Prof Esther Akinlabi is Director, Pan African University, Ibadan, Nigeria. She was formerly the Vice Dean: Teaching and Learning, University of Johannesburg and was based at the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Her research areas involves solid state welding – Friction stir welding and Laser Material Processing. Prof Akinlabi’s research in laser additive manufacturing involves the production of titanium based functionally graded composites. She is registered with ECSA and a member of SAIMechE. Prof Akinlabi is also involved with the Engenius programme in collaboration with ECSA.
She was awarded the Distinguished Young Women Scientist –Physical and Engineering Sciences Category at the Women in Science Awards 2016 run by the Department of Science and Technology in August 2016.