Aderiana Mbandi is an atmospheric scientist with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering and a doctorate in Environmental Sciences. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked at the intersection of science and policy in areas such as manufacturing, hazardous chemicals and waste management, climate change, mobility, and air pollution.
Previously, she served as a technical expert at the UN Environment Programme’s Regional Office for Africa, where she supported local and national governments and other stakeholders in integrating air quality, climate change, and sustainable development, focusing on key sectors such as energy, waste, transport, agriculture, and industry. Her efforts have included fostering partnerships, driving resource mobilization, and implementing programs. She has been instrumental in building communities of practice that connects scientists, policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society, international NGOs, community members, youth, and women.
Dr. Mbandi has made significant contributions to the scientific community through numerous publications and her involvement in advisory roles. She has served on the Implementing Committee of the African Group of Atmospheric Sciences (ANGA), the Scientific Steering Committee of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) project, and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Scientific Advisory Group on Reactive Gases.
She is an alumnus of the Faculty for the Future fellowship by the Schlumberger Foundation, which supports women in STEM. Dr Mbandi earned her PhD from the University of York, UK, with her research hosted at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). Her work focused on developing evidence-based air quality management policies by examining the effects of road transport emissions on human health and the environment, with a particular emphasis on African cities. She has since worked as a lecturer for South Eastern Kenya University, a researcher for SEI, Royal Academy of Engineering and delivered on consultancy projects in Africa and South Asia on climate change, waste and pollution.
