Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – May 15, 2025 – The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) vibrantly hosted the 22nd Annual Tore Godal Award ceremony on May 15, 2025, in its main auditorium. This year’s prestigious event celebrated the significant research contributions of young scientists in the critical areas of Multi Drug Resistant Bacteria and Malaria.
The distinguished awardees – Mr. Eshetu Fikadu, Ms. Banchayehu Getnet, Mr. Tadele Emiru – were honored by H.E. Stian Christensen, the Ambassador of Norway to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA.
During the award ceremony Professor Afework Kassu, General Director of AHRI, expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Tore Godal for his pivotal role at AHRI and for establishing the TORE GODAL-AHRI Prize Award. This award aims to recognize the excellence of young scholars in health and biomedical sciences research and development in Ethiopia. “The Tore Godal Award is a highly esteemed honor that serves as a testament to the scientific legacy and global influence of Dr. Tore Godal, a pioneer in global health. His values and principles deeply motivate our work and serve as a constant inspiration,” Professor Afework emphasized.
The Director General also acknowledged the ongoing support from the people and governments of Norway and Sweden through NORAD and SIDA, respectively, which has been instrumental in building AHRI’s strong foundation in Research and Development.
H.E. Ambassador Stian Christensen highlighted the deep and enduring relationship between Ethiopia and Norway and his country’s role in the establishment of AHRI. He commended the leadership of Ethiopians in driving AHRI’s achievements over the years and congratulated the awardees on their significant scientific contributions. “You have pushed the boundaries of medical science further, and you have made AHRI, Ethiopia, and Norway proud,” he added.
From left to right Professor Afework Kassu, Director general of AHRI, Mr. Tadele Emiru, Awardee, Ms. Banchayehu Getnet, Awardee, Mr. Eshetu Fikadu, Awardee, H.E. Stian Christensen, Ambassador of Norway to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and UNECA, and Dr. Alemseged Abdissa, Deputy Director General of AHRI
Meet the 22nd TORE GODAL Awardees:
Eshetu Fikadu: A junior researcher at AHRI, Mr. Fikadu was awarded for his research titled, “Isolation and Characterization of Virulent Bacteriophages Against Multi Drug-Resistant Escherichia coli as well as to its Phage-Resistant Variant.” His timely and innovative study tackles the critical global challenge of multidrug-resistant bacteria by exploring bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, as a potential alternative to antibiotics. His work demonstrated the adaptability of phage therapy in overcoming bacterial resistance.
Banchayehu Getnet: A lecturer in Medical Parasitology at the University of Gondar, Ms. Banchayehu was recognized for her work: “Investigating the frequency of PfHRP2 or PfHRP3 gene deletion in Plasmodium falciparum positive cases and its transmissibility rate in Gondar Zuriya district, Northwest Ethiopia.” Her research revealed a concerning prevalence of “hidden” malaria infections undetectable by standard rapid tests, highlighting a significant challenge for malaria control efforts in the region. Her findings call for immediate adoption of alternative diagnostics and targeted screening of asymptomatic populations to eliminate undetected reservoirs.
Tadele Emiru: An Executive Officer at AHRI’s Adama office, Mr. Tadele received the award for his study on the “Epidemiological and Entomological Characteristics of malaria transmission and the role of invasive Anopheles stephensi in driving an urban malaria in Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia.” This study reveals how Anopheles stephensi, an invasive Asian malaria mosquito now established in Ethiopian cities, drove a 2022 outbreak in Dire Dawa. The research provides the first conclusive evidence that Anopheles stephensi is actively spreading urban malaria in Africa, demanding a shift in current control strategies.
In a written message sent for the event, Dr. Tore Godal expressed his deep appreciation for his time at AHRI, recognizing it as fundamental to his career. He also lauded the awardees’ research.
Each winner received a medal, a crysta trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of 50,000 birr. It is hoped that this prize will continue to honor Dr. Godal’s vision by promoting and encouraging research excellence in Ethiopia.
The winners, visibly moved upon receiving the award, expressed their gratitude to the selection committee and their research team.
Best Poster Abstract Award and a Surprise:
The ceremony also celebrated the work of emerging researchers through the “Best Poster Abstract Award,” held in conjunction with the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting. Hermela Birhanu, Sosina Ayalew, and Biruk Yeshitila were recognized for their outstanding poster presentations, selected from a total of 27 student posters submitted for the year and evaluated by senior researchers.
The award ceremony took an unexpected turn when, in an unscheduled appearance, a representative of those pursuing higher education thanks to AHRI’s continued support – surprised the audience by taking the stage. Their singular aim was to honor Dr. Rawleigh Howe, a senior scientist at AHRI, for his exceptional mentorship and unreserved support of his students. It was a well-deserved gratitude which was shared by the audience.
The 22nd Annual Tore Godal Award ceremony concluded with a strong sense of commitment to impactful research and served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role of research in advancing health. The event brought together distinguished guests, SAB members, AHRI leaders, and researchers, all united in their dedication to scientific progress and serving humanity.