The World Intellectual Property Day, since its inception in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, has provided an avenue to recognise the contributions of inventors and creators globally and how their creativity and innovation propel human advancement. This initiative also aims to raise awareness about the significance of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyrights, in safeguarding the works of researchers, inventors, businesses, designers, artists, and others, ensuring they can protect their creations legally and derive economic benefits from them.
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has been partaking in the global celebration of the World IP Day. The primary objective of this commemoration is to shed light on the pivotal role played by KNUST’s Innovation and Creative Ecosystem in nurturing progress across various sectors. This year, World IP Day is being celebrated under the theme, ‘IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.’
The SDGs are 17 interdependent goals that have been set out as the blueprint for the development of people and to protect the environment and climate, to ensure that humanity can enjoy peace and prosperity.
As part of the 2024 World IP Day Celebration at KNUST, the University would like to recognise the contribution of some of the most innovative and creative research to the SDGs.
The Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor (Mrs.) Veronica Millicent Dzomeku, and her team developed the WhatsApp Triage, Referral, and Transfer (WAT-RT) System to manage obstetric emergencies, enhancing access to quality maternal care and contributing to SDG 3 (Good health and wellbeing). Other team members are Professor Emmanuel Nakua and Dr. Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah.
Professor (Mrs.) Cynthia Amaning Danquah, Department of Pharmacology investigated Ghanaian Allium species as anti-infective and resistance-reversal natural product leads, particularly against tuberculosis. This research addresses the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents and supports SDG 3 (Good health and well-being).
Professor George Yaw Obeng, Mechanical Engineering, conducted sustainable energy research, spanning over 45 journal articles, contributing significantly to SDGs 1, 7, and 13, focusing on areas such as solar electrification, energy efficiency, and waste utilisation.
Professor Jacob Kwaku Agbenorhevi from the Department of Food Science and Technology explored the extraction and applications of okra pectin, offering new possibilities for food, non-food, and medicinal uses. This research enhances economic benefits, health, and food security, aligning with multiple SDGs including Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 3 (Good health and well-being), and others.
Dr. Kofi Agyekum, Department of Construction Technology and Management, research focuses on implementing circular design and construction principles in the Ghanaian construction industry, aligning with multiple SDGs, including Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Dr. Henry Agbe, Department of Materials Engineering introduced novel Mechanobactericidal surfaces for biomedical implant devices and frequently touched surfaces. This innovation aims to combat healthcare-associated infections, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution that aligns with SDG 8 (Job creation) and Goal 3 (Good health and well-being).