Dr Amanuel Tamiru is a scientist at The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). He is interested in understanding the underpinning mechanisms of insect–plant and plant-plant interactions, above-below ground, with the aim of developing innovative, ecologically sustainable and affordable solutions to manage crop pests. He conducts cutting-edge research using latest techniques in behavioral and chemical ecology and molecular biology. He has discovered that insect-egg deposition induces certain maize genotypes to emit specific bioactive volatiles attractive to parasitic wasps and elucidated underpinning molecular mechanisms mediating the signal emission. His other discoveries include characterization of male-produced aggregation pheromone in the genus Megalurothrips and volatile semiochemicals mediating vector thrips species-maize chlorotic mottle virus-host plant interactions. He is recipient of several competitive awards and fellowships including Early Career Scientist Award, Rothamsted International Award (UK) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Award (Germany) and icipe's Governing Council Award for Best Science Paper. He has authored and co-authored several scientific publications including in high impact journals such as ‘Ecology Letters’. Dr Tamiru serves as an associate editor for ‘International Journal of Tropical Insect Science’ and ‘Physiological Entomology’ and a review editor for ‘Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution’.