{"id":2831,"date":"2025-07-16T09:56:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T09:56:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/?page_id=2831"},"modified":"2025-11-25T15:36:56","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T15:36:56","slug":"empowering-african-women-in-science-friends-of-embl-catalyse-a-healthier-future-for-all","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/friends-of-embl\/what-your-support-makes-possible\/empowering-african-women-in-science-friends-of-embl-catalyse-a-healthier-future-for-all\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering African Women in Science: Friends of EMBL Catalyse a Healthier Future for All"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n  <style>\n    .vf-hero {\n              --vf-hero--bg-image: url('https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/20250626_FoE_Hero_3000x1000px-scaled.jpg');\n            }\n\n  <\/style>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"vf-hero | vf-u-fullbleed  | vf-u-margin__bottom--0\">\n  <div class=\"vf-hero__content | vf-box | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n        <p class=\"vf-hero__kicker\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/\">Support EMBL<\/a>\n          <h1 class=\"vf-hero__heading\">\n              Friends of EMBL          <\/h1>\n\n        <p class=\"vf-hero__subheading\">Join our circle of life-science champions<\/p>\n    \n    \n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!--\/vf-hero-->\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-1\"><div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<nav class=\"vf-navigation vf-navigation--main | vf-cluster | vf-u-padding__top--0\" style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\">\n  <ul class=\"vf-navigation__list | vf-list | vf-cluster__inner\">\n<li id=\"menu-item-38212\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"\/about\/info\/support\/friends-of-embl\/\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\" >About<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-38206\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"\/about\/info\/support\/friends-of-embl\/what-your-support-makes-possible\/\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">What your support makes possible<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-38208\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"\/about\/info\/support\/friends-of-embl\/connect-participate\/\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Connect &#038; participate<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-38207\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"\/about\/info\/support\/friends-of-embl\/become-a-friend\/\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Become a Friend<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-38204\" class=\"vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item vf-navigation__item\"><a href=\"\/about\/info\/support\/friends-of-embl\/our-current-champions\/\" class=\"vf-navigation__link\">Our current champions<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<style>\n.vf-grid__col-1 {\n  margin-top: 1rem !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<script>\n  document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function () {\n    const currentPath = window.location.pathname.replace(\/\\\/$\/, ''); \/\/ Normalize current path\n    const navLinks = document.querySelectorAll('.vf-navigation__link');\n\n    let bestMatch = null;\n    let bestMatchLength = -1;\n\n    navLinks.forEach(link => {\n      const linkPath = link.getAttribute('href').replace(\/\\\/$\/, ''); \/\/ Normalize link path\n      link.removeAttribute('aria-current');\n\n      \/\/ Prefer exact match\n      if (currentPath === linkPath) {\n        bestMatch = link;\n        bestMatchLength = Infinity;\n      }\n      \/\/ Fallback to longest matching prefix\n      else if (\n        currentPath.startsWith(linkPath + '\/') &&\n        linkPath.length > bestMatchLength\n      ) {\n        bestMatch = link;\n        bestMatchLength = linkPath.length;\n      }\n    });\n\n    if (bestMatch) {\n      bestMatch.setAttribute('aria-current', 'page');\n    }\n  });\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Empowering African women in science: Friends of EMBL catalyse a healthier future for all<\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"vf-grid | vf-grid__col-3\"><div class=\"vf-grid__col--span-2\"><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<p class=\"vf-lede\">What happens when two visionary institutions join forces for the benefit of humanity? Wonders can begin to take shape.<\/p>\n<!--\/vf-lede-->\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s the driving force behind the partnership between EMBL and UNESCO \u2013 a shared commitment to strengthening global science through collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. Together, we have launched a unique initiative: a fellowship programme that invites talented female researchers from Africa to EMBL for a three-month research residency in infection biology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The challenges these women are tackling are urgent: infectious diseases remain a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. With the growing threat of drug resistance and the emergence of new pathogens, advancing infection research is not just important \u2013 it&#8217;s essential for safeguarding both human and planetary health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"vf-text--body vf-text-body--1\"><em>\u201cEMBL advances life sciences through groundbreaking research, training, and public outreach. As a former researcher and now an alumnus, I value EMBL\u2019s mission and staff, staying connected as a Friends of EMBL member to support its work and inspire future scientists.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maame Acquah, PhD fellow in residence 2024, at EMBL Grenoble, about supporting Friends of EMBL<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these researchers brings a compelling story, a crucial research question, and a deep commitment to improving public health in their communities. Their journeys reflect the power of science, the importance of opportunity, and the global spirit that defines the EMBL\u2013UNESCO Fellowship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year Friends of EMBL proudly stepped in as a catalyst, supporting the EMBL\u2013UNESCO Fellowship call 2025. These exceptional women will&nbsp; expand their scientific skills, grow international networks, and bring vital knowledge back to their home institutions \u2013 where the impact continues. Join our circle of life-science champions and let\u2019s accelerate this fellowship!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><!--[vf\/content]-->\n<div class=\"vf-content\">\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/scientific-visitor-programme\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/visual_230210-1024x614.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\">\n  \n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/scientific-visitor-programme\/fellowships\/embl-unesco-fellowships\/\" target=\"\">\n        \n        EMBL-UNESCO Residency in Infection Biology Research\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n    \n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>\n    <\/style>\n\n<section id=\"wp-block-1\">\n  <div class=\"vf-card-container vf-card-container__col-4 | vf-u-fullbleed  \n  | vf-u-background-color-ui--white \">\n        <div class=\"vf-card-container__inner\">\n            <div class=\"vf-section-header | vf-u-margin__bottom--600\">\n        <h2 class=\"vf-section-header__heading\" >\n        Meet the EMBL\u2013UNESCO Fellows of 2023 and 2024    <\/h2>\n              <\/div>\n      \n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n  <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/grace-oluwaremilekun-ajakaye-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"Dr Oluwaremilekun Grace Ajakaye\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/grace-oluwaremilekun-ajakaye-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/grace-oluwaremilekun-ajakaye-embl-unesco-fellowship-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/grace-oluwaremilekun-ajakaye-embl-unesco-fellowship-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/enhancing-parasite-knowledge-combat-disease-nigeria\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Oluwaremilekun Grace Ajakaye\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__subheading\">Researcher, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria<\/p>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL- EBI Hinxton 2024<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n  <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/adwoa-padiki-nartey-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"photo of Dr. Adwoa Padiki Nartey working in the lab\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/adwoa-padiki-nartey-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/adwoa-padiki-nartey-embl-unesco-fellowship-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/adwoa-padiki-nartey-embl-unesco-fellowship-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/sub-saharan-africa-has-highest-mortality-rate-due-antimicrobial-resistance\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Adwoa Padiki Nartey\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__subheading\">Junior Group Leader, University of Ghana<\/p>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL Heidelberg 2023<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n  <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/tendai-washaya-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"close up portrait of Tendai Washaya\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/tendai-washaya-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/tendai-washaya-embl-unesco-fellowship-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/tendai-washaya-embl-unesco-fellowship-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/due-their-resistance-treatment-many-people-receiving-hiv-therapy-are-dying-disease\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Tendai Washaya\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__subheading\">PhD fellow, University of Zimbabwe<\/p>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL- EBI Hinxton 2023<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"vf-card vf-card--brand vf-card--bordered vf-u-margin__bottom--800\" default>\n  <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/maame-ekua-acquah-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg\" class=\"vf-card__image\" alt=\"photo of Maame Ekua Acquah at the EPN campus in Grenoble.\" loading=\"lazy\" itemprop=\"image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/maame-ekua-acquah-embl-unesco-fellowship.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/maame-ekua-acquah-embl-unesco-fellowship-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/maame-ekua-acquah-embl-unesco-fellowship-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n  <div class=\"vf-card__content | vf-stack vf-stack--400\">\n          <h3 class=\"vf-card__heading\">\n                  <a class=\"vf-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unesco.org\/en\/articles\/exploring-genetic-research-innovative-solutions-health-challenges-ghana-and-beyond\" target=\"\">\n        \n        Maame Acquah\n                  <svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"vf-card__heading__icon | vf-icon vf-icon-arrow--inline-end\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n            <path d=\"M0 12c0 6.627 5.373 12 12 12s12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0C5.376.008.008 5.376 0 12zm13.707-5.209l4.5 4.5a1 1 0 010 1.414l-4.5 4.5a1 1 0 01-1.414-1.414l2.366-2.367a.25.25 0 00-.177-.424H6a1 1 0 010-2h8.482a.25.25 0 00.177-.427l-2.366-2.368a1 1 0 011.414-1.414z\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"nonzero\"><\/path>\n          <\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n              <\/h3>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__subheading\">PhD fellow, West African Centre for Cell Biology, Ghana<\/p>\n    \n          <p class=\"vf-card__text\">EMBL Grenoble 2024<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n          <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<style>\n.quote {\n  background-color: #fafafa;\n  --page-grid-gap: 0;\n  padding: 1rem;\n  font-size: 21px;\n  margin-bottom: 2rem;\n  font-style: normal !important;\n  font-weight: 300 !important;\n}\n\n.quote p {\n  font-size: 22px;\n  font-style: normal !important;\n  font-weight: 300 !important;\n}\n<\/style>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":834,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"vf_template_no-hero.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"embl_taxonomy":[],"class_list":["post-2831","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"embl_taxonomy_terms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2831","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2831"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2831\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3433,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2831\/revisions\/3433"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2831"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"embl_taxonomy","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embl.org\/about\/info\/support\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/embl_taxonomy?post=2831"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}