Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Science Day through its Merck Africa Research Summit–MARS Awards 2020 for best Young African Researchers and best Women African Researchers.
Chief Executive Officer, Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and one of 100 most influential Africans (2019, 2020) explained, “Merck Foundation empowers Women and Youth in Scientific Research through ‘MARS Best Young African Researchers Awards’ and ‘MARS Best African Women Researchers Awards’.”
Merck Foundation started these awards in 2015.
“We will announce the MARS 2020 winners before the end of this year. The winners will be eligible for a scholarship of training programmes to advance their skills and standard in scientific research,” Kelej added.
Merck foundation said it launched the awards to recognise the outstanding contribution of African youths and female scientists to empower them in research and advance their contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
This programme is in partnership with the African Union and African ministries of health, science, education, and gender.
The foundation’s STEM programme partners global and local institutions and organisations to empower women and young people in the areas of science and technology.
