Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently conducted the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2021 Awards ceremony, in partnership with the African Union. Thirteen winners from eight countries were honored for their research and contribution to empowering women and youth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“I am very proud of all 13 winners for their valuable contribution, especially by African female scientists who are underrepresented in this field," said Dr. Rasha Kelej, chief executive officer of Merck Foundation. "Through Merck Foundation African Research Summit – MARS Awards, we aim to empower African young researchers and women researchers, advancing their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM.”
The award ceremony was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, executive director, African Union-Scientific, Technical and Research Commission; Prof. Andrew Kambugu, executive director at the Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda, and Prof. Elijah Songkok of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Kenya.
“I congratulate all the worthy winners of MARS Awards 2021," said Dr. Ahmed Hamdy, executive director, African Union - Scientific, Technical, and Research Commission. "This is a very valuable platform for African women and young African researchers who are engaged and interested in health research.”
The MARS 2021 Award Winners include:
The winners of the Best African Women Researchers Award and Best Young African Researcher Award category will be enrolled in research training at a premier research institute in India.
A Call for Applications for the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2022 was also announced. "The Role of Scientific Research in responding to Cancer and Vaccines Development-Two emerging challenges in Africa" will be the theme for this year.
"Eventually, through this contest, Merck Foundation aims to empower young African researchers & women researchers to strengthen the important role research plays towards contributing to public health thus improving healthcare capacity in Africa,” Mereck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej said.
Abstracts are invited from final year African Ph.D. students and young investigators involved in research related to either of the following topics: 1) Cancer (especially in women) & 2) Vaccines Development.
The applicants should be primarily based at African Research Institutes and Universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is encouraged. Last Date of Submission: Applications can be submitted till 31st July via email to mars@merck-foundation.com along with your CV (including Name, Gender, Country, University/Hospital Name, Email address, Mobile Number) and the abstract document as an attachment.
