Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe | Chemical Ecology Awards | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Benin

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe is an accomplished entomologist and chemical ecologist specializing in integrated pest management and nature-based surveillance systems. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from North-West University, South Africa, and an MSc in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, he has over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience across Africa. Dr. Kpongbe’s work focuses on semiochemical tools for sustainable pest control, aiming to reduce reliance on harmful insecticides while improving crop protection. He has held research and leadership roles at premier institutions including ICIPE and IITA, coordinated international projects, published scientific papers, and mentored PhD students. Notable recognitions include the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship and the ICIPE Governing Council Prize. He is also an active member of several professional entomology associations and serves as a peer reviewer for international journals.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Excellence in Research Award – Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe

Dr. Hilaire Kpongbe exemplifies Excellence in Research through his impactful work in entomology, chemical ecology, and integrated pest management, addressing real-world agricultural and environmental challenges. With over a decade of multidisciplinary research experience across prestigious institutions such as the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Kpongbe has consistently demonstrated scientific innovation, leadership, and global collaboration.

🎓 Education

• Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (Behavioral and Chemical Ecology)
  North-West University, South Africa – Oct 2019
  🧪 Thesis: Insect behaviors & chemical ecology (plant-insect interactions)

• M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology (IPM)
  University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin – June 2014
  🌾 Focus: Integrated pest management and plant protection

• B.Sc. in Life Sciences (Chemistry, Biology & Ecology)
  Université d’Abomey, Benin – Dec 2009
  🔬 Emphasis: Ecology of insects and plants

💼 Work Experience

• Postdoctoral Fellow
  International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Kenya – Apr 2023 to Jan 2025
  🌿 Developed nature-based pest surveillance systems using semiochemicals
  🔍 Pheromone trap testing, plant odor analysis, GC/MS, insect rearing, and student supervision

• Laboratory Manager
  International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Benin – Jan 2021 to Jan 2023
  🧫 Managed behavioral assays, lab equipment, and GC/MS operations

• Consultant
  CIRAD, SGPI, IITA, icipe – Multiple periods (2019–2025)
  🧪 Expertise in pesticide residue analysis, environmental audits, and biocontrol strategies
  🌍 Worked across Kenya, Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso

• DAAD Postdoctoral Fellow
  IITA, Benin – Oct 2021 to Sept 2022
  🧲 Validated aggregation pheromones and tested compatibility with natural enemies

• PhD Research Fellow
  icipe, Kenya – Oct 2015 to Nov 2019
  🐛 Discovered and analyzed semiochemicals; led genetic studies on stink bugs
  🧬 Techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, GC/MS, EAD

🏆 Awards & Honors

• 🥇 2021 – DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship

• 🏅 2019 – icipe Governing Council Prize for Best PhD Science Paper ($200)

• 🎓 2017–2018 – International Bursary from North-West University, South Africa ($10,200)

🤝 Professional Affiliations

• 🌍 Member, African Association of Insect Sciences (AAIS) (2021–Present)

• 🐞 Member, Society of Entomologists of Benin (SERB) (2015–Present)

• 🌱 Member, IITA Plant Health Network (2020–2022)

• 📝 Peer Reviewer, International Journal of Tropical Insect Science (2023–Present)

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