Dr. Papius Dias Tibihika | National Agricultural Research Organization-Aquaculture Research and Development Centre Kajjansi (ARDC) | Uganda
Dr. Papius Dias Tibihika is a distinguished Ugandan scientist and research leader specializing in freshwater small-scale fisheries and aquaculture genetics. With a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, he has made critical contributions to the understanding of Nile tilapia genetics in East Africa. He currently heads the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) at the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, NARO. His work explores genetic diversity, selective breeding, and sustainable fisheries, aiming to alleviate poverty and enhance food security in the region. Dr. Tibihika has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has collaborated with both national and international researchers. His scientific leadership, combined with his commitment to evidence-based aquaculture policy and development, positions him as a leading figure in East African aquaculture and fisheries research.
Publication Profiles:
Education:
Dr. Tibihika holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (Molecular Genetics & Evolutionary Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences) from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria. His doctoral research focused on the multi-level analysis of local adaptation in East African Nile tilapia populations. He earned an MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from Wageningen University and Research (WUR), Netherlands, where he investigated selective feeding behaviors and host-microbe interactions in tilapia larvae under various aquaculture systems. His undergraduate training in Fisheries and Aquaculture was completed at Makerere University, Uganda, with a thesis on Nile tilapia performance in earthen ponds in South-Western Uganda. Dr. Tibihika’s education reflects a strong international background and deep expertise in fisheries genetics, aquaculture systems, and applied research for development in Africa.
Experience:
Dr. Papius Dias Tibihika is currently the Head of the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Kajjansi, under the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda. In this leadership role, he manages human resources, finances, and infrastructure, while also coordinating research planning and resource mobilization. His professional focus includes leading strategic research initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture, particularly in genetic improvement and sustainable development of the Nile tilapia industry. Dr. Tibihika is also known for his collaboration with local and international institutions and his role in shaping Uganda’s national aquaculture policies. His practical experience spans more than a decade in research, genetics, and aquaculture system design, making him a critical contributor to capacity building and poverty alleviation through sustainable fisheries in East Africa.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Tibihika has received several prestigious awards that underscore his academic excellence and research potential. He was awarded the APPEAR-OeAD Scholarship (Austria) to pursue his PhD in Natural Resources at BOKU University focusing on fisheries molecular biology. He also received the NUFFIC Scholarship (Netherlands) to pursue his MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries at Wageningen University. These international recognitions reflect his academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to transformative aquaculture research in East Africa. Additionally, his research work has been widely cited and incorporated into sustainable fisheries strategies in Uganda, further testifying to the impact and relevance of his scientific contributions. His blend of practical, academic, and international experience makes him a strong contender for academic and professional recognition globally.
Research Focus:
Dr. Papius Tibihika’s research focuses on molecular genetics, population structure, and ecological impacts of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in East Africa. He investigates genetic diversity, local adaptation, selective breeding strategies, and aquaculture performance improvement using molecular tools such as SSR-GBS and mitochondrial DNA markers. His work is instrumental in guiding conservation, sustainable aquaculture development, and fisheries management policies in Uganda and the wider East African region. Additionally, he studies the ecological consequences of species translocation and interactions between farmed and wild populations, aiming to enhance productivity while safeguarding biodiversity. His multidisciplinary approach, linking genetics, aquaculture systems, and environmental management, is vital for advancing food security and economic development through fisheries in the Global South. Dr. Tibihika also actively participates in collaborative research and peer-review activities, contributing to the global scientific dialogue on aquatic biodiversity and aquaculture sustainability.
Publications Top Notes:
-
Delineating African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Populations Through Molecular Genetic Approaches to Contribute to Aquaculture Performance in Uganda
-
Unlocking Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) selective breeding programmes in Uganda through geographical genetic structure mapping
-
Understanding the translocation dynamics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and its ecological consequences in East Africa
-
Characteristics of municipal fresh solid wastes from selected large urban centres in Uganda: Implication for re-use and soil amendment strategies
-
Molecular genetic diversity and differentiation of Nile tilapia in East African natural and stocked populations
-
Molecular genetic diversity of Nile tilapia in East African natural and stocked populations
-
Molecular genetic diversity of Nile tilapia in East African natural and stocked populations
-
Molecular genetic diversity of Nile tilapia in East African natural and stocked populations
-
Molecular genetic diversity of Nile tilapia in East African natural and stocked populations
-
Application of microsatellite genotyping by sequencing (SSR-GBS) to measure genetic diversity of East African Oreochromis niloticus
-
Nile tilapia population genetics
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Dr. Papius Dias Tibihika is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award. His strong academic foundation, focused and impactful research contributions, and leadership in aquaculture research institutions reflect a career dedicated to advancing science and sustainable development in East Africa. The strengths of his scholarly output, combined with his role in applying science to real-world challenges, make him a standout researcher. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, he could further enhance his international stature and interdisciplinary impact. Overall, Dr. Tibihika exemplifies the qualities of excellence, leadership, and relevance that the award seeks to recognize.