Award for Excellence in Research
Recognising the next generation of researchers — where their journey begins
The Gabriel Ezenri Award for Excellence in Research is our flagship recognition programme, awarded annually in collaboration with ISPOR (HEOR) UNN — the student chapter of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Founded and inaugurated by Gabriel Ezenri, the award celebrates outstanding research produced by early-career and undergraduate researchers.
Now an established annual fixture on the UNN research calendar, the award is a signal to young researchers that rigorous, original work is seen, valued, and rewarded.
Why this award exists
Great researchers are made early. The habits of good inquiry — asking a sharp question, designing a sound study, presenting findings clearly — are formed long before a first faculty post. Yet undergraduate and early-career researchers rarely receive recognition for excellent work. This award changes that. By honouring the best research at the undergraduate level, we tell talented young scholars, unmistakably: keep going.
What it recognises
The award honours the strongest original research abstract submitted by eligible students, evaluated on the quality of the research question, the soundness of the methodology, the significance of the findings, and the clarity of communication.
About ISPOR (HEOR) UNN
ISPOR is the global professional society for health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), the field dedicated to using rigorous evidence to improve healthcare decisions. Its student chapter at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka brings this global standard of research excellence to one of Nigeria's foremost universities. Our partnership pairs the foundation's commitment to funding academic excellence with ISPOR (HEOR) UNN's scholarly community and expertise — ensuring the award is judged to a genuinely high standard.
Who can enter
Undergraduate and early-career researchers at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, particularly members and affiliates of ISPOR (HEOR) UNN. Research in health economics and outcomes research, and in the wider health and pharmaceutical sciences, is welcome.
The award
A cash prize of ₦100,000, a certificate of excellence, mentorship from the foundation, and support toward presenting the winning work at a wider academic conference.
2026 cycle
Submissions open 1 August · Close 30 September · Winners announced October 2026
Past Winners
Celebrating excellence, one researcher at a time
Since its inception, the Gabriel Ezenri Award for Excellence in Research has recognised outstanding young researchers at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
No winners published yet
The first edition winners will appear here after October 2026.