Dr. Aster Gebrekirstos is a scientist at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and a Visiting Professor at Dresden University, Germany. She has over 15 years of experience in research, tertiary level teaching and consulting. Her research focuses on tropical forest ecology and management, which includes dendrochronology (to reconstruct past climates and the effects and consequences of global climate change on hydrology, biodiversity and livelihoods), plant water relations, agroforestry and the restoration of degraded landscapes. In recognition of her research, Dr. Gebrekirstos has received various distinctions, notably the prestigious African Climate Award for excellence in research in climate change adaptation and mitigation in 2014. She also received the 2009 Special Award for Ground Breaking Science — African wide Young Professionals and Women in Science Competitions organized by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA), African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). She also serves on the Mountain Research Institute Science Leadership Council and is a member of many societies.