Alliance of Bioversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) | Uganda
Author Profile
Suitable for this Best Researcher Award
Dr. Mukankusi Clare Tekla Mugisha is a renowned plant breeder and pathologist with over 15 years of impactful research in crop improvement. Her work, especially in breeding for biotic and abiotic stress resistance in common beans, has advanced sustainable agriculture across Africa and Latin America. She currently leads the global common bean breeding program at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, and serves as Deputy Lead of the One CGIAR Accelerated Breeding Initiative. Her expertise, vision, and leadership make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Education
Dr. Mukankusi’s academic journey reflects her commitment to agricultural innovation. She obtained a BSc in Agriculture from Makerere University in 1998, followed by an MSc in Crop Science-Plant Pathology from the same institution in 2000. Her thirst for advanced scientific knowledge led her to earn a PhD in Plant Breeding from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa in 2008. Her training has empowered her with the scientific foundation necessary to pioneer research on biofortification and genetic improvement of common beans. Each educational milestone built her capacity to integrate plant pathology with breeding strategies, ultimately contributing to regional food security and climate resilience through science-based solutions in breeding.
Professional Experience
Dr. Mukankusi began her career in 2001 as a Research Assistant at CIAT Uganda. Over the years, she advanced through multiple research and leadership positions: Research Associate (2005–2008), Research Fellow (2008–2009), Post-Doctoral Fellow/PABRA Breeder (2009–2013), and Bean Breeder-PABRA (2013–2021). Her current role as Senior Scientist and Global Breeding Lead – Common Bean at the Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT sees her directing breeding activities across continents. In parallel, she served as Co-Lead of the Accelerated Breeding Initiative of One CGIAR (2021–2022). Dr. Mukankusi’s extensive experience spans field research, trait discovery, seed systems development, and global coordination of breeding programs, all of which position her as a trailblazer in modern plant breeding.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Mukankusi began her career in 2001 as a Research Assistant at CIAT Uganda. Over the years, she advanced through multiple research and leadership positions: Research Associate (2005–2008), Research Fellow (2008–2009), Post-Doctoral Fellow/PABRA Breeder (2009–2013), and Bean Breeder-PABRA (2013–2021). Her current role as Senior Scientist and Global Breeding Lead – Common Bean at the Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT sees her directing breeding activities across continents. In parallel, she served as Co-Lead of the Accelerated Breeding Initiative of One CGIAR (2021–2022). Dr. Mukankusi’s extensive experience spans field research, trait discovery, seed systems development, and global coordination of breeding programs, all of which position her as a trailblazer in modern plant breeding.
Dr. Mukankusi possesses a rare blend of field-based and molecular breeding expertise. Her research spans genetic improvement for pest and disease resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, and nutritional enhancement (biofortification). She has led diverse breeding programs from trait discovery to product deployment across Africa, Latin America, and Central America. Her proficiency in genomic tools, data analysis, SNP-based diversity studies, and optimal contribution selection demonstrates her mastery in both conventional and genomic selection techniques. Furthermore, she integrates gender-responsiveness and participatory breeding approaches, making her research highly inclusive and impactful. Her contribution to breeding policies and systems development ensures sustainable and scalable impact across national programs.
Publications
Yield and Climatic Parameters in a Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Regional Trial
-
Authors: Winnyfred Amongi, Johan Steven Aparicio, Eric Nduwarugira, Clare Mugisha Mukankusi, and others
-
Journal: Crop Science
-
Year: 2025
Advancing Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Disease Detection with YOLO-Driven Deep Learning to Enhance Agricultural AI
-
Authors: Daniela Gomez, Michael Gomez Selvaraj, Jorge Andres Casas, Victoria Arredondo, Ernesto Espitia, and others
-
Journal: Scientific Reports
-
Year: 2024
Evaluating Consumer Preferences for Reduced Cooking Time, Taste, and Colour of Beans in Rural and Urban Communities in Uganda
-
Authors: Robert Asiimwe, Enid M. Katungi, Pricilla Marimo, Jean Claude Rubyogo, Vivienne M. Anthony
-
Journal: Agriculture & Food Security
-
Year: 2024