Call for Application - Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2026

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Scientific Book - 1st Edition of UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit (MARS)

Scientific Book - 2nd Edition of UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit (MARS)

Scientific Book - 3rd Edition of UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit -MARS 2017

Scientific Book - 4th Edition of UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit (MARS)

Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS HIgh Level Ministerial Panel-  Agenda

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Merck Foundation STEM Program

Call for Application MARS 2026

Winners of MARS Award 2025

Apply Online Now - MARS 2026

Save the Date - 5th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit

High Level Ministerial Panel- Agenda

Call for Application - (Now closed)

Winners of MARS Awards

5th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit

About 4th Edition of UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit

cientific And Steering Committee

4TH EDITION - UNESCO MARS SCIENTIFIC BOOK

Photos

4th edition of UNESCO-MARS

SPEAKERS PROFILE 2017

SCIENTIFIC AND STEERING COMMITTEE

Book

UNESCO - MARS White Paper 2017 (English Ver.)

UNESCO - MARS White Paper 2017 (French Ver.)

3rd Edition of UNESCO-MARS

Together We Empower Women and Youth in Science and Technology

<h2 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(112, 48, 160) !important;font-family:times-new-roman;font-size:28px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:32px;margin:27px 0px 18px;orphans:2;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Merck Foundation STEM Program</h2>

#YesToGirlEducation: Dr. Rasha Kelej &amp; First Ladies of Africa &amp; Asia Lead the Movement

Award Ceremony - Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS  2024

“Jackeline's Rescue” - Merck Foundation Animation Film to support Girls Education MFAF

Dr. Rasha Kelej supports Girl Education through Educating Linda Program with African First Ladies

Awards Ceremony - Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS 2023

Burundi Communication, Information Technology &amp; Media Minister, Hon. Marie Chantal Nijimbere speech during Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Hon. Ebrima SILLAH, Minister of Education, the Gambia speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Hon. Elizabeth PHIRI, Minister of Gender, Zambia speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Zambia Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jonas CHANDA speech during Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Malawi GENDER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &amp; SOCIAL WELFARE Minister, HON.DR.PATRICIA KALIATI speech during Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2021

UNESCO – Merck Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2019 Meeting in Accra, Ghana

Gambia Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Ahmadou Samateh speech during Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Zambia Minister of Information and Broadcasting Service, Hon. Dora SILIYA speech during Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Guinea Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Amara Sompare speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Malawi MINISTER OF CIVIC EDUCATION, AND NATIONAL UNITY, HON. TIMOTHY MTAMBO speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Zimbabwe Minster of women Affairs Small and Medium Enterprises,Hon. Sthembiso Nyoni speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Merck Foundation conducts 3rd UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit - MARS 2017 - Mauritius

Malawi Minister of Health &amp;Population, Hon.Khumbize Chiponda speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Zimbabwe Minister of Information and Broadcasting Publicity, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Malawi Minister of Education, HON. AGNES NYALONJE speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Uganda State Minister for Health, Hon. Dr. Joyce Kaducu speech during Merck Foundation African Research Summit (MARS) 2021

Dr. Rasha Kelej-CEO of Merck Foundation at UNESCO MERCK Africa Research Summit (MARS), Mauritius 2017

UNESCO-MARS 2016 "Best African Woman Researcher Award" 2nd place winner, Alice Rogomenoma

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

Mr. Getachew Engida-Deputy Director-General,UNESCO at UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit,Mauritius

UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit MARS 2016 - Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO Merck Foundation

UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best Young African Researcher Award’ 2nd place: Constantine Asahngwa, Cameroon

UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best Young African Researcher Award’ 1st place winner-Patricia Rantshabeng

Dr. Rasha Kelej Speech at UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit, Mauritius

UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best African Women Researcher Award’ 5th place winner: Martha Zewdie Ethiopia

UNESCO-MARS 2016 ‘Best Young Researcher Award’ 3rd place winner Lamin Cham, Gambia

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Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation during the MARS 2023 Awards Ceremony 

Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2022 - Online Award Ceremony

Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS 2020 Winners Virtual Awards Ceremony Presided by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation And Chairperson of MARS & Scientific Committee of MARS.

Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit MARS 2020 Winners Virtual Awards Ceremony Presided by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation And Chairperson of MARS &amp; Scientific Committee of MARS.

Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane at UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

Hon. Sarah Opendi at UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

Dr Ahmed Hamdy at UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

Dr. Rasha Kamal at UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya at UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

Hon. Prof. Mahamoud Youssouf KHAYAL at UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre) and Mr. Getachew Engida, Deputy Director General of UNESCO and along with the MARS winners 2017 at The State House of Maurit

From left to right: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre), Mr. Getachew Engida, Deputy Director General of UNESCO at The State House of Mauritius.

Ministerial Panel 2 - UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit 2017

President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre), Mr. Getachew Engida, Deputy Director General of UNESCO, Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of

President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre), Mr. Getachew Engida, Deputy Director General of UNESCO and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation along with the MARS winners 2017 at The State House of Mauritius.

Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre), and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation pose for a group photo with ministers

Ministerial Panel 1 - UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit 2017

UNESCO - Merck Africa Research Summit(MARS) Meeting during the Merck Africa Asia Luminary 2019

From left to right: Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG; President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre) and Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation at the inauguratio

From left to right: Mr. Getachew Engida, Deputy Director General of UNESCO; Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG; President of the Republic of Mauritius, Her Excellency Mrs Ameenah Grurib-Fakim (centre) and Dr.

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Le Sommet de Recherche ‘UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit – MARS 2020’ en partenariat avec l'Union Africaine se tiendra en Zambie dans le but d’autonomiser les Femmes et les Jeunes dans la recherche.

La Fondation Merck lance un Appel à Candidatures pour les Prix « Merck Africa Research Summit – MARS »

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The &ldquo;UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit-MARS 2016&rdquo; is slated to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the 28th and 29th of November with scientific support from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), African Union, Ethiopia Ministry of Health, the University of Cambridge and Institute Pasteur International.&nbsp;

The UNESCO MARS is organized annually to bring together researchers from across Africa to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to prepare for the road ahead to develop Africa as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation. 
 
The 2016 edition has the following objectives: 
 
1. Build research capacity in African scientific research community on health with special focus on &quot;Infectious Diseases and Women Health&quot; and Empowering African Women &nbsp;and Youth in Research.&nbsp; 
2. Showcase innovative research taking place in projects, programs and initiatives across African universities and institutes and by the wider African research community. 
3. Contribute to establishing a road map for enhancing Policy Environments and Mechanisms to Support Research Translation and fill the &ldquo;Know Do&rdquo; gap in Africa. 
4. Discuss challenges, opportunities and proposed strategies to support health decision making in low and middle income countries. 
5. Networking opportunities to strength the scientific community and their impact on African society and media communication, where they exchange experience, knowledge, best practice (especially in infectious diseases and women health) and cooperate in future research and development projects. 
6. Share knowledge and experience between multi-sectorial global and African research and health stakeholders including diverse set of speakers from major funding organizations of health/medical research, research institutions, established and emergent researchers, academia, NGOs and editors of scientific/medical journals and policy makers of developed and developing countries. 
 
First 100 selected abstracts will be provided full sponsorship to attend UNESCO-MARS 2016 Summit. 
 
MARS 2016 Awards 
UNESCO MARS 2016 is providing tremendous opportunity for young African researchers to win exciting awards including the&nbsp;&lsquo;First Best Three Abstract Awards&rsquo;&nbsp;and specially dedicated awards like &lsquo;Best African Women Researcher&rsquo;&nbsp;and many more awards&hellip;&nbsp; 
 
ELIGIBILITY 
To be eligible, the applicant must be: 
i. A final year African PhD student/young investigator involved in HIV, Ebola and other infectious disease research. 
ii. Based at African research institutes and universities. 
iii. The first and presenting author of an accepted abstract. 
iv. Under&nbsp;40 years of age as of 31 December, 2016. 
v. Submitting a copy of the passport pages displaying photograph and passport number. 
vi. Submitting a letter of recommendation written by his/her supervisor. 
 
HOW TO APPLY 
Applications must be submitted:

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">Through the email address:&nbsp;<a href="http://award@mars2016.net" target="_blank">award@mars2016.net</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION 
Interested applicants must submit their applications and abstracts latest by&nbsp;Thursday, August 30, 2016
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The “UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit-MARS 2016” is slated to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the 28th and 29th of November with scientific support from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), African Union, Ethiopia Ministry of Health, the University of Cambridge and Institute Pasteur International. 

Call for Applications: UNESCO MERCK Africa Research Summit- MARS 2016


As part of Merck Foundation STEM Program for Women and Youth, Merck Foundation plans to conduct &nbsp;3rd edition of their annual &ldquo;UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit&rdquo; on the 28th and 29th of November 2017 in partnership with Government of Mauritius, UNESCO, &nbsp;African Union &nbsp;and African Governments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">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&rsquo;s development as an international hub for excellence in scientific innovation.</li>
	<li style="text-align: justify;">During the Summit, the winners of&nbsp;2017 MARS Best African Researchers Awards&nbsp;and&nbsp;MARS Best African Women &nbsp;Awards&nbsp;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&nbsp;Cancer&nbsp;Research&nbsp;and Vaccines Development.</li>
</ul>

Meet the Panelists&rsquo; &amp; Keynote Speakers 
Introduction By:

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/1%284%29.png" style="width: 600px; height: 275px;" />

Inaugurated By:

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<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/3%286%29.png" style="width: 600px; height: 238px;" />

Ministerial Panel&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Empowering Women and Youth in STEM&nbsp;with special focus on Scientific Research&nbsp;-&nbsp;Challenges &amp; Solutions to be considered in the National Strategy in Africa and Developing Countries

<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/4%284%29.png" style="width: 600px; height: 273px;" />

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<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/6%284%29.png" style="width: 600px; height: 248px;" />

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<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/8%284%29.png" style="width: 600px; height: 248px;" /> 
<img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/9%285%29.png" style="width: 600px; height: 246px;" />

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&nbsp;

Watch videos of UNESCO &ndash; MARS 2016

<div class="video-single" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HzIOl4ZNkW4" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe> 
UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit -MARS 2016 Ethiopia</div>

<div class="video-single" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video-single" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="video-single"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKvba3xSxiA" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe> 
Merck Africa Research Summit Award Ceremony. Empowering Women and Young Researchers</div>

<div class="video-single">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="video-single">Abstract Book &ndash; the winners of UNESCO MARS-2016</div>
<a href="https://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/uploads/digital_library/1625639142_e04d3c35eeaa1bd1fdf2.pdf"><img alt="" src="https://merck-uat-bucket.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/CKfinder/Abstract+Book+2016.JPG" style="width: 300px; height: 415px;" /></a>

<div class="video-single">&nbsp;</div>
UNESCO &ndash; MARS 2017 White Paper 
<a href="https://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/uploads/digital_library/1611142537_607a5910052766beae66.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> 
<a href="https://merck-foundation.com/merckfoundation/public/uploads/digital_library/1611142438_7cc4aa9c61aebb74a727.pdf" target="_blank">French</a></div>

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<ins>About Merck Foundation</ins>

The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &amp; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.&nbsp; Please visit <a href="http://www.merck-foundation.com">www.merck-foundation.com</a> to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: <a href="https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_MainPage">Merck Foundation</a>; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/merckfoundation/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MerckFoundation">Twitter</a>,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/merckfoundation/"> Instagram</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ1GIZSPlhk&amp;feature=youtu.be">, YouTube</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/browser/upgrade/?continue=%2Fphotos%2F163124125%40N08%2F">Flicker</a>.

<ins>About Merck</ins>

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life &ndash; from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world&#39;s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.

As part of Merck Foundation STEM Program for Women and Youth, Merck Foundation plans to conduct  3rd edition of their annual “UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit” 

3rd UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit – MARS 2017 in partnership with the Office of President of Mauritius and their Ministry of Health. Stay Tuned..

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for new edition of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2025

Merck Foundation CEO Announced the Best African Women Researchers and African Young Researchers

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2024

Merck Foundation provided 780 scholarships to women doctors to empower women in science - International Day of Girls &amp; Women in Science

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for MARS Awards 2024

Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit–MARS Awards 2023 of Best African Women Researchers and Young Researchers announced during Video Conference Award Ceremony

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2023

Merck Foundation, African Union and 11 African Ministers announced MARS Best African Women Researchers and Young African Researchers Awards winners at 2022 Merck Foundation Awards ceremony

Merck Foundation CEO and the winners of best African Women Researchers and Young African Researchers awards of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit– (MARS Awards) 2021 via videoconference.

Merck Foundation conducts their Africa Research Summit - 2021 MARS Awards Online Ceremony to recognize best African women researchers and best young African researchers

This year, the Summit mainly addressed the importance of Empowering women and youth in education and STEM challenges and strategies, the response to the Coronavirus pandemic, and the Role of Scientific Research in responding to Cancer and Vaccines Development.

Merck Foundation brings 26 African Ministers together to Empower Women and Youth in STEM through their online Merck Africa Research Summit (MARS) in partnership with African Union

UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit – MARS 2020 in partnership with African Union will be held in Zambia with the aim to empower Women and Youth in Research.

Merck Foundation Calls for Applications for Merck Africa Research Summit–MARS Awards 2020

L’UNESCO, conjointement avec la Fondation Merck, continuera de renforcer les capacités de recherche dans la Communauté Africaine de Recherche dans les domaines de la science et de la durabilité  

La Fondation Merck organise son Sommet de Recherche en Afrique UNESCO-Merck (MARS) 2019 à Accra, au Ghana 

Merck Foundation partners with the Government of Mauritius, UNESCO, African Union and African Governments for their annual UNESCO-MARS to contribute to empowering Women and Youth in STEM.

Merck Foundation conducts 3rd UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit –MARS 2017 in partnership with the Office of the President of Mauritius and their Ministry of Health

UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit – MARS 2017 will be held in Mauritius with the aim to empower Women and Youth in Research

Call for Applications:UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit-MARS 2017

Merck has announced their commitment to empower Kenyan women through their” Merck More than a Mother “and the start of “Merck STEM for Women and Youth” programs.

Merck continues to empower Kenyan women through “Merck More than a Mother” and “Merck STEM for Women and Youth” programs

<h2 class="section-title pr-0" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-left:2px solid rgb(75, 78, 83);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(75, 78, 83);font-family:times-new-roman;font-size:24px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:36px;margin:0px;orphans:2;padding:0px 0px !important 0px 25px;position:relative;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Latest Updates</h2>

Merck Foundation STEM Program

Merck Foundation STEM Program

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