Prof. Gordon Awandare Receives Prestigious Bailey K. Ashford Medal for Global Health Leadership

The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and Founding Director of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana, Professor Gordon A. Awandare, has been awarded the Bailey K. Ashford Medal in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to global health research.

Conferred by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), the award honours Prof. Awandare’s pioneering research into the biology, immunology and pathogenesis of malaria parasites, as well as the remarkable impact of his founding and leadership of WACCBIP in advancing scientific research on the African continent and beyond.

Reacting to the news, Prof. Awandare dedicated the award to the young African scientists who have contributed to the Centre’s vision and success. “This award is a tribute to the talent and passion of over 500 young African scientists who believed in our vision that by creating an enabling environment, world-class science can be done in Africa, led by Africans, to solve Africa’s challenges,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the recognition would further inspire confidence in African-led scientific research and catalyse greater investment in research infrastructure across the continent.

Prof. Awandare, a Professor of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, also leads the University of Ghana Collaborative on Climate Resilience and Sustainability (UG-CCReS) initiative, which brings together researchers from diverse disciplines to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to address climate and sustainability challenges.

Through his visionary leadership, WACCBIP has become a model of excellence in biomedical research and training, producing a new generation of African scientists making substantial contributions to global health.

The Bailey K. Ashford Medal is one of the highest honours awarded by ASTMH to scientists who have made distinguished contributions to tropical medicine and global health. Prof. Awandare’s recognition underscores his enduring commitment to advancing research excellence and positioning Africa as a global leader in scientific innovation.