Picture: Dr Ruth Naa Ashiokai Prempeh (CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana) receiving her institutional and individual awards presented by Professor Chagunda.
The JR Biotek Foundation hosted a profoundly moving and historic celebration on 27 March 2025 at the University of Cambridge: the inaugural JR Biotek Awards. This landmark ceremony honoured a decade of transformative partnerships, dedicated service, and scientific excellence that have propelled African agricultural research and innovation forward.
The awards formed part of Roots of Resilience: A Decade of Innovation & Impact, the Foundation’s flagship event celebrating its ten-year journey of empowering African scientists, building research capacity, and championing food security and sustainability across the continent.
“This celebration is about more than recognising individual contributions. It’s about honouring a collective movement,” said Dr Carol Ibe, Founder and Chief Visionary of JR Biotek Foundation. “A movement rooted in mentorship, equity, and the belief that African scientists hold the key to building a resilient and food-secure future for our continent.”
The awards were presented by Dr Ibe, Professor Mizeck Chagunda (Director, CTLGH, University of Edinburgh), and Dr Rebekah Sacher (Executive Board Member, JR Biotek Foundation).
2025 JR Biotek Award Honourees:
🏅 Excellence in Partnership Award
- CSIR–Crops Research Institute (Ghana)
- Centre for Dryland Agriculture, Bayero University (Nigeria)
“Through visionary collaboration and an unwavering commitment to impact, these institutions have enabled JR Biotek and our partners to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen scientific capacity, and empower Africa’s next generation of agricultural scientists.”
🏅 Outstanding Collaborator Award
- Dr Ruth Prempeh (Ghana)
- Dr Kabir M. Umar (Nigeria)
- Dr Anthony Mabele (Kenya)
“Your tireless efforts have created a nurturing platform for aspiring scientists to thrive. The legacy of your mentorship and collaborative spirit will continue to resonate for generations.”
🏅 Certificate of Appreciation – Institutional Gratitude Award
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
“Your expertise, resources, and enduring belief in our mission have been foundational to the advancement of our Africa-focused initiatives. Thank you for standing with us throughout this journey.”
🏅 Lifetime Contribution Award – Individual Gratitude Award
- Professor John P. Carr (Head of the Virology & Molecular Plant Pathology Lab, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge)
“Professor Carr, your generous spirit, insightful guidance, and relentless advocacy have opened doors for hundreds of African scientists. Your legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of our work.”
🏅 Science Mentorship Impact Award – Emerging Mentorship Leader
- Ruth Nanjala, Founder of My Science Journey, PhD Scholar at the University of Oxford and mentee of the Carol & Noor African Bioscience Mentorship Programme
“Ruth, through your authentic storytelling and commitment to uplifting others, you are redefining science as not just knowledge, but identity, resilience, and hope. You exemplify the heart of our mission.”
🏅 Catalyst for Change Award – Emerging Mentorship Leader
- Dr Velma Okaron (Plant Breeder, Makerere University, Uganda)
“Velma, your tireless dedication to the planning and delivery of this transformative programme has built vital bridges across borders and disciplines. You continue to light the way for young scientists seeking connection, excellence, and opportunity.”
🏅 Board Leadership & Commitment Award – Strategic Governance and Visionary Support
- Dr Rebekah Sacher
“In recognition of your outstanding commitment, strategic guidance, and invaluable contributions to the success of the Roots of Resilience initiative and the development of future programmes such as AGRIIP. Thank you for giving so generously of your time, expertise, and wisdom.”
🏅 Exceptional Service & Leadership Award – Commitment to Service & Scientific Impact
- Dr Jacob Ulzen
- Dr Olaide Ogunsanya
“You gave not only your time and talent, but your heart. Through your quiet, selfless service and unwavering commitment, you helped transform vision into reality. We are truly grateful for your dedication and passion.”
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
The evening concluded with powerful reflections that reaffirmed JR Biotek’s mission and future direction.
“Today, we have not merely honoured individuals. We have celebrated a movement. A movement defined by excellence, equity, and a shared commitment to building a more just and food-secure Africa,” said Dr Ibe. “To our honourees, partners, donors, and friends – thank you. Thank you for believing in this cause and for walking this journey with us. Together, we will continue to shape a future where African science thrives, and communities flourish.”
From the historic halls of Cambridge to the farmlands of Africa, the message of the evening was clear: the future of African agriculture is not only within reach. It is already being built, one visionary at a time.
