The University of Ghana and York University, Canada, have entered into a formal agreement to foster academic excellence and research collaboration between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony was held at the New Council Chamber during an official visit by an 8-member delegation from York University.
In opening remarks, Dr. Evelyn Kissi, a lecturer at the Department of Teacher Education, College of Education, UG and the first African Black woman to obtain a Ph.D. in the Critical Disability Studies programme at York University, explained that the team from York University looks forward to exploring research collaboration and to expand existing partnerships, with a particular focus on supporting critical disability studies at the University of Ghana. She expressed her desire to open up more study opportunities to create more chances for partnership.
Dr. Evelyn Kissi, a lecturer at the Department of Teacher Education, College of Education (Standing)
According to Dr. Kissi, York University boasts of a significant number of alumni connections, including Prof. Joseph Mensah from the Faculty of Environment and Urban Change at York University. She further mentioned that Prof. Mensah has teamed up with the Centre of Biodiversity Research and Conservation at the University of Ghana and as part of their collaboration, UG is scheduled to visit York University in April.
During a presentation by Prof. Amir Asif, the Vice-President of Research and Innovation, York University, he provided an overview of York University, emphasising that it is the third largest university in Canada and has been ranked as one of the top 40 universities in the world. He also mentioned that York University has set its sights on becoming the most impactful university in Canada and the world in terms of research over the next five years, which is a key goal that they have been working towards.
Prof. Amir Asif, the Vice-President of Research and Innovation, York University making a presentation
He further explained that his team had spent a year developing a research plan, during which they identified six areas of research strength and six areas of research opportunities. He also stressed entrepreneurship and innovation as key areas of focus for York University. Prof. Amir stated further that York University had established strong global collaborations, as evidenced by their Academic and Strategic Research plans, which are designed to foster impactful partnerships.
During the brief meeting, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, who was representing the Vice-Chancellor, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with York University. He also provided an overview of the University of Ghana.
Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development (in focus)
He additionally mentioned that UG has outlined seven research priority areas for 2023-2028, with a focus on collaboration in research. The strategies include; Infectious and non-communicable diseases; Enhancing food production and processing, including improved approaches to breeding; Trans-disciplinary research into climate change adaptation; development policy, Poverty monitoring, and evaluation; Politics, socio-cultural change, mobility and development; Creative arts, education and communication, and Information literacy; Fourth industrial revolution tools (artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, digital transformation etc.)
He also mentioned that UG sees entrepreneurship as a crucial area and has established innovation hubs at the UG Business School and School of Agriculture. Prof. Asante cited partnerships with some universities in the UK, that support these student-led innovations.
UG and York University look forward to strong collaborations with regard to the following key areas;
· Cooperative research and joint project development for external funding support
· Mobility of faculty members and researchers
· Exchange of undergraduate and or graduate students on a reciprocal and balanced basis
· Development and or delivery of courses including online courses
· Joint seminars, conferences and academic meetings
· Exchange of scientific and information materials that are of mutual interest
· Development of other experiential education abroad programmes including short term summer abroad and field study programs, internships, practical and other virtual learning opportunities.
Prof. Felix Asante signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, while Professor Amir Asif signed for York University.
