Yaounde: Excellence Week for Scientific Research & Innovation kicks off Monday.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, July 9, in prelude to the event, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine Tchuente, said the excellence week is set aside to give visibility to the work of researchers and also valorise the results of research work.

“JERSIC reflects government’s ongoing commitment to highlighting researchers and demonstrating the impact of research and innovation results on the lives of our fellow citizens,” Dr Tchuente said, adding that “science, technology, and innovation are economic instruments that serve the creation of wealth and jobs, as well as the promotion of sustainable development in Cameroon”.

According to the government official, the Excellence Week for Scientific Research and Innovation, provides a unique framework for popularising the latest innovations emerging from Cameroonian research and positioning them as a driving force for socio-economic progress, capable of driving growth and employment. 

She mentioned that it is also a platform for exchange, sharing, and discussion between the various stakeholders of the National Research and Innovation System around useful research issues geared toward societal needs. 

Dr Tchuente expressed deep gratitude to the Head of State, President Paul Biya, whom she said has shown constant concern to the National Research and Innovation System, through his strategic vision and enlightened leadership. 

“One illustration of this commitment is undoubtedly the signing, by his very high command, of Decree No. 2023/337 of August 8, 2023, establishing the Special Status for Research Personnel, thus providing Cameroonian researchers with a revalued and motivating professional framework,” she stated. 

The minister mentioned that some supplementary texts to this decree have already been signed and implemented since the end of April 2025, including the revaluation of research and technical bonuses paid to researchers, despite a difficult economic climate. 

In addition, she stated that the draft strategic research framework documents are currently being validated by all stakeholders of the National Research and Innovation System.

Earmarked activities

The excellence week will feature plenary presentations, followed by workshop discussions, focusing on thematic areas such as scientific research and industrialisation; public-private partnership for industrialisation among others.

There will equally be roundtable discussions, competitions for the award of Scientific Excellence and Innovation Promotion Awards and major a scientific exhibition that will showcase Made in Cameroon innovations.

“Institutes under the supervision of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, public and private universities, technological educational institutions, partner research organisations, as well as independent researchers and innovators, will be able to present, alongside their exhibition stands, innovation boutiques generated in line with social and business demand,” Dr Tchuente said.

Special prizes for best works

JERSIC 2025 is expected to also serve as a framework for recognising the best work by stakeholders in the National Research and Innovation System. MINRESI boss told reporters during Wednesday’s briefing that several excellence awards will be presented during the event.

They include the Special Grand Prize of the President of the Republic, which honours a major scientific breakthrough or an exemplary research career that has significantly contributed to Cameroon's progress.

There will also be Special Prize for Innovation in Favour of Youth, and Excellence Awards in various in areas such as life sciences, humanity and social sciences.

The Promotion and Innovation Awards, is also included, to reward inventors, young entrepreneurs, or those with innovative projects.

Apart from Cameroonian researchers invited to take part in the excellence week, there will be representatives from five countries of the CEMAC zone, namely: the Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Chad. Each of these countries will be represented by two officials. 

Also expected to attend this workshop are officials in charge of the African Union's Scientific Agenda, as well as our French partners who will provide scientific and logistical support. 

Minister Tchuente said since the inaugural edition of JERSIC in 2007, considerable advances have been made in the area of research and the varolisation of research works.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3500 of Friday July 11, 2025