The Circular FieldLab The Gambia Wins Future Maker Award in Holland
- Gunjuronline.com
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
The Circular FieldLab The Gambia has won the prestigious Future Maker Award in the Future-Proof Economy category at the opening of the Dutch higher education academic year, recognising its groundbreaking research on indigenous plants as potential alternatives to antibiotics.
Professor Ahmed Manjang of the University of The Gambia, alongside final-year medical students Modou Lamin Touray and Abubacarr F. Darboe, collaborated with students from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences on the project.
The students investigated the antimicrobial properties of Combretum glutonoum (locally known as Jambakatang), as well as extracts from mango (Mangifera indica). Their research uncovered promising medicinal substances, particularly from mango skins that could serve as sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotics.
Samar, a Rotterdam biology student and one of the researchers from the university explained:
“We researched various plant species, including the mango. Mangoes are everywhere in The Gambia, but little is done with the skins. It is precisely those skins that are interesting. We extracted medicinal substances from them and determined which could potentially replace antibiotics.”
The winning of award was announced by Eveline Bijleveld, Project Manager and Theme Coordinator of The Circular Makers Industry, who praised the project as a model of circular innovation and international collaboration. She highlighted the contributions of partners including the University of The Gambia, Africa Startup MyFarm, and GayeNjorro Skills Academy, alongside the guidance of Barbara Schrammeijer, senior lecturer at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Pride for The Gambia
Speaking to Gunjur Online, Professor Manjang described the award as a milestone not just for himself, but for his students and the country:
“This means everything to me, not just for myself but for the two final year students. At the twilight of my career, this is about them, their CVs, their futures. They went from not being able to hold a pipette to winning a national award in Holland. That is remarkable. This win is about The Gambia, for The Gambia, and the University of The Gambia. The name of The Gambia is flying high because of this, and I am super proud.”
Manjang expressed gratitude to his students, professor Ogun, and institutions in both The Gambia and the Netherlands, also emphasising the significance of the achievement for his home community of Gunjur, renowned for academic excellence.
About the Award
The Future Makers Awards, presented annually by a jury, recognise projects that unite research, education, and the professional field in addressing four societal challenges championed by Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences:
Sustainable Delta
Vital Community
Smart & Social City
Future-Proof Economy
The jury selected Fieldlab Gambia for its ability to generate value by developing sustainable methods, products, and processes with global relevance and local impact. The project stood out as an example of how international collaboration can drive knowledge sharing, sustainable innovation, and social impact.