Quantum Heterostructures and Device Physics Lab @ LSU
Contribution to Society
Service to Society & community Building Activities
We strongly believe that diversity within scientific research groups and labs is essential for achieving academic excellence and groundbreaking research outcomes. A diverse and inclusive environment fosters higher-quality science that is more creative, innovative, and impactful. Our guiding principle is “Science for All,” with a commitment to using science as a pathway to address and solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
We encourage our students to adopt a broad and open-minded approach, applying their scientific knowledge and skills to tackle pressing global issues and to innovate solutions for both present and future challenges.
Dr. Prosper Ngabonziza is deeply committed to advancing science and research both within Africa and on the global stage. His contributions span scientific infrastructure development, science policy, and advocacy for research excellence and inclusivity.
As Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee of the African Light Source (AfLS) Foundation, Dr. Ngabonziza plays a key leadership role in the effort to establish the first synchrotron light source on the African continent. This ambitious initiative aims to be a cornerstone of the African science renaissance, providing vital infrastructure for cutting-edge research in physics, materials science, biology, and beyond. For more information, please visit the AfLS Foundation website.
In recognition of his scientific contributions and leadership, he was elected a Fellow of the Rwanda Academy of Science in June 2019—an honor that reflects his standing in the national and regional scientific community.
Dr. Ngabonziza was also selected as a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA) for a five-year term starting in June 2020. During his tenure, he served on the Executive Committee (2021–2022) and was elected Co-Chair of the GYA for the 2022–2023 term. In these roles, he contributed to shaping global discussions on science policy, early-career researcher support, and scientific collaboration across borders and disciplines.
He currently serves as a Jury Member of the Einstein Foundation Council, where he contributes to defining the strategic objectives of the prestigious Einstein Foundation Award and participates in the rigorous selection of its recipients. Appointed for a three-year term, Dr. Ngabonziza works alongside an international, interdisciplinary panel of researchers and research quality advocates to promote responsible and high-quality research globally.
In addition to these leadership roles, Dr. Ngabonziza has helped organize several high-impact international scientific meetings. These include:
The first African Light Source Conference in 2015, held in Grenoble, France, at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF);
The second AfLS Conference in 2019, in Accra, Ghana;
The 2023 Global Young Academy Annual General Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda — the first in-person AGM since 2019.
- The Annual ICTP School on Synchrotron Light Sources and Their Applications, which offers a comprehensive overview of synchrotron radiation, its production, and various applications, including those in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Through these efforts, Dr. Ngabonziza continues to advocate for inclusive scientific development, the strengthening of research ecosystems in Africa, and the empowerment of the next generation of researchers worldwide.