Participants at the workshop
The Department of Chemistry held the third and final Royal Society Luverhulme Africa Award Workshop from 31 January to 1 February 2017 at the University of Ghana.
The workshop, attended by 165 participants, was the research collaboration training workshop on topics which include harnessing solar energy for sustainable development; integrating organic photovoltaics into communities; fluorescence spectroscopy: fundamental theory and techniques; and getting the most out of crystal structures.
Professor Robert Kingsford-Adaboh (Dean, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences)
This three-year project is the result of a joint proposal submitted by Professor Robert Kingsford-Adaboh’s research group from the Department of Chemistry, and Professor Peter Skabara of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Strathclyde University, Scotland, UK to The Leverhulme Royal Society Africa Foundation. The collaboration acquired £180,000 funding for the project. The funds were used for training in the University of Ghana: for capacity building, staff, and student travel exchanges. Equipment worth about £30,000 was installed in the Department of Chemistry for the project, and will facilitate further research. The last facility to be installed is a Shimadzu 6000 RF photoflourometer, costing £12,000.
The two-day workshop comprised experts from the energy industry, academics, postgraduates and graduate students. These included Prof. Peter Skabara, a photovoltaic expert; Prof Simon Coles, Professor of Chemistry and Director, UK National Crystallography Service; Dr Rupert Taylor of Strathclyde University; Prof. Roger Hiorns, University of Pau and Pays de I’Adour-UPPA, France; Hon. Dr. Kwame Ampofo, board chairman of the Energy Commission; Mr. Kobina Ammisah Arthur of the GNPC, who represented the Deputy CEO Mr. Thomas Manu.
Prof. Peter Skabara (University of Strathclyde)
The event was hosted by Professor Robert Kingsford-Adaboh and Dr. Richard Owoare of the Department of Chemistry. The Provost of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences was represented by Prof. John Ofosu-Anim, Dean of School of Agriculture.
A group picture of some participants
