German Research Minister honours Ghanaian scientist in Berlin

Friday, the German Federal Minister of Education and Research Prof Johanna Wanka honoured Ghanaian scientist Martin Agzemang during a festive ceremony in the new ministry building in Berlin. The young researcher is one of only 25 ‘green’ visionaries selected as “Green Talents 2014”. Mbeva was awarded for his enthusiastic activism and his clear vision of the practical applicability of his research to improving sustainable development in the future. In her speech of commendation, Prof Wanka stressed the importance of the Green Talents Programme for future international science cooperation:

“I note with great pleasure that over the years there has not only been a steady increase in the number of prize-winners but also in the amount of attention received and the international renown of the Green Talents Programme. In the meantime, this award is an internationally recognized prize for young researchers in the field of sustainability research.

The global sustainability goals can only be achieved through scientific cooperation and the exchange of knowledge. This calls for personal meetings between young scientists across national borders. Therefore, I warmly welcome this year's Green Talents in Germany."

A high-ranking jury of experts annually selects the winners, who in 2014 had to compete again the record number of over 800 applicants from more than 100 countries. The prestigious title was awarded for the sixth time to some of tomorrow’s leading scientists in the field of sustainable development.

Group_Green Talents 2014

The awardees were invited to participate in the two-week “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development”, during which they visited top locations for sustainability research in Germany. Here, they gained a deeper insight into the country’s innovation system, learned about state-of-the-art approaches and technologies, and exchanged ideas with the country’s leading experts in individual meetings.