The first ever Champions of Science – Africa Storytelling Challenge came to a close this week, and the five winners were announced by Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Recognizing the important journeys of innovators and scientists working in Africa, the Challenge celebrates the impact of their work on their communities, families, and the larger world as a whole. Each receives a $5,000 cash prize, international publicity, and publication of their stories.
This inaugural event received over 100 entries from innovators and scientists from 22 nations across Africa, with applications covering everything from food sources to learning tools. Johnson & Johnson, the event’s host and sponsor, wants to use this event and other like to catalyze champions of science anywhere and everywhere in the world, engaging people to see the exciting opportunities science can bring.
The Challenge’s five winners are:
- Levit Nudi, from Kenya: Developed a mobile app that prevents the use of substandard or counterfeit medicines,
- Maame Euka Manful, from Ghana: Formed a startup to address vitamin A deficiency syndrome through fortified foods,
- Philippa Ngaju Makobore, from Uganda: With an engineering team prototyped a non-invasive and automated infusion controller to regulate IV fluids and drugs for resource-constrained areas,
- Elizabeth Kperrun, from Nigeria: Developed an award-winning language tools for children, and
- Askwar Holonga, Ph.D., from Tanzania: Invented a low-cost water filter for rural areas to clean contaminated water.
“The stories of scientists working on the African continent are often hidden, yet the work they do is vitally important, and their stories are often remarkable and inspiring,” said Johnson & Johnson’s Vice President of Innovation, Global health and Policy Communication, Seema Kumar, in a press statement. “By showcasing the contributions of the talented scientists and innovators in Africa, we hope to build public engagement and inspire Africa’s youth to pursue careers in science to help change the trajectory of health for humanity.”
