The Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Professor (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson has inaugurated the Human Genetics and Genomics, and two (2) Computer laboratories. The commissioning was done at the College of Science on Thursday, 2nd February 2023.
The human genetics and genomics laboratory was funded through a grant of $450,000 from the National Institute of Health (NIH) secured by Dr. Jephthah Joojo Lord Gowans and Professor Peter Donkor. The state-of-the-art lab will run a genetic and genomic analysis for all human disease conditions.
The laboratory is equipped with machines for the extraction and quantification of DNA. These include Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine, vortex machine, weighing balance, ice baker, carbon dioxide incubator, water bath, inverted microscope, autoclave, and centrifuges, among others.
In a brief remark, the Provost of the College of Science, Professor Leonard Amekudzi, showed his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for approving a facility for the project, and the Principal Investigator (PI) and his entire team for gaining the grant. He emphasised that the new lab will contribute significantly to the College's existing labs, and will serve both students and faculty on research initiatives aimed at advancing the College and the University as a whole. "We believe that this will be a valuable addition to our facilities and support the academic and research endeavours of our students and faculty,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor in response expressed her satisfaction with the project and emphasised its potential to serve the University community and contribute to KNUST's goal of becoming a leading Institution in science and technology. She also revealed that the University has plans to establish a multipurpose basic lab complex, designed to support intense research and serve as a hub for all the University's laboratories. This new complex will provide researchers and students with access to the latest technology and equipment and will further support KNUST's commitment to advancing science and technology.
During the tour of the newly inaugurated computer laboratories, the Chairman of the College’s ICT Committee, Dr. Michael Edem Kweku Donkor, revealed that the team was tasked to develop a computer lab for the College. He shared that the team adopted an innovative design that incorporated embedded cables to increase the infrastructure's lifespan. The laboratories are well-equipped with 200 high-performance computers, each fitted with a projector screen, as well as additional TV screens and CCTV cameras to ensure the safe and responsible use of the facilities by students.
