Derrick Swartz is Special Advisor to Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and also serves as Strategy Advisor on Ocean Sciences, Nelson Mandela University. Previously, he serves as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare from 1999 to 2007 and Nelson Mandela University from 2008 to 2017. He holds a PhD in Sociology of Development and also recipient of honorary doctorates from Essex University and the University of Southampton in the UK. His current work interests include science and innovation policy, higher education and economic development in Africa.