University Of Ghana Receives Delegation From Freiburg

A delegation from the University of Freiburg has visited the University of Ghana to explore new areas of collaboration.  The visit also aimed at strengthening the partnership between the University of Ghana and the University of Freiburg.  The delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Dr. Schiewer Hans-Jochen, Rector of University of Freiburg, who was also accompanied by the Lord Mayor of the City of Freiburg, Martin Horn, called on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu and members of the University’s Senior Management. 

In a short presentation, Prof. Dr. Dr. Schiewer Hans-Jochen gave an overview of the University of Freiburg, which he said was established in 1457.  He outlined its research profile; biological signalling studies, environment and sustainability, neuroscience and neurotechnology, functional and bioinspired materials, data analysis and artificial intelligence, cultures of the present and the past, medical epigenetics, immunology and cancer research, among others.  Prof. Dr. Dr. Schiewer Hans-Jochen also expressed excitement at the achievements of the Merrian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, MIASA and pledged the commitment of the University of Freiburg to new and improved partnership with the University of Ghana in other areas.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Schiewer Hans-Jochen

In brief remarks, The Mayor of Freiburg, Mr. Martin Horn gave an overview of the educational, socio-political, cultural and innovative landscape of the City of Freiburg. He indicated that the City of Freiburg had plans of making Accra its twin city in Africa, a partnership it has with other continents except Africa. This twinning, he indicated, will provide an avenue of learning where the two cities as well as the two Universities can learn from each and strengthen the existing relationship.

Lord Mayor of Freiburg, Mr. Martin Horn

In his remarks, Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu expressed appreciation for the partnership with the University of Freiburg. In order to ensure a long lasting partnership between the two institutions, Prof. Oduro Owusu noted that collaborations must be based on the values of trust and honesty. He further assured the delegation of the University’s commitment towards a fruitful partnership.

Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

In his remarks, Prof. Francis Dodoo, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development also expressed gratitude to the delegation for the opportunity to help strengthen collaboration and research between the two institutions. He indicated that through the Centres of Excellence, the University of Ghana will assess the proposal and present areas of interest that will inure to the mutual benefit of the two institutions. He further assured the delegation of the University’s commitment in completing the phase two of the MIASA building.

Earlier, Prof. Abena Oduro, Director (Ghana) of the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, MIASA, gave an overview of MIASA’s activities and achievements since its inaugural conference. She expressed immense gratitude to the University for the support and was elated at the completion of the first phase of its building. The Director indicated MIASA’s plans on collaborating with other units of the University.

Prof. Abena Oduro

H.E Christoph Retzlaff, German Ambassador to Ghana and Prof. Dr. Andreas Mehler, Director Arnold Bergstraesser Institute (ABI), University of Freiburg also advocated for more academic exchanges between Ghana and Germany.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Mehler

The two parties later exchanged gifts after which the Freiburg delegation visited the MIASA Offices to review the existing collaboration.  The delegation also visited the Institute of African Studies, International Programmes Office and the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana.

Lord Mayor of Freiburg, Mr. Martin Horn presenting a gift to Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu

Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu presenting a gift to Prof. Dr. Dr. Schiewer Hans-Jochen

Other members of the delegation were Prof. Dr. Gordon Crawford, Director (Germany), Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, Dr. Burger Günter, Director, International Affairs and Protocol Division, Mayor’s Office, Dr. Agnes Schneider-Musah, Academic Coordinator MIASA, University of Freiburg/ University of Ghana.

 

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