Nelson Torto
The Power List 2020 – Africa
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology, Government of the Republic of Botswana
Reason for pursuing analytical science: I initially wanted to be a forensic detective, but, due to fear of dead bodies, I was attracted by what analytical chemistry offered.
Greatest inspiration: My greatest inspiration was Pete Kissinger. His role in developments of a detector for chromatography was key, but also his sense of humour and passion was very inspiring, even from reading journal articles. I am glad that I met and had real conversations with him, and eventually bought a BAS system for my electrochemical studies in Botswana.
Dinner party guest: Nelson Mandela is my inspiration and I am glad that my name is linked to his activities. I certainly would have loved to enjoy some food in his company.
