A former student of the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Christiana Adofua Assah, has brought honour to the University after emerging winner of the Falling Walls Lab Accra, Ghana 2026.

The prestigious innovation pitch contest, held on June 5, 2026, at the Conference Room of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Legon, brought together students, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators to present bold, solution-driven ideas aimed at addressing pressing societal challenges.

Ms. Assah, who contested under the banner of the University for Development Studies, won the competition with her presentation titled “Breaking the Wall of Toxic Malaria Diagnosis.” Her innovation focuses on the use of plant-based dyes as safer alternatives to Giemsa stain in the staining of malaria parasites.

Her work was adjudged the best innovative idea at the contest, earning her the opportunity to represent Ghana at the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin, Germany, in November 2026.

The Falling Walls Lab is an annual international contest supported by German institutions, providing a global platform for emerging innovators to pitch breakthrough ideas that have the potential to make meaningful impact in science, society, health, technology and development.

Ms. Assah’s award-winning innovation is particularly significant because malaria remains one of the major public health challenges in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa. By exploring locally available plant-based materials for malaria diagnosis, her work demonstrates the value of indigenous knowledge, scientific research and innovation in developing safer, affordable and context-appropriate solutions for healthcare delivery.

Her achievement also reflects the strong foundation she received from UDS through the Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences. The University’s emphasis on practical training, community-based research and problem-solving continues to produce graduates who are capable of contributing meaningfully to national and global development.

The role of faculty members, including Dr. Zakaria Seidu of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, in mentoring and supporting scientific inquiry within the University, further highlights UDS’ growing strength in biosciences, health-related research and innovation.

This latest recognition adds to the growing list of national and international successes associated with UDS students, alumni and faculty. It also reaffirms the University’s reputation as an institution committed to producing graduates who do not only seek knowledge, but apply it to solve real-life problems.

As Ms. Assah prepares to pitch her innovation on the global stage in Berlin, the University for Development Studies celebrates her outstanding achievement and takes pride in the fact that a product of its academic environment is helping to project Ghanaian science, African innovation and the UDS brand to the world.

Her success is a powerful reminder that UDS continues to nurture minds that break barriers, inspire change and develop solutions for communities in Ghana and beyond.

UDS News Desk Report