{"id":3441,"date":"2026-02-09T12:28:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T09:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/?page_id=3441"},"modified":"2026-07-31T10:01:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T07:01:48","slug":"the-african-scientist-of-the-year-award-ascoya","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/the-african-scientist-of-the-year-award-ascoya\/","title":{"rendered":"The African Scientist of the Year Award (AScOYA)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Lorem Ipsum has been the industry&#8217;s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2>About AScOYA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Vision\">AScOYA Vision and Mission<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Objectives\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Objectives\">Award Objectives<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Participants\">Elligible Participants<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Categories\">Award Categories<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Nomination\">Nomination Process<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Timelines\">Annual Award Process Timelines<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Selection\">Selection of Winners<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#Awards\">Awards<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/perl-programming-for-bio-scientists\/\"><\/a><a href=\"#Hall-of-fame\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#Hall-of-fame\">Hall of Fame<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/enter-ascoya-competiton\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3493\">Enter the Competition<\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2>Award Vision Statement &amp; Mission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Vision\">\u201cTo recognize and honor exceptional African scientists whose discoveries in medicine and physiology significantly advance human health and deepen the understanding of biological processes crucial to the wellbeing of African populations and the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Mission is to become the premier African award for biomedical discovery and innovation, fostering a culture of scientific leadership, supporting groundbreaking research, and empowering future generations to shape the global scientific landscape from Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Award Objectives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Objectives\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nCelebrate groundbreaking African medical and physiological research and highlight outstanding life science research conducted in Africa or by African scientists worldwide.\n\n\n\nHighlight scientists whose discoveries improve health outcomes in Africa.\n\n\n\n\n\nPromote innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and disease biology.\n\n\n\nInspire future generations of African biomedical and medical researchers.\n\n\n\n\n\nStrengthen Africa\u2019s global scientific presence in the medical sciences.\n\n\n\nPromote scientific excellence that directly addresses African challenges\u2014diseases, and biotech innovation.\n\n\n\n\n\nSupport young scientists and encourage scientific careers across the continent.\n\n\n\nAccelerate the translation of research into real-world solutions.<br>\n\n\n\n\n<h2>Award Categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nAfrican Scientist of the Year \u2013 Medicine &amp; Physiology\n\n\n\nYoung Medical Scientist of the Year (Under 40)\n\n\n\n\n\nClinical Innovation Award\n\n\n\nBiomedical Research Impact Award\n\n\n\n\n<h2>Eligible Participants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"Participants\">African citizens anywhere in the world, OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Non-citizens who conduct research based in Africa that significantly benefits the continent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Work must be scientific, not administrative or political<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Publications should be peer-reviewed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The core discovery or innovation must have occurred within the last 10 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No documented ethical violations, plagiarism, data manipulation, or misconduct<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Category-Specific Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Categories\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>African Scientist of the Year \u2013 Medicine &amp; Physiology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nominee must demonstrate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A major scientific breakthrough in medicine or physiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear evidence of advancing understanding of disease, biology, or human health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highly cited, peer-reviewed publications in respected journals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong influence on global or African biomedical science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term, sustained contributions over several years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><br><strong>Young Medical Scientist of the Year (Under 40)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nominee must show exceptional promise and clear trajectory toward major scientific contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Required:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First-author or senior-author publications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear evidence of scientific independence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early discoveries or significant potential<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in developing technologies, diagnostics, or biomedical insights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><br>Clinical Innovation Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognizes practical medical advances, examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New diagnostic kits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Affordable medical devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vaccine innovations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Digital health tools with clinical impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New treatments or therapeutic approaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laboratory methods improving patient care in Africa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><br>Biomedical Research Impact Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recognizes scientists who make a significant contribution with a focus on fundamental science underlying medicine. Examples of focus areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Molecular biology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Genetics &amp; genomics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immunology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cell biology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pharmacology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Systems biology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Nomination Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Nomination\">The African Scientist of the Year Award (AScOYA) competition is administered through a clear, impartial, and merit-driven evaluation system that upholds global standards of credibility and ethical practice. The program follows a yearly cycle and nominations are opened from January to April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Application Submission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates apply by completing the official online nomination form. The submission includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Candidate\u2019s Full CV including education backgrounda and positions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>List of Key Publications\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlight 3\u20135 most impactful papers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide links and DOIs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impact Summary (1\u20133 pages) Explaining:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Key discovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How it advances medical science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evidence supporting the discovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-world impact on Africa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letters of Support (1\u20133 letters) from respected scientists or institutions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethics Declaration confirming no misconduct, plagiarism, or fabrication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A recent professional headshot and, where applicable, images that reflect research activities, innovations, or professional engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional evidence<strong> <\/strong>(for clinical award): Device prototypes, Regulatory approvals, Clinical trial data and Implementation results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All submitted content must be in English. Applicants are encouraged to assemble all required materials before beginning the online form. Once started, the application cannot be saved for later completion. If certain supporting documents are unavailable at the time of submission, they may be submitted later in line with the stated application procedures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By submitting an application, candidates attest to the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided. For individuals selected as Winners, the publication of profiles and related content will comply with the AScOYA privacy and publication policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Initial Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every application is reviewed by the AScOYA Review Committee to verify eligibility, completeness, relevance to the competition\u2019s scope, and disciplinary alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reviews are conducted on a continuous basis. Applicants are informed by email once their submission has either advanced to the next stage of evaluation or has not met the preliminary requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Annual Award Process Timelines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Timelines\"><strong>January \u2013 May: Nomination Phase<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public call for nominations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outreach to universities, labs, research networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nomination portal open for 90 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>June: Screening &amp; Eligibility Check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Administrative team verifies all documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Removes incomplete submissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethics officer checks integrity issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creates the \u201celigible nominees list\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>July: First-Round Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Committee members receive full nominee packets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Independent scoring using the standard rubric<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weighted scores calculated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Top 15 candidates selected for the longlist<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>August: Shortlisting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Committee discussion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>External advisory panel reviews the top 15<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selection narrowed to 5 finalists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>August: Final Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deep-dive analysis of scientific contributions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Background checks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verification of research validity, citations, patents, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>September: Final Vote<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secret ballot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ranked-choice voting if no candidate crosses 60%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Winner confirmed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All decisions documented for transparency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>October \u2013 November: Announcement &amp; Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press release<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public announcement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High-profile ceremony (rotating host country each year or fixed HQ)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Winner delivers the <em>\u201cAfrican Scientist of the Year Lecture\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>December: Report &amp; Planning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Publish annual report<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review process and adjust for next year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Begin preparing next call for nominations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>Selection of Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Selection\">A committee of independent experts will first check whether the nominee meets criteria such as field, career stage, nationality, or advancement of science and that the achievements are legitimate (publications, patents, citations, verified impact). This step removes incomplete or ineligible nominations.<br><br>A panel of respected scientists reviews the nominees. They look at things like:<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<strong>Scientific impact: <\/strong>Has the research changed understanding or opened new directions?\n\n\n\n<strong>Innovation<\/strong>: Novelty, originality, or technical difficulty.\n\n\n\n\n\n<strong>Publications<\/strong>: Quality of journals, citation counts, influence.\n\n\n\n<strong>Real-world applications<\/strong>: Medical benefits, technological advances, environmental improvements, etc.\n\n\n\n<strong>Leadership &amp; mentorship<\/strong>: Contribution to the scientific community.\n\n\n\n<strong>Ethics<\/strong>: Integrity, responsible conduct, and ethical research practice.\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scores from multiple reviewers are averaged and normalized. A senior, diverse, continental committee selects the winners. The expert panel will additionaly request a brief external review from international scientists, diaspora experts and medical academies. The highest-scoring candidates become finalists. This shortlist may then be re-evaluated in deeper detail, sent to a higher committee, and or reviewed by external experts for fairness and independence. Some awards will require interviews, public lectures, or additional documents. The final decision is made by a senior committee or board votes. They consider panel scores, expert reviews, broader impact beyond academia, diversity, representation, and balance . The winner is then officially selected and announced through press releases, websites and scientific journals and at award ceremonies at annual conferences or special events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Awards\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<strong>Monetary Prize <\/strong>to support further research, travel to conferences, or lab resources. This will be transferred after the award ceremony or as a grant for research purposes.\n\n\n\n<strong>Medal<\/strong> as a symbol of achievement and lasting recognition.\n\n\n\n\n\n<strong>Certificate:<\/strong> Official documentation of the award.\n\n\n\n<strong>Plaque:<\/strong> Physical token to honor the scientist, suitable for office display\n\n\n\n\n\n<strong>Press\/Public Recognition:<\/strong> winners will be featured in media, journals, or online platforms to inspire other African scientists.\n\n\n\n<strong>Lecture\/Workshop Opportunity:<\/strong> winners will be invited to give talks at conferences or universities\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Hall-of-fame\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Hall of Fame<br><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3>Objectives of The Hall of Fame<br><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nTo honor outstanding African scientists annually\n\n\n\nTo preserve their achievements and contributions to medicine and life sciences\n\n\n\n\n\nTo inspire future generations by showcasing scientific achievements and science role models\n\n\n\nTo provide a platform for recognition, mentorship, and public engagement.\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portraits, plaques, and profiles of winners will be displayed at our headquarters, and in partner universities and research institutes.<br>A dedicated webpage will be curated featuring inductee profiles, including photo and short biography, key achievements and research contributions, publications, awards, and recognitions, media coverage, interviews, or recorded lectures and photos, interviews, and links to publications.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Hall of Fame Induction Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winners of the African Scientist of the Year Award will be automatically inducted. A formal induction ceremony will be included during the AScOYA award event, where a plaque or certificate will signify their Hall of Fame membership. A board of Hall of Fame members will be maintained and this board will mentor young scientists and serve as advisors to the award.<br>Winners are inducted immediately upon receiving the award. The presentation will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nPlaque or certificate of Hall of Fame membership\n\n\n\nRecognition in the award program and press release\n\n\n\n\n\nInductees may participate in a short lecture or keynote session.\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Recognition<\/strong> and <strong>Long-Term Legacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hall of Fame inductees will be featured in newsletters, annual reports, and media campaigns. They will be allowed to give keynote speeches or lectures at events and publicized es on social media, newsletters, and scientific publications. Inductees will also be encouraged to mentor young scientists, and give talks at workshops and conferences.<br><br>Over time, the Hall of Fame is envisaged to become a central reference for African scientific excellence, similar to national academies or Nobel laureate listings. The Hall of Fame will establish a living archive of African scientific excellence, inspire future generations to pursue careers in medicine and life sciences, and strengthen partnerships with universities, research foundations, and sponsors by highlighting Hall of Fame members\u2019 achievements.<br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Hall of Fame Eligibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hall of Fame will automatically include all winners of the African Scientist of the Year Award across all categories. Special recognition will also be granted to scientists with long-term contributions to African medicine, even if they have not received the annual award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Enter\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cTo recognize and honor exceptional African scientists whose discoveries in medicine and physiology significantly advance human health and deepen the understanding of biological processes crucial to the wellbeing of African populations and the world.\u201d The Mission is to become the premier African award for biomedical discovery and innovation, fostering a culture of scientific leadership, supporting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3441","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3441"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3609,"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3441\/revisions\/3609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kibs.co.ke\/research\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}