As part of activities that marked the maiden Research Week celebration of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, the 2023 Research Excellence Awards have been held to climax the week-long celebration.
Giving the significance of the event, the Director of the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), Professor Philip Antwi-Agyei, stated that this year’s event sought to recognise researchers who made outstanding contributions to the grant portfolio and research enterprise of KNUST. Professor Antwi-Agyei continued that the University recognises the hard work of all faculty in executing one of its core mandates of research, however, those who have distinguished themselves deserve to be awarded.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, commended faculty for their contributions to teaching, research, and community service, which have helped KNUST attain its current enviable status in the global ranking of universities. Professor Dickson noted that KNUST being ranked best in quality education is helping to attain the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.
According to her, Ghana is still facing enormous challenges in its development, which calls for giants to do cutting-edge research to solve developmental problems in the country. In view of this duty of academia to help find solutions, KNUST researchers and its partners have made great strides in this area. On behalf of management, she commended researchers and all stakeholders for their efforts over the years.
The following staff were awarded for demonstrating excellence in research support services.
Mr. Kofi Kaburi was awarded the Best Research Support Staff (Junior Staff Category), Mrs. Sarah Boateng, the Best Research Support Staff (Senior Staff Category) and Senior Member Category went to Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey.
The Centre for Settlement Studies of the College of Art and Built Environment was awarded Best in Innovation. The Centre was recognised for demonstrating excellence in innovation and product development.
The Best Early Career Researcher award was presented to Dr. Lord Jephthah Joojo Gowans and Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Batsa Debrah was the Best Mid-Career Researcher. Professor Vincent Logah was awarded the Best Distinguished Researcher for demonstrating unique research performance and impact. Professor Nathaniel Boso, for demonstrating exceptional and sustained leadership in advancing research, received the Research Leadership Award.
The College of Health Sciences was awarded the Best Research College. The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research and Tropical Medicine (KCCR) was adjudged the Best Research Centre. Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the Volta River Authority were given Special Awards for their contribution to the development of research at KNUST.
The following were also awarded for Best Poster and Oral Presentations at the just ended KNUST Scientific Conference (TEKCONFAB2023): Samuel Akintomide Ajayi, Dorice Akosua Berkoh, Jennifer Amoakowaa Atuahene, Evelyn Serwah Ayeh, Ing. Osei Louis Kwasi, Charlotte Ajanor-Doku. Others were Papa Kwame Ofori-Yeboah, Dr. Gilda Opoku, Etornam Celestine Tsayawo, Prince manu, Joshua Atta Alabi, Baidoo Augustine Enu and Ophelia Duodo.
