Promoting research synergy: Minister urges beneficiaries of French gov’t grants to be flagbearers of nation’s innovation.

She made the call on Monday August 5, 2024, while receiving the 25 researchers who have been in France for four months. 

The scholarship grant, enabled the Cameroonian researchers to study in specialised institutions in universities in France, deepening their knowledge in their various fields of research.

The 25 academics, including 14 women and 11 men who just returned from their stay in France, have been urged to make use of the knowledge acquired in their various areas of research to build the nation.

During the ceremony that was attended by officials from the French Embassy, appreciation letters were awarded to the 25 researchers.

Speaking during the event, the scholarship holders’ representative, Yaouba, who is in charge of research, said that “we left as ambassadors for research, and carried out our internships in 23 French research laboratories and institutes”. 

The researchers developed research projects, including a thesis on increasing maize production by improving seed quality, without chemical additives. 

He disclosed that other theses will be defended on plant production, mining geology, neuroscience.

The researcher expressed the hope that: “The mastery of science and technology by our researchers will enable us to continue to develop our knowledge and skills and contribute to the creation of wealth and jobs in Cameroon”.

One of the beneficiaries of the French government grant, Hermia Ikome Nalova, said thanks to the scholarship, she has gained more knowledge on recent research tools and recent research development.

Enter French Ambassador representative

Speaking in the capacity of the representative of the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Amel Ahmed-Boudouda, pointed out that: “Cameroonian researchers are recognised for their skills in the sub-region, in Africa and throughout the world”. 

She added that since this year, France and Cameroon have been working together through the Hubert Curien partnership, which aims to launch new research projects. 

According to the French Ambassador’s representative, 41 projects were submitted by Cameroon this year, making it “the largest launch of a Hubert Curien partnership ever seen in Africa and the second largest in the world”. 

“For 2025, applications are open until 19 September on the Campus France website,” she added. 

She disclosed that in 2024, France has funded nine projects to the tune of 70,000 euros, or 46.5 million FCFA. Amel Ahmed-Boudouda also hailed fruitful cooperation ties between France and Cameroon. 

The 2023-2024 mobility grants were awarded during Cameroon Science Week, organised from April 3 to 7, 2023, to researchers from Cameroon’s eight university research centres.

After their stay in France, the works of the 25 scholarship holders are expected to be put to good use as part of the import-substitution policy. 

According to the Technical Adviser No 2 at MINRESI, Professor Eddy Ngankeu, “we are moving towards second-generation agriculture, and this will include at least five researchers trained in agricultural development”. 

The fellows were trained in artificial intelligence, energy, civil nuclear energy, satellite, geothermal energy and the blue economy. The projects developed as part of this scientific partnership, will be submitted for funding.

By Bernis Mfomo & Nadege Dzilamonyuy Limnyuy (Journalism students on internship)

This story was first Published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3194 of Friday August 09, 2024