Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation during the MARS Awards Ceremony.
We at Merck Foundation mark ‘International Day of Girls and Women in Science 2025’ by actively supporting and empowering women in Science and Technology. While women have made remarkable progress in their careers, they are still significantly underrepresented in these fields. Our mission is to bridge the gender gap and ensure that women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead in science and technology.
In partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have been transforming the patient care landscape in Africa by providing medical training to young doctors in many critical medical specialties. Out of the total 2,200+ scholarships provided, about 1,050 scholarships are for women medical graduates. This is close to 50% of the total Merck Foundation Alumni, which is a great milestone for us. Additionally, we have contributed to the future of more than 700 deserving African girls by providing scholarships to continue their education and also providing essential school items for thousands of schoolgirls through our “Educating Linda” program in many African countries such as Burundi, Malawi, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, and more.
I am also excited to announce the Call for Applications for our prestigious Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2025. ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women’s Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care’ will be the key focus this year too. Through these awards, Merck Foundation aims to empower women researchers and young African researchers to strengthen the important role research plays in contributing to public health, thus improving healthcare capacity with a special focus on women’s health, infertility, and reproductive health in Africa.
MARS 2025 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 the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India.
Details for MARS AWARDS 2025:
- Abstracts are invited from final-year African PhD students, young investigators involved in research, and medical doctors in postgraduate fellowship programs related to either of the following topics:
- Women’s Health
- Infertility and Reproductive Care
Applicants should be primarily based at African research institutes and universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is also welcome.
- Last Date of Submission: Applications can be submitted till 30th June 2025.
- How to Apply:
Apply online – https://merck-foundation.com/Merck-Foundation-Africa-Research-Summit-Application-Form
Alternatively, applications and abstracts can be submitted via email to mars@merck-foundation.com, along with a CV (including Name, Gender, Country, University/Hospital Name, Email Address, and Mobile Number) and the abstract document as an attachment.
- Entries are invited under the below categories:
- Best African Women Researchers
- Best Young African Researchers
The winners will be eligible for Research Training in prestigious Research Institute of India and top winners will be invited to attend the 12th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2025.
Moreover, we have benefited thousands of girls through our awareness campaigns, which include releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films, and songs to support girl education and end child marriage.
Kind Regards,
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej,
CEO of Merck Foundation
Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit -MARS
Watch the one of Episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program on Supporting Girl Education:
Watch, share & subscribe “Girls Can” song here, sing by Cwesi Oteng from Ghana and Irene Logan from Liberia:
Watch, share & subscribe the “Like Them” song here, sung by Kenneth, a famous singer from Uganda:
Watch, share & subscribe “Take me to School” song here, sung by Wezi, Afro-soul singer from Zambia, to support girls’ education:
Watch share & subscribe “Tu Podes Sim” Portuguese song, which means “Yes, You Can” in English by Blaze and Tamyris Moiane, singers from Mozambique in English here:
Watch, share & subscribe “ABC, 123” by Sean K from Namibia song here:
Watch, share & subscribe “Brighter day” song by Sean K and Cwesi Oteng from Namibia and Ghana respectively: