Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series Inspires University Community with Insights on Innovation Ecosystems

A cross-section of the University of Ghana community, including faculty, researchers, students, and innovation leaders, gathered at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) Auditorium to engage with one of the world’s foremost academic leaders, Professor Ian Walmsley, Provost of Imperial College London. The event formed part of the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Occasional Lecture Series, a platform designed to stimulate thought leadership and strategic dialogue on issues of national and global relevance.

Delivering a lecture on the theme “University-Driven Innovation Ecosystems,” Professor Walmsley explored how universities can contribute to the development of society by means of innovation, the translation of research ideas to impactful benefit through entrepreneurial activity. He shared practical examples from Imperial College London, illustrating how the institution supports the development of intellectual property and its exploitation through start-ups, spin-outs, and licensing to deliver new products and services that make a difference in the world.

He noted that the journey from laboratory to successful company requires many skills and resources, as well as motivation and dedication from numerous individuals, both within the University and outside. He also emphasised the importance of enabling resources that support development and growth, highlighting the need for collaboration across academia, industry, and government.

Professor Walmsley, CBE FRS, is a globally respected physicist specialising in quantum optics and quantum technologies. As Chair of Experimental Physics and co-founder of ORCA Computing, he brings a unique blend of academic leadership and entrepreneurial experience. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, American Physical Society, Institute of Physics, and Optica, where he served as President in 2018.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo expressed her appreciation for Professor Walmsley’s visit, noting that his insights align with the University’s vision to become a hub for innovation and societal transformation. She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering partnerships that translate research into real-world impact.

The lecture concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, where members of the audience engaged Professor Walmsley on how African universities can build sustainable innovation ecosystems tailored to their unique contexts.