Dr. Maurice Monjerezi – 2014 AU-TWAS Young Scientist award

INTRODUCTION

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the Italy based World Academy of Sciences (AU-TWAS) implement an annual competition that aims at recognizing scientific excellence among researchers in Africa. The AU-TWAS young scientist competition targets young researchers that are below the age of 40 years by December of the receiving year. The competition is locally managed by the Technology Transfer Services Division of the National Commission for Science and Technology. Winners are identified under two categories which are:

  1. Life and Earth Sciences; and

  2. Basic Sciences, technology and innovation

Since its inception, Malawi has produced 10 winners in this competition. The previous recipients of the award are:

  1. Professor Aggrey Ambali, currently working with NEPAD;

  2. Professor John Chisi, currently working with the College of Medicine of the University of Malawi;

  3. Dr. Kassam Daud, currently Senior Lecturer at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR);

  4. Dr. Samson Mkali Sajidu, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Dean of Faculty of Science at Chancellor College;

  5. Dr. Lawrence Kazembe, currently working with the University of Botswana;

  6. Dr. Davies Mweta, currently at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST);

  7. Dr. Fanuel lampiao, currently working with the College of Medicine, University of Malawi;

  8. Dr. Limangeni Alex Mankhambo of College of Medicine; and

  9. Dr. Cosmo Ngongondo, Senior Lecturer, Chancellor College

2014 AU-TWAS Young Scientist National Award

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Dr. Maurice Monjerezi, winner of 2014 AU-TWAS award, a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Chancellor College, University of Malawi

The award presentation ceremony of the the 2014 AU-TWAS Young Scientist award, which was won by Dr. Maurice Monjerezi, a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Chancellor College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi, was held on Monday 20th October, 2014 at Kalikuti Hotel in Lilongwe.  

The presentation ceremony was presided over by Honourable Vincent Ghambi, MP., Deputy Minister of Education Science and Technology. Dr. Monjerezi received a cash prize of USD5000 and a Certificate for emerging victorious in the competition.

Statement by Guest of Honour, Vincent Ghambi, MP

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need for Malawi to embrace science and technology, citing countries that have tremendously transformed their economies largely due to meaningful investment in science, research and development. He reiterated government commitment in facilitating the development and application of science and technology. He then congratulated Dr. Maurice Monjerezi for emerging victorious in the competitive award. He encouraged him to continue working hard, and further challenged researchers in the country to take advantage of the political will and translate it into action. The Guest of Honour concluded his remarks by thanking the AU-TWAS for the beneficial partnership that exists between the Ministry through the NCST and hoped that this will continue for the benefit of the country.

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Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Vincent Ghambi, MP., making his statement

Remarks by Anthony Muyepa-Phiri, Director General, NCST

In his remarks, the Director General, Mr. Anthony Muyepa, thanked government for the continued commitment in inculcating a science and technology culture in the country. He then congratulated Dr. Monjerezi and thanked the AU-TWAS for introducing the prestigious competition which he said is going along way in recognizing and encouraging research and development, thereby raising the strategic profile of science and technology in Malawi and all participating countries.

Pictorial focus of the award presentation ceremony

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Anthony Muyepa Phiri, Director General of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), making his welcome his statement

Dr. Maurice Monjerezi, happily making his presentation

Dr. Maurice Monjerezi, happily making his presentation.

presenting the Certificate to the Deputy Minister

Anthony Muyepa-Phiri, Director General of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), presenting the Certificate to the Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology.

  

Dr. Maurice Monjerezi, receiving his Certificate

Dr. Maurice Monjerezi, receiving his Certificate from the Guest of Honour, Vincent Ghambi, MP., Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology, as Anthony Muyepa –Phiri, Director General of NCST, looks on.

For further enquiries on the AU-TWAS Young Scientist National Award, please contact us as detailed below:

The Director General

National Commission for Science and Technology

First Floor,

Lingadzi House, City Centre

Private Bag B-303

Lilongwe 3

Malawi

Tel: +265 1771550

Fax: +265 1772431

Email: directorgeneral@ncst.mw

Attn: Mr. S.O. Mandala

Chief Technology Transfer Officer

Email: smandala@ncst.mw

Group Photograph

Group Photograph of the Award Presentation Ceremony, front row, from left to right..Mr. John Jiyani (Economist, ARET); Cosmo Ngongondo (Senior Lecturer-CHANCO); Mrs. S.J.Milazi Kalemela (Director of Admin, Ministry of Water); Anthony Muyepa-Phiri (DG, NCST); Hon Vincent Ghambi (Deputy Minister); Dr. Maurice Monjerezi (2014 AU-TWAS recipient); Dr. Gertrude Mwalabu (Senior Lecturer, KCN); Mr. Herbert Kaludzu (Director of Aministration, MoEST); & S.O. Mandala (Chief Technology Transfer Officer, NCST). Students at the background are from Lilongwe Girls Secondary School)