Jonathan Jansen is Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and the immediate past President of the Academy of Science of South Africa. He remains a Fellow of the Academy of Science of the Developing World, is a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association and was recently inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He will be the Chin Yidan Global Fellow at Harvard University in 2024.

Professor Jonathan Jansen is a renowned educator, speaker, and author with a strong focus on leadership, transformation, and change. Known for his straight-talking and relatable style, he has captivated audiences around the world, including government officials, public entities, schools, and universities.

With his exceptional communication skills and a touch of humour and honesty, Professor Jansen consistently receives top marks in participation evaluations. He leaves no stone unturned in crafting his presentations, ensuring that every member of the audience walks away with three key take-home points tailored to the event or client.

Among his notable accomplishments is the award-winning book “Knowledge in the Blood” published by Stanford University Press. His other recent works include “Corrupted: a study of chronic dysfunction in South African universities” (Wits University Press, 2023) and “The decolonization of knowledge” (Cambridge University Press, 2022).

Professor Jansen’s journey began as a high school Biology teacher in the Cape. He holds a PhD from Stanford University and has received honorary doctorates from four prestigious universities, including the University of Edinburgh.

In recognition of his lifelong dedication to education, tolerance, democracy, and human rights, Professor Jansen was honored with the Education Africa Lifetime Achiever Award in New York in 2013. He also received the Spendlove Award from the University of California.

With an impressive bibliography of over 30 books, Professor Jansen continues to inspire and make a lasting impact in the field of education and beyond. Additionally, he serves as a columnist for The Times, contributing his insights and expertise to the print and online platforms.