Merck Foundation Honors African Researchers at MARS Awards 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, recently announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024. The awards recognized researchers from five different African countries under two categories: Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers. This initiative aims to empower women and youth in STEM in Africa, with a special focus on the role of scientific research in women’s health and reproductive care.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS, expressed her pride in acknowledging the achievements of the winners. The winners, including six researchers in total, were commended for their valuable research contributions, particularly highlighting the efforts of African women researchers who are underrepresented in the field. Through the MARS Awards, the foundation aims to empower young researchers in Africa and support women researchers by enhancing their research capabilities and promoting their roles in STEM.
The winners of the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers Awards will receive research training at a premier institute in India. Additionally, the first-place winners of each category were invited to attend the 11th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, with Mr. Jules Irenge Mongane being the sole attendee.
Merck Foundation has been committed to improving healthcare and transforming patient care in Africa and beyond. The foundation has provided 2080 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
The MARS 2024 Award Winners include:
– Dr. Nompumelelo Lebogang Malaza from South Africa
– Dr. Dorotheah Obiri from Ghana
– Dr. Jules Irenge Mongane from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Dr. Christian Chassem Lapue from Gabon
– Dr. Gebrhud Berihu Haile from Ethiopia
In addition to honoring the winners, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the new edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2025. The focus for this year will once again be on the role of scientific research in women’s health and reproductive care. Abstracts are invited from final year African PhD students and young investigators involved in research related to women’s health, infertility, and reproductive health. The deadline for submissions is 30th June 2025.
The winners of the MARS Awards 2025 will have the opportunity to receive research training in a prestigious institute in India and attend the 12th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025. Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people by advancing science and technology, promoting access to quality healthcare, and empowering women and youth in STEM.
For more information and to apply for the MARS Awards 2025, visit the Merck Foundation website or submit applications via email. Join the conversation on social media platforms and stay updated on the foundation’s initiatives to elevate humanity and enhance well-being in Africa and beyond.
