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TRIBUTES FROM THE NATIONAL SYSTEM FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN MEMORY OF PROFESSOR TAGUEM FAH GILBERT LAMBLIN

On Thursday, 20 June 2024, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation organized academic and scientific tributes in honour of Professor TAGUEM FAH Gilbert L., Inspector General, who died on 18 May 2024 due to illness.

After the removal of corpse from the Yaounde General Hospital mortuary, Professor TAGUEM FAH Gilbert’s funeral was solemnized by a double ceremony with academic and scientific tributes.

A ceremony personally presided over by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation

The tribute ceremony, which took place at the esplanade of the annex building no. 1, was presided over by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, accompanied by the Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development (MINEPDED), ProfTCHAWA Paul and the Secretary General of MINRESI, Prof EBELLE ETAME Rebecca Madeleine.  For the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, the ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge the work accomplished at MINRESI by Professor TAGUEM FAH Gilbert, first in his capacity as Technical Advisor No. 2 (from 2016 to 2022) and then as Inspector General (from 2022 to 2024).

An array of guests attended the tribute ceremony, including officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, academics, heads of institutes supervised by MINRESI and the central administration, as well as representatives of the French Embassy in Cameroon and MINRESI partner structures. The entire National System for Research and Innovation gathered around the mortal remains of the Inspector General. His peers in the higher education and researchers, all draped in their robes, led the body in a harmonious choreography of majestic steps in a long procession to the esplanade of the annexe building no. 1.  The procession was accompanied by cheers, despite the sadness and grief on everyone’s face.

Two phased ceremony

The ceremony proper had two phases: academic tributes, followed by scientific tributes. The first phase was led by lecturers from the University of Ngaoundere.  Four speeches were made, by the Head of the History Department at the University of Ngaoundere, Prof MAMOUDOU BOUBA, two colleagues of the deceased, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Letters and Social Sciences at the University of Ngaoundere, Prof Joseph NDINDA, in his capacity as representative of the Rector of the said university.

The second phase saw a scientific tribute by Dr ELE ABIAMA Patrice, Permanent Secretary of the National Committee for Technology Development (CNDT). He was followed by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, who delivered a funeral oration full of revelations, anecdotes, testimonials and, above all, emotion. She pointed out that since his appointment as Inspector General of MINRESI, Professor TAGUEM FAH Gilbert, whom she called “Modibo Manga” (Grand Master of Knowledge in Fulfulde), “become one of the corner stones in MINRESI’s chain of competence”. Recalling the fateful 18 May 2024, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation asserted that “death has mercilessly deprived us of a competent and brilliant collaborator. A real blow to MINRESI”.

An emotional and solemn ceremony

Emotions reached its peak when the representative of the Rector of the University of Ngaoundere presented the deceased’s robe to the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, who in turn handed it to the deceased’s wife.  Tears were visible on some faces, and it was with a heavy heart that the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation bowed before the coffin of the man who, according to her, had all the qualities a boss could wish for in a collaborator.

Guests and dignitaries then paid their respects to the remains of the deceased in a solemn moment of mourning, accompanied by songs from the Choir, “La voix de la recherche”. The Inspector General’s mortal remains then left the MINRESI premises to a standing ovation from the researchers bidding him farewell.

Translated by Celtrad/MINRESI

CONFERENCE ON FUNDING MECHANISMS FOR KEY OVERARCHING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PROJECTS IN CAMEROON

Within the framework of equipping research institutes and researchers with skills in obtaining funds for scientific research projects from International organisations, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE organized a conference on the theme “Funding mechanisms for key overarching scientific research projects“, on December 3 2024. The conference which took place in the conference hall of MINRESI was chaired by the Secretary General of MINRESI, Professor EBELLE ETAME Rebecca Madeleine on behalf of the Minister who was unavoidably absent. Amongst the participants were Directors of the Central Administration of MINRESI, General Managers of research institutes and researchers.

The conference started with a welcome address from the Secretary General of MINRESI, followed by a detail presentation of the keynote speaker, Professor AWONO ONANA Charles who is a finance, research & innovation consultant and has also headed several top reasearch and academic institutions in the country, notably the National Advanced School of Engineering Polytechnic, Yaounde. He has also worked with international organisations such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. In his keynote presentation, Professor Awono demonstrated that the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation has a key role to play in ensuring the economic development of Cameroon. He emphasized on the reorganization of ministry in order to enable it functions at its full capacity.

Professor AWONO elaborated on the different types of funding available from International organisations and the necessary conditions for benefitting from such funds, an aspect which was highly appreciated by the General Managers of research institutes. This conference comes at a time when the morals of Cameroonian researchers have been boosted with the recent decree from the Head of State, His Excellency Paul Biya, allocating research allowances to researchers. The keynote presentation was followed by a series of questions and appreciations from the participants, which were clarified by the keynote speaker.

In her closing remarks, the Secretary General on behalf of the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, expressed gratitude to the keynote speaker, Professor Awono Onana Charles for his brilliant presentation. She then disclosed that the Minister has instructed that the keynote presentation be sent to all the research institutes, who will in turn work closely with Professor Awono and present a project January 2025, alongside one or two projects which involves all the research institutes.

Terence EYONG TANY, Aro2, Celcom/MINRESI

FRENCH AMBASSADOR RECEIVED AT MINRESI

On Thursday November 7, 2024, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation Dr Madeleine Tchuinte granted an audience to the French Ambassador in Cameroon, His ExcellencyThierry Marchand. The Ambassador H.E. Thierry MARCHAND was accompanied by the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD),Virginie DAGO, the Resident Representative of IRD in Cameroon,Dr Télesphore Sime Ngando and the  Attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation of the French Embassy, Professor Stephanie Mailles Viard.

The aim of the audience was to examine, the level of scientific and technical cooperation between the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) and the French government, with emphasis on the construction of the Environmental Biogeosciences Research Center (CBE) in Nkolbisson under the C2D Programme. This center will go a long way to support research on climate and the environment. The audience was also an opportunity to revisit excellent cooperation ties between MINRESI and French institutions in Cameroon, particularly with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Research Institute for Development (IRD).

After the audience which lasted for closed to an hour, the Country Director of AFD-Cameroon, Virginie DAGO in an interview disclosed that the main purpose of the meeting at the request of the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, was to take stock of the progress in the mobilisation of funds,so that the construction of the Environmental Biogeosciences Research Center under the C2D Programme becomes a reality as quickly as possible.

Celcom/MINRESI

CIRAD CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN CAMEROON:  A STRONGER COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

CIRAD celebrated its 40th anniversary on 17 September 2024 with a round table discussion at IRAD, attended by a large delegation from MINRESI.

On 17 September 2024, IRAD’s ‘Salle des actes’ hosted the ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the International Cooperation Centre for Agronomic Research and Development (CIRAD) in Cameroon. Under the theme: “Shared research to grow the world of tomorrow in Central Africa”, this celebration brought together eminent personalities. The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, was represented by the Secretary General of MINRESI, Prof Rebecca EBELLE ETAME. It was also attended by the French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E.  Thierry MARCHAND, the Director General of IRAD, Dr Noé WOIN, and the CIRAD Regional Director for Central Africa, Dr Thierry LEROY.

The ceremony was divided into four phases. The first entailed speeches, with five speeches highlighting CIRAD’s history and activities in Cameroon. In her closing speech, Prof EBELLE ETAME Rebecca Madeleine praised the collaboration between CIRAD and the State of Cameroon, and expressed the Government’s desire to “further engage with this exceptional partner in the training and capacity-building of young researchers, with a view to promoting the emergence of a new generation of local experts capable of addressing and advancing issues crucial to our country’s development”.

The second phase was the round table discussion. It brought together five experts who explored key themes, namely: “Evolution in Cocoa Research and Cooperation”, “40 years of partnership: impact, challenges and prospects”, “Presentation of the agroforestry partnership research scheme”, “Presentation of the R2FAC partnership research scheme” and “Innovations brought by ONE HEALTH”. The interactive session, which formed the third phase, enabled participants to exchange ideas and make their own contributions to the discussion.

The celebration ended in a convivial atmosphere with a cocktail offered by CIRAD to its guests, after a family photograph was taken.  The celebration reinforced CIRAD’s commitment to research and sustainable development in Central Africa.It also highlighted the historic partnership between CIRAD and IRAD.

©Translation Unit/MINRESI

MINRESI PARTICIPATES IN THE 68TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE IAEA GENERAL CONFERENCE

The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, addressed the 68th Ordinary Session of the IAEA General Conference, held in Vienna, Austria.

As Head of Delegation, the Minister of Scientific Research and innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE was actively involved at the 68th Ordinary Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, which kicked off on Monday 16 September 2024 in Vienna, Austria.

On Tuesday 17 September 2024, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE addressed the IAEA General Assembly on behalf of Cameroon, which was warmly welcomed by the participants.
She congratulated IAEA Director General and his team for “enhancing nuclear safety and security in the world thereby helping to prevent nuclear accidents, particularly in conflict zones”.
Likewise, she pointed out that Cameroon welcomed initiatives undertaken by IAEA to meet the needs of Member States in the face of global challenges by applying nuclear techniques. She went on to highlight technical cooperation with Cameroon.The Minister stated that:”Cameroon strongly commends efforts to prioritise the emergence agenda and actions aimed at enhancing food and agricultural production sustainability and resilience as well as related means of livelihood in Member States“.

The following officials were part of the delegation led by MINRESI:Mr Victor NDOCKI, Ambassador, Head of the Permanent Mission of Cameroon to the IAEA; Mr Augustin SIMO, Director General of ANRP; Mr Patrice ELE ABIAMA, National Coordinator of the AFRA Programme; Mr Colince NGUELO, Representative of MINADER, Mr Francis Emmanuel NGOME AJEBESONE, Deputy Director General of IRAD.

©Translation Unit/MINRESI

PHC BANTOU EXPLAINED TO FOCAL POINTS OF INSTITUTES UNDER MINRESI’S SUPERVISION

On 29 August 2024, a meeting was held in the MINRESI conference room to explain the modus operandi of the Bantu Hubert-Curien Partnership. This meeting was convened by the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr Madeleine TCHUINTE, and chaired by the Technical Advisor No. 2, Pr Eddy NGONKEU. The meeting aimed at raising awareness in institutes under MINRESI’s supervision, in response to the poor turnout during the first edition held in 2024. Therefore, focal points were appointed in the 8 institutes under the supervision of MINRESI. They are responsible for informing their colleagues about the PHC and encouraging them to attend the next edition in 2025 in their numbers.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation by the Attaché  for Scientific and University Cooperation at the French Embassy in Cameroon, Professor Stephanie Mailles VIARD. She detailed the presentation on the modus operandi as well as the objectives of the PHC Bantou. Her presentation then led to a discussion with the focal points, who were given the opportunity to obtain as much information as possible about PHC Bantou. 

It should be noted that PHC is a French bilateral scientific mobility programme implemented and funded by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR). The programme seeks to promote excellent scientific and technological cooperation between Cameroon and French laboratories, thereby fostering new forms of cooperation involving junior researchers.

©Translation Unit/MINRESI

THE MINISTER OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION GRANTS AN AUDIENCE TO THE ITALIAN AMBASSADOR IN CAMEROON

The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Dr. Madeleine TCHUINTE granted an audience to the Italian Ambassador in Cameroon, Fillipo SCAMMACCA DEL MURGO, on Wednesday, 28 August 2024. The diplomat came with an invitation from the Minister of Higher Education and Research, of the Republic of Italy, regarding Cameroon’s participation in the G7 Conference on Research and Training with African countries, which will be held in October.

This audience was equally the opportunity to review scientific cooperation between Cameroon and Italy. The Minister encouraged the mobility of researchers between the two countries through study visits and joint projects. The aim of this mobility is to enable Cameroon benefit from Italian expertise and creativity in various fields, including biotechnology, genetics and the processing of local materials such as marble for tile manufacture. This transfer of skills and experience promotes the development of scientific entrepreneurship, which is at the heart of MINRESI’s concerns under the motto ‘One researcher, one company’.

The Italian diplomat on his part praised the dynamism of Cameroonian researchers, highlighting that his country’s industrial structure, based on small and medium-sized enterprises, is well suited to set collaborations and equal partnerships with research structures based in Cameroon. Moreover, he expressed his country’s commitment to support Cameroon and other African countries in the production of medicines based on local resources. He also expressed Italy’s interest in agricultural research and research into zoonoses such as Mpox. The audience closed with a friendly exchange of courtesies.

© Translation Unit/MINRESI

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