FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20th JUNE, 2024
Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the University of Ghana (UG) and the highly ranked Imperial College London, UK, have initiated a new partnership to promote research, education and innovation on a local and international level.
The University and Imperial College will collaborate to advance research in important fields such as digital diagnostics, entrepreneurship, public health, environmental sustainability and vaccine manufacturing, as part of this new five-year agreement.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed her utmost excitement about the partnership, stating, "The University of Ghana and Imperial College have a shared ambition of nurturing outstanding researchers, excellent professionals and astute entrepreneurs. Our continued collaboration where we co-create programmes and share resources will serve as an impetus towards the attainment of our collective goals."
"With regard to research, collaboration, innovation and issues relating to administration and management, there is a lot that we can learn from each other. We have a shared goal and commitment to excellence in research output as well as enhancing student entrepreneurship and best practices in university administration."
The signed MoU affirms UG's new strategic direction of championing impactful, interdisciplinary and collaborative research that addresses pressing global issues, with a commitment to attracting and supporting elite researchers who push the boundaries of knowledge to forge a better world for all.
Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Research, Innovation and Development (RID), Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante said, "UG is happy to collaborate with Imperial College in research, teaching and innovation across all disciples. The respected QS world university rankings ranked Imperial College as No. 1 in the UK and number 2 in the world and UG is happy to be associated with such an institution as a partner and collaborator."
The partnership, anchored on mutual growth and knowledge exchange, will witness an increased exchange of scientists and students between the two institutions. This exchange will facilitate joint research projects, knowledge sharing and the cultivation of innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.
This partnership equally supports the University's student-centred strategy by providing a transformative student experience. Students from both institutions will have the opportunity to engage in exchange programmes, interact, share experiences, learn from each other for personal growth and academic excellence and collaborate on projects.
Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, "This major partnership with the University of Ghana underlines our ambition to build long-term collaborations in Africa. The scale of our research and projects with partners in Ghana has grown rapidly in the last few years and together, we are making a positive impact. Our work with the University of Ghana has already helped policymakers better understand ways to raise living standards in cities and widen access to improved drinking water."
"This five-year strategic partnership will kick-start advancements and progress in areas such as public health, entrepreneurship and sustainability," he affirmed.
Professor Maggie Dallman, Vice-President (International) of Imperial College London, added, "Imperial and the University of Ghana share ambitions to strengthen science, education and innovation between the UK and Ghana. Together, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs, with the shared vision of creating a brighter and more sustainable future for global society."
The partnership between the University of Ghana and Imperial College London builds upon a robust foundation of successful collaborations in the last decade. Notably, the University of Ghana stands as Imperial's top collaborator in Ghana and Africa, with over 120 joint research in the past five years.
This partnership heralds an exciting era of synergy in research that provides sustainable solutions to societal needs, innovation and development, aligning with the UK-Ghana Science Technology & Innovation Strategy's objectives to objectives to enhance impactful partnerships.
Dr. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyah,
Director of Public Affairs
