Emerging Leaders Award

Nominations for the Emerging Leaders Award will next open in 2025

Eligibility and nominations

  • Nominations are annual and will next open in 2025
  • Nominees should be early career investigators from and based in low- and middle-income countries. For the purpose of this award, we define “early career” as a maximum of 10 years’ active employment post-training, discounting career breaks
  • Nominees will have made a significant contribution to leadership, including mentorship and capacity building of others
  • Nominations should come from RSTMH members and Fellows ONLY 
  • Nominees should be RSTMH members ONLY
  • Self-nomination, with a supporting statement from another RSTMH member or Fellow is permitted
  • Nominations must demonstrate a significant contribution in leadership and service, including mentorship and capacity building

Apply / Nominate

2024 Emerging Leaders Award recipient: Dr Luria Leslie Founou

The winner of this year’s Emerging Leaders Award is Dr Luria Leslie Founou. She was nominated by Saffiatou Darboe. 

Dr Luria Founou obtained a PhD in Pharmaceutical Microbiology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2018. Luria is the head of research within the Research Institute of the Centre of Expertise and Biological Diagnostic of Cameroon and has over 10 years’ experience on antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases.

Currently, her research activities are centered on the epidemiology, transmission, and evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in mothers and neonates in Cameroon and across Africa.

“Humility, honour and gratitude are the three words that came to my mind when I received the outcome.

“Feeling humble as I recognize that this award is a reflection of the value of the efforts and positive changes I aim to achieve. This award also marks the start of an exciting journey towards further accomplishments and positive impacts.

“Feeling honored not only because of the prestigious recognition associated with this award but also because of the exceptional achievements of the scientists I competed against for this prize. Honored because I never dreamed of receiving such prestigious recognition before.

“Expressing deep gratitude towards my friend Saffiatou Darboe, whose nomination not only surprised me because I couldn't envision winning this award myself, but also reshaped my belief in pursuing my dreams. Gratitude for the support received from my peers, collaborators, students, family members and all those who inspire me daily to improve myself and make lasting change globally. I am truly humbled by this recognition, and it motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in my field. This award serves as a reminder that hard work, dedication, and a supportive community can lead to incredible opportunities for growth and impact. I am excited to see where this recognition will take me in my career and how I can continue to make a difference in the world.”

Dr Luria Leslie Founou

Dr Bipin Adhikari

History and prize

The award was established in 2016 to recognise significant contributions in leadership and service, including mentoring and other forms of capacity building, to the fields of tropical medicine and global health.

The award comprises:

  • A £2,500 personal cash prize
  • A certificate
  • Access to mentorship through the RSTMH Board of Trustees and wider network
  • A platform to give a keynote speech at an RSTMH scientific meeting