University of Ghana's Professor Awandare Honoured With Bailey K. Ashford Medal

The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs of the University of Ghana, Professor Gordon Akanzuwine Awandare, has been awarded the 2025 Bailey K. Ashford Medal.

The award presentation occurred during this year’s American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) annual meeting, which took place in Toronto, Canada, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from November 9 to 13.

Professor Awandare was recognised for his groundbreaking research on the biology, immunology, and pathogenesis of malaria parasites, as well as his significant impact through his founding and leadership of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), which has advanced scientific research in Africa and beyond.

Under his visionary leadership, WACCBIP has become a model of excellence in biomedical research and training, nurturing a new generation of elite African scientists who are making significant contributions to global health.

The Bailey K. Ashford Medal was instituted in 1941 by the US-based ASTMH (American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene) in memory of Colonel Bailey Kelly Ashford (1873 – 1934), a renowned American physician who also had a military career in the US Army.

It is one of the highest honours awarded by the ASTMH to scientists who have made distinguished contributions to tropical medicine and global health. And this year, four distinguished scientists from across the globe were honoured, with Prof. Awandare being the only honouree from Africa.

This recognition highlights Prof. Awandare's unwavering commitment to advancing research excellence and establishing Africa as a global leader in scientific innovation.

Professor Awandare being adorned the Bailey K. Ashford Medal at the event

A native of Kandiga, a small town in the Upper East Region of Ghana, the eminent Ghanaian academician is a proud alumnus of the Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC, Legon). He has also attended other esteemed educational institutions, including the ever prestigious University of Ghana and the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, USA..

By Eugene Selorm Owusu