communities,” said Minister Nzimande.
“We will remember her as a committed scientist, scholar, academic, and mentor, whose work greatly enhanced our country’s standing as an emerging and global leader in several important scientific fields.
“On behalf of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation and all the Entities in our National System of Innovation, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Prof Diab.”
