The maiden edition of the award fund received 40 applications, out of which 10 research teams distinguished themselves and were selected for funding.

The awarded research projects focused on key areas such as nutrition and health, access to agricultural infrastructure, maternal mortality, and child marriage.

The awards were presented during the 19th edition of the Annual Harmattan School, organised by IIR, UDS in Tamale. Professor Mamudu Akudugu, Director of IIR, UDS, speaking during the event, said the award fund was established to support researchers' professional growth and enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

He encouraged the awardees to let the recognition inspired them for further discoveries and innovations that would improve the lives of the citizenry.

Dr Abdul Rahim Mohammed, a Research Scientist at UDS, whose team project won the award fund on social protection and child marriage, expressed gratitude to IIR, UDS for the support, saying it would contribute to shaping policy direction and implementation in the country.