Immediate past Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Ellis Owusu-Dabo, has called for stronger partnerships between academia and industry to drive innovation and sustainable development.

Speaking at the 2025 joint scientific convention of the College of Health and Allied Sciences (CoHAS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Convention of Biomedical Research in Ghana (CoBReG), Prof. Owusu-Dabo delivered an address on “Promoting Academia-Industry Research Partnership for Innovation and Sustainable Development.”

He said such collaborations could strengthen the industrial sector by building ties with higher education, enable mutual learning between universities and companies, and generate outcomes that benefit both sides.

“As scientists, we must set the African-led research agenda for scientific innovation. We must make deliberate efforts to create intentional research and collaboration,” Owusu-Dabo said.

The conference, held at the UCC School of Graduate Studies Auditorium, was themed “Biomedical and Clinical Research in Africa: Connecting Scientists for Future Innovations.” It marked the second CoHAS and 15th CoBReG joint convention, bringing together scientists, students and stakeholders in biomedical and clinical research.

CoBReG President Dr. Oksana Ryabinina urged participants to use the gathering to build lasting collaborations. Representing UCC Vice-Chancellor Prof. Johnson Nyarko Boampong, CoHAS Provost Prof. Martins Ekor highlighted the college’s research contributions to addressing health needs.

Other speakers included Dr. Stephen Moore, a senior lecturer in mathematics at UCC, who presented on “AI in Biomedical & Clinical Research in Africa.” The event also featured a plaque presentation to Prof. Owusu-Dabo in recognition of his contribution.

Credit: CoHAS and CoBReG Champion Scientific Collaboration for Health Solutions – University of Cape Coast