The Merck Foundation, in collaboration with the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), the Africa Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), Manipal University, and the African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission (AU-STRC), has announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024.
These awards recognize exceptional African researchers who contribute to empowering women and youth in STEM, with a focus on women’s health and reproductive care.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS), shared her thoughts saying, “Since 2016, I have taken immense pride in recognizing the achievements of our MARS Awards winners. This year, we honor Six Winners in two categories: ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards’ and ‘Best African Young Researchers Awards.’
These awards celebrate their significant research contributions, particularly highlighting the efforts of African women researchers, who remain underrepresented in this field. Through the MARS Awards, our mission is to empower young researchers in Africa and to specifically encourage and support women researchers by enhancing their research capabilities and promoting their vital roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).”
The MARS Awards were presented in two categories:
Winners of the ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards’ 2024
- First Position: Dr. Nompumelelo Lebogang Malaza (South Africa) for her research on the association between biochemical and epigenetic markers with glycaemic control and neonatal outcomes in diabetic pregnancies.
- Second Position: Dr. Dorotheah Obiri (Ghana) for her research on immune dysregulation in placental malaria and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Winners of the ‘Best Young African Researchers Awards’ 2024
- First Position: Dr. Jules Irenge Mongane (Democratic Republic of the Congo) for his research on the association between bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, and tubal factor infertility in Bukavu, DRC.
- Second Position: Dr. Christian Chassem Lapue (Gabon) for his research on the epidemiology of helminthiasis in women of reproductive age in Lambaréné and its surroundings, Gabon.
- Second Position: Dr. Gebrhud Berihu Haile (Ethiopia) for his research on neonatal mortality and factors influencing neonate survival in a neonatal intensive care unit in northern Ethiopia.
“I am also very happy to share with you all that as promised, we provided an opportunity to our first-place winner of each category to attend the 11th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, which was recently conducted in Tanzania; however, only Mr. Jules Irenge Mongane was able to attend it,” Kelej shared.
The MARS 2024 award winners will receive research training at a prestigious research institute in India. Additionally, the top winners will have the opportunity to attend the 11th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, an event aimed at fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge.
Open application MARS Awards 2025
Merck Foundation has also announced the opening for the MARS 2025 awards, with a special focus on “The Role of Scientific Research in Women’s Health and Reproductive Care.” The application deadline is June 30, 2025. African PhD students and young researchers engaged in research related to women’s health, infertility, and reproductive health are encouraged to apply.
For more information and to apply, interested candidates should visit the official Merck Foundation website.
