Dr Pholoshi Abram Maake (PhD, MBA) is an accomplished South African Zoological Scientist and Senior public‑sector professional currently serving as Acting Director: Private Sector Research and Development Promotions at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). In this role, he provides strategic leadership in the administration and promotion of the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive, supporting private‑sector innovation and strengthening South Africa’s global competitiveness. Dr Maake has previously held research and scientific positions as a Senior Zoological Scientist at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), a Researcher: Acarologist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the NRF–South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF‑SAIAB). Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to biodiversity science in southern Africa through the publication of scientific papers and biodiversity‑ and science‑policy‑related outputs in both local and international platforms.