University of Ghana Hosts 8th UBIAS Directors’ Conference
The University of Ghana recently welcomed global scholars for the 8th University-Based Institutes for Advanced Study (UBIAS) Directors’ Conference, hosted by the Maria Sybilla Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA). This marks the first time the prestigious conference has been hosted in Africa, following previous editions in Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The event brought together over 15 directors and representatives from UBIAS member institutes to discuss strategies for promoting international, interdisciplinary and innovative research, as well as the role of advanced institutes in addressing global challenges.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education, detailed the University’s vision of achieving global impact through innovative research, teaching and learning, anchored in a technology-driven and people-centered approach.
He highlighted MIASA’s role in creating a vibrant intellectual space for African perspectives in global scholarship and underscored the University’s commitment to academic freedom, institutional autonomy, sustainability and digital innovation.
For his part, Prof. Joseph Awetori Yaro, Provost of the College of Humanities, which hosts MIASA, welcomed participants to the College and highlighted MIASA’s contributions to interdisciplinary collaboration, international networks and addressing global challenges.
The Provost expressed pride in hosting the UBIAS network in Africa for the first time and extended appreciation to MIASA, presenters, and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space for their support.
The conference sessions, moderated by Prof. Grace Diabah, Co-Director Ghana at MIASA and Prof. Mamadou Diawara, Co-Director Germany at MIASA, focused on advancing research excellence and encouraging collaborative networks across continents.
The 8th UBIAS Directors’ Conference underscored the growing importance of Africa in global academic discourse and strengthened MIASA’s role as a hub for research innovation and interdisciplinary scholarship.