The School of Public Health at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, recently hosted a delegation from Mälardalen University in Sweden to explore potential collaborations in health research and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
Both institutions expressed keen interest in joint projects and collaborative training programs.
Dr. Barni Nor, a member of the visiting delegation, emphasized Mälardalen University’s commitment to international partnerships, noting that global collaboration is mandatory for all their programs. She stressed the importance of student and faculty exchange, proposing a "joint venture where we particularly exchange mobility programs… learning from each other.”
Dr. Nor also highlighted the need for inclusive partnerships that extend beyond traditional frameworks. "We want to create cross-fertilization so that it doesn’t become a relationship between Sweden and UNICEF, but we connect countries like Ghana in this ecosystem,” she explained. She added that Mälardalen University aims for mutual understanding, co-creation, and learning, ensuring sustainable and equitable research partnerships.
Professor Damir Isovic, Vice President of Mälardalen University, noted that collaboration could take various forms.
"International partner programs do not necessarily need to be physical mobility; it can be virtual mobility, discussing common problems and learning from each other,” he said. Discussions also covered joint research with international organizations, distance learning, and staff-student exchanges.
Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour, Dean of the School of Public Health, underscored the importance of formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). "What we are also interested in is to have some MoU with the school that outlines how the partnership grows,” he said.
He further highlighted the school’s interest in AI, stating, "We are keen to build our capacity in Artificial Intelligence to enhance teaching and research, blending virtual exchanges with mobility programs.”
Professor Emmanuel Kweku Nakua, Vice Dean, School of Public Health emphasized the university’s drive for research leadership.
"The push from the Vice Chancellor is that we become the lead individuals, initiating ideas and having partners add their expertise,” he said, aligning with the shared vision for collaborative growth.
