Cameroon launches "new research year"

The Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Madeleine Tchuente has launched the 2015/2016 research year of her ministry. The new research year was launched this 14th October 2015 in a ceremony at the Yaounde Conference Centre under the theme “Ethics, Research and Sustainable Development”. The launch gave an opportunity for experts to rethink Cameroon’s position concerning the use of Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMO).

The Director of the Institute of Medical Research and Studies on Medicinal Plants (IMPM), Prof Jean Louis Essame Oyono while delivering the inaugural lecture, exhorted researchers to respect norms on GMOs and join in controlling the negative effects of climate change. Minister Madeleine Tchuente who presided over the ceremony laid emphasis on the need to keep the environment safe and stop pollution. 

She implored Cameroonians to use technology wisely in order to safeguard humanity and the environment. Another point raised during the gathering was the harmonisation of retirement ages for staff of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation.The recruitment of 200 researchers this 2015 and 300 in 2016 and plans underway to construct the Institute for the Promotion of Science, Creativity, Innovation and Technology, IPSCIT were some of the good news of the day.

On the occasion, 91 researchers were awarded meritorious medals for the work done in the sector. The event serves as opportunity for researchers nationwide to show the world their work which is generally done in the background.