Deadline: July 30, 2015
Applications are now accepted for the 2015 UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit (UNESCO-MARS) taking place from 19-20 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit aims to bring together researchers from across Africa to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data. It is a valuable opportunity for all those engaged and interested in scientific research in Africa to prepare for the road ahead in Africa’s development as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation.
The Summit will address the vital role of research in the improvement and sustainable development of population health with specific emphasis on how to translate knowledge into action – the ‘know-do gap’ – to improve health. It will provide a platform for dialogue on improving global cooperation on health research and narrowing the disparities in health systems performance between developing and developed countries.
UNESCO-MARS 2015 will bring together up to 100 researchers to attend the Summit. It will be scientifically supported by UNESCO University of Cambridge (UK) and University of Rome (Italy). It includes:
- Speeches, keynote lectures and panel discussion about latest research in the areas of focus to exchange experience and share information.
- Scientific tour around GVA R&D and Manufacturing site
- Workshops will cater for debates that stimulate young Researchers and Innovators to resolve health issues.
- Central gallery will provide dedicated space to display, demonstrate and discuss their own research (Posters and abstracts) followed by posters session
Benefits
Up to 100 scientists / researchers will be fully sponsored by Merck to attend the Summit in Geneva. Their selection will be based on their abstract submission. All abstracts will be peer reviewed and will be eligible for sponsorship and first three winners will be eligible for further number of research awards:
- 1st MARS Award : 6month fellowship in Merck R&D hub
- 2nd MARS Award : 1500 euro
- 3rd MARS Award : 1000 euro
Eligibility
- Abstracts are invited from final year African PhD students and young investigators involved in HIV, Ebola and other infectious disease research.
- All should be primarily based at African research institutes and Universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is encouraged.
To be considered for a Merck 2015 fellowship you have to fulfil the following requirements:
- Being the first and presenting author of an accepted abstract.
- Being under 40 years of age as of 31 December, 2015
- Submitting a copy of the passport pages displaying photograph and passport number
- Submitting a letter of recommendation written by your supervisor
Accepted abstracts will be given a number and will be eligible for sponsorship invitation to attend MARS 2015 in Switzerland, travel and accommodation cost will be covered by MERCK.
How to Apply
Please submit you completed application and abstract to this [email protected] or via this link
For more information, visit UNESCO Merck Africa Research Summit.
