They are Dr Bismarck Dinko from the University of Health and Allied Sciences; Dr Edem Mahu  University of Ghana; Dr John Kuumuori Ganle, University of Ghana and Dr Philip Antwi-Agyei, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology.

They, together with other young African researchers will receive up to GBP300,000 each to conduct their research over a two year period.

The 2020 cohort of FLAIR funded scientists were selected from a competitive pool of more than 400 applicants. Their research is diverse, ranging from new techniques for sustainable agriculture and fisheries, managing water shortages to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, improved methods to store cleaner energy and targeting health conditions that are most acute for people living in Africa.

They join the 2019 intake of FLAIR fellows, who are already making a significant contribution to science on the continent in their fields.

Dr Bismarck Dinko of the University of Health and Allied Sciences will investigate the growth processes of the malaria parasite using new molecular and histological tools, including its proposed development location in human bone marrow.

Dr Edem Mahu of the University of Ghana  is working to gauge and forecast the impacts of rising sea temperatures and  erratic rainfall on oyster fishing in the Gulf of Guinea and provide scientific advice on sustainable management and adaptation.

Oyster fishing in the Gulf of Guinea sustain impoverished communities in several surrounding countries.

Over 63% of disabled adults in Ghana are women, the group that has the most difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare. Dr John Kuumuori Ganle of the University of Ghana will also implement interventions to connect women with these services and assess the benefits, which he says might ‘strengthen local health system capacity’ and satisfy ‘universal access to healthcare as envisaged by the UN’.

Dr Philip Antwi-Agyei of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology plans on using mapping tools, soil samples and a community approach to determine how Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) might be best applied in Ghana and West Africa, with a focus on soil viability.

CSA is one method proposed for Ghanaian farmers to adapt in light of increasing temperatures and drought risk, but evidence for its effectiveness remain partial.

Professor Nelson Torto, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences, in  a statement, noted ,that the AAS welcomes the new cohort of FLAIR grantees to the growing post-doctoral family.

Professor Torto said “ post-doctoral programmes are vital in training and developing early career researchers into research leaders whose scientific leadership will influence policies that will promote the socio-economic development of the continent.”

Dr Judy Omumbo, Programme Manager, Affiliates and Post-doctoral Programmes said “the announcement of this second cohort of FLAIR fellows is a significant milestone for the post-doctoral programmes team at the AAS. We anticipate that they will find the opportunities for networking and collaborations with other African scientists unique in supporting them in their pursuit of excellence in science for the benefit of mankind.”

Professor Richard Catlow, Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society said  that climate change, food sustainability, emerging disease, were challenges facing everyone, but the risks they posed to individuals and ecosystems across Africa were especially pronounced, emphasizing “that is why we’re proud to be part of a programme that is investing in the next generation of African scientific leaders, as they research solutions and adaptations to these challenges.”

“This programme extends well beyond the grant recipients themselves. Our first cohort of FLAIR fellows are forging partnerships across institutions and disciplines, supporting young African PhD candidates and postdocs, and helping strengthen the research economies in countries such as Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and the wider continent. We know this second cohort of talented FLAIR researchers will match their success” he added.

Applications for next the 2021  FLAIR Fellowships are currently open  and will close on May 27th 2020.