Dignitaries at UNESCO MARS 2016

• UNESCO MARS brings together researchers from across Africa to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to prepare for the road ahead in Africa’s development as an international hub for excellence in scientific innovation.
• During the Summit, the winners of 2017 MARS Best African Researchers Awards, and MARS Best African Women Awards will be announced as part of Merck Foundation long term commitment towards empowering women and youth in STEM with special focus on Scientific Research in Cancer and Vaccines Development.

As part of Merck Foundation STEM Program for Women and Youth, Merck Foundation plans to conduct the 3rd edition of their annual “UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit” on the 28th and 29th of November 2017 in partnership with Government of Mauritius under the patronage of the Head of State of The Republic of Mauritius, H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, UNESCO, African Union and African Governments

H.E. President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Speaking on Merck’s support for the UNESCO-MARS Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Executive Board and Family Board of E.Merck KG emphasizes: “We are keen to support young gifted researchers by passing on the knowledge and experience we have gathered over the 340 years of Merck history. Through our “Merck STEM Program” we aim to advance capacity in young researchers and promote young gifted scientists, to teach them the cutting edge of research in our R&D hubs and laboratories.”

UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best African Woman Researcher Award’ 4th place winner Maria Nabaggala, from Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda

“The annual Summit aims to contribute to building research capacity in the African research community, with special focus on “The Role of Scientific Research in responding to Cancer and Vaccines Development – two emerging challenges in Africa”. The Summit will also showcase innovative research taking place in projects, programs and initiatives across African universities and the wider African research community,” said Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer at UNESCO-MARS 2016 in Ethiopia

The organizing committee will present the “Best Young African Researcher Award” and the “Best African Woman Researcher Award” to recognize the outstanding contribution of African female scientists with aim to promote women in research and advance their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

All abstracts will be peer reviewed and 100 winners will be eligible for sponsorship. First three winners will be eligible for further number of Research Awards and further Research Awards will be dedicated for the Best Five African Women Researchers.

Watch the video below to meet last year winners of Merck Africa Research Summit Awards

https://youtu.be/OpEnWUvIXj8

Watch the video below the highlights of the UNESCO MARS 2016 in Ethiopia

https://youtu.be/jGDgdYi17Rk

Find out more information:

UNESCO MARS Abstract Book 2016 – https://goo.gl/MsiVpt
UNESCO MARS Scientific Book 2017 – https ://goo.gl/FYZHyy
UNESCO MARS White Paper (in English) 2017 – https://goo.gl/NnrSoX
UNESCO MARS White Paper (in French) 2017 – https://goo.gl/DnzaUz

 YouTube Channel Merck Africa Research Summit
 Twitter handle: @Merck_MARS  
 Facebook page Merck Africa Research Summit 

  Until we see each other again,