Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of the Merck Foundation and the Scientific Committee, has recognized and announced the winners of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2023. These awards were given to six researchers from six different African countries in two categories, including Best African Women Researchers and Best African Young Researchers. The MARS Awards Ceremony was attended by African Ministers of Health, Technology, Information & Technology, Social Affairs, Women’s Rights & Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare.
The Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS 2023 Awards was held in partnership with the African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission, the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), the Africa Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), and Manipal University, India. In addition, the Merck Foundation announced the Call for Applications for the new edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2024, with a special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women’s Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care.’
The winners of the Best African Women Researchers Awards and Best African Young Researchers Awards will be enrolled in research training at a premier institute in India. The Merck Foundation has provided over 1700 scholarships for doctors from 50 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties, including fertility & embryology, sexual and reproductive medicine, and women’s health.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed her pride in the winners and the foundation’s commitment to empowering African women and young researchers in STEM. The MARS 2023 Award Winners were recognized for their valuable contributions to research, especially the representation of African female researchers in the field.
The winners of the awards were presented with scholarships for research training at a premier institute in India. The Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the prestigious MARS Awards 2024, to empower women researchers and young African researchers with a focus on women’s health, infertility, and reproductive care in Africa.
The MARS 2024 Awards will have scientific support from the African Union Scientific-Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC), the African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India.
Applications for the MARS AWARDS 2024 can be submitted until June 30, 2024, under the categories of Best African Women Researchers and Best African Young Researchers. Details for submission can be found on the Merck Foundation website.