Zimbabwean scientists honoured in Germany

TWO young Zimbabwean scientists recently raised the country's profile when they scooped individual international awards for coming up with original research ideas that proffer solutions for the world's sustainable future.

Mr Nkulumo Zinyengere (28) and Miss Melissa Sikosana (26) were each presented with their accolades by German Federal Minister of Education and Research, Professor Johanna Wanka at the Green Talents Awards ceremony held in Germany two weeks ago.

Mr Zinyengere is a PhD Candidate in Environmental and Geographical Science at University of Cape Town in South Africa, and Miss Sikosana is a Master of Science student in Chemical Engineering at the same institution.

Miss Sikosana was honoured for her research which focuses on recovering nutrients and energy from sewage, while Mr Zinyengere was awarded for his study focusing on assessing impacts of climate change and adaptation options for dry land farming systems in Southern Africa.

A total of 23 other scientists from across the globe, specialising in various research disciplines, were also honoured together with the two Zimbabwean scientists, making the total number of this year's Green Talents awardees 25.

An elated Mr Zinyengere, expressed gratitude at the Green Talents programme for honouring him, adding that the two weeks he spent in Germany interacting with fellow researchers from other parts of the world had helped to open his mind on sustainable development issues.

He hopes that his research will impact positively on the science and research community, as well as help in identifying cost effective strategies for small holder farmers to adapt to climate change, by using methods that are common to farmers, easily accessible and suitable to their farming conditions and socio-economic status.

"I'm very humbled by the award. The award also opened my eyes to what other young scientists are doing across the world and in Germany. This experience was very inspiring and pushes me to want to contribute more and beyond immediate successes, to have a positive and lasting effect in my chosen field of food security and development," he said.

Speaking after presenting the awards, Prof Wanka emphasised the importance of the Green Talents Programme for future international science co-operation, urging young researchers to embrace the spirit of working together.

"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 recognised 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," she said.

The Green Talents Awards competition held under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) annually awards the 25 most outstanding minds worldwide.

This year's 25 finalists were selected by a high ranking jury out of more than 800 applications from over 100 countries.

Prior to receiving their awards the budding researchers spent two weeks of interaction with some of the most renowned research institutions and leading experts in Germany.

The up-coming scientists also got an opportunity to attend the Falling Walls conference where some of the world's renowned researchers presented their findings in the area of sustainable development.

Organisers of the awards also extended an invitation to the 25 awardees to return to Germany for a fully funded research stay at an institution of their choice in 2015.