Leveraging human resources and research collaboration. A story of change from University of Ghana

Published

January 25, 2024

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RESUME: The Building Stronger Universities (BSU) program has had a significant impact at the University of Ghana. It has played a crucial role in boosting research among faculty members. Since it started, 16 PhD students have completed their studies through this program. It has provided training for hundreds of research administrators and many Masters students, and facilitated research management. The thematic focus of BSU III was malaria research with a specific emphasis on haemoglobinopathies, climate change research, concentrating on adaptation and mitigation, and institutional capacity building, with a strong emphasis on outreach and engagement with external stakeholders.

By Kwadwo Owusu, Professor and Director for Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, University of Ghana

One of the most notable achievements of the BSU program is the successful completion of 16 PhD students’ studies. These scholars, equipped with advanced training and knowledge, have become integral contributors to the academic landscape. Furthermore, the program has provided training for hundreds of research administrators and numerous master’s students, creating a robust foundation for research management at the University of Ghana.

The collaborative spirit between the University of Ghana and Denmark has transcended geographical boundaries, with students from Ghana spending substantial periods in Denmark. This immersive experience has enabled them to acquire advanced models and methodologies, enriching their work upon their return. In addition, the strong links that with BSU has been established between research environments in Ghana and Denmark will prove invaluable when competing for international funding.

Through its targeted thematic focus, training initiatives, and collaborative research, BSU has demonstrated the profound impact that North-South strategic partnerships can have in addressing global challenges and nurturing the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Summary of the interview with Kwadwo Owusu’s Professor, University of Ghana by Vibeke Quaade

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RESUME: Gulu University was a very young university when the Building Stronger Universities (BSU) started up a programme there in 2011. At that point, there was very little capacity for carrying out research and supervising students as very few members of the academic staff had a PhD. In consequence, the number of students who registered for undergraduate, masters and PhD programmes was low. Not surprisingly, the community’s confidence in Gulu University was also low. The BSU programme was meant to develop the capacity of Gulu University in teaching, research and community outreach, and this was expected to trickle down and cause positive change in the communities, especially in northern Uganda. Study grants for PhD students were introduced. There was also support for IT development and adoption at the university. The author tells his personal story about how a BSU grant made it possible for him to present a paper online at a conference in Tunisia, a requirement for the completion of his PhD course. Twelve years of BSU later, in 2023 there were 14 PhDs and 13 still in progress. Twelve of the students had benefited from study stays abroad. The master students’ completion rate had increased and Gulu University’s ranking among universities in Uganda, East Africa and Africa had improved due to a rise in the number of scientific publications in high impact peer reviewed journals. Furthermore, the employability of former students had increased significantly. As for the author, he had applied for promotion to the level of senior lecturer that he was certain to be granted as he had now the necessary qualifications. “The support BSU gave me may look modest to some people, but it played a crucial role at a critical time in my academic life.”

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Leveraging human resources and research collaboration. A story of change from University of Ghana

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Leveraging human resources and research collaboration. A story of change from University of Ghana

KNOWLEDGE AND STORIES

Building Stronger Universities. Growing stronger together

Partnerships for impact is the focus of the Building Stronger Universities fourth phase

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Escaping the lure of predatory journals by raising the standard of research articles. A BSU story of change from KNUST

The huge role played by the Building Stronger Universities at Gulu University. A BSU story of change

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