Prof. Emmanuel Marfo-Owusu, a Chemical Crystallographer and Supramolecular Chemist, at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) and the Head of Department, Chemical Sciences has delivered his Inaugural Lecture on the topic, ‘‘The Pathway for Ghana’s development and advancement in Chemical, Material, Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences Research Breakthroughs: The X-Ray crystallography and supramolecular chemistry approach’’.
The Lecture marked the first Inaugural Lecture to be organised by the University and it was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako.
Prof. Marfo-Owusu shared important insights on advances made in X-ray crystallography, supramolecular chemistry research studies, as well as the application of crystallography techniques and supramolecular chemistry concepts.
The Lecture focused extensively on the application of X-ray crystallography methods and supramolecular chemistry in the internal arrangements of molecules or atoms in the solid state, DNA structure, sequence of protein molecules and other protein molecules like insulin and sickle cell anemia.
He noted that the arrangements of sodium iron and chloride and how they are compacted determines how density it will be; either it will have a higher or lower melting point or boiling point. This is because the function of any crystallised material can be determined by its molecules or materials.
Generally, crystallography has helped to determine the crystal structures in DNA, Insulin, Vitamin B-12, Penicillin, Hemoglobin and other protein molecules. In examining the relevance of crystallography, he further stated that, Aspirin is in its polymorph state because it has identical chemical identity but in different forms. Vitamins B12 structure was discovered at the advent of anemia; the deficiency in the formation of red blood cells.
Notable was the contribution of X-ray crystallography to research in the medical sciences, virology, structural genome, cancer research, enzymology, pharmaceuticals, superconductors, semiconductors, magnetic materials, laser materials, polymers, battery and fuel cell materials, zeolites, smart materials (materials under stress), mineralogy, geosciences, separation science and many other areas.
It is worth mentioning that two-thirds of Nobel Laureates are crystallographers in the field of chemistry, physics, medicine, biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and material science he added.
In his interaction with the media, Prof. Marfo-Owusu explained that X-Ray Crystallography is a major field of study and the Inaugural Lecture has offered him the opportunity to inspire students and to draw the public’s attention to it.
“I used this opportunity to publicize the area of Crystallography and Supramolecular Chemistry because it is not known very much in Ghana,’’ “At the moment, it is only the University of Energy and Natural Resources that offer Supramolecular Chemistry and a bit of Crystallography. He was positive that Ghana will begin to look at Crystallography as a major course in most of the Science related tertiary institutions.’’ He noted.
Prof. Marfo-Owusu called on government to invest more and to assist academic institutions undertake research works that will support the country’s development.
“I will say that, it is high time we focused on what the government can use to enhance the development of the country particularly, looking at how best it can invest so much into research. Our gold, the diamond and the oil cannot save us,’’ he added.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, congratulated Prof. Emmanuel Marfo-Owusu on his brilliant and insightful delivery and noted that the lecture highlighted the fact that crystallography has played a major role in human lives. He encouraged Prof. Emmanuel Marfo-Owusu to rise to achieve a Nobel Laureate or UENR will produce one.
The Lecture was attended by the Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu, the former Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Felix Adebayo Adekoya, Chairman of the Public Lectures Committee, Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi as well as some Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and members of the University Community.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Ms. Abigail Yeboah-Kyereh, a Junior Assistant Registrar, representing the Registrar, Solomon Panford, Esq., APR, said the Inaugural Lecture is a significant milestone in the career progression of Academic staff in a University. It is meant for the recognition, acknowledgement and confirmation of the attainment of the level of “Full” Professor. She acknowledged that, an Inaugural Lecture provides the opportunity for new professors to showcase and share their research with a broader audience, including members of their families, friends, colleagues in industry and academia, and the general public.
Also present were the Vice-Chancellor, Catholic University of Ghana, Prof. Daniel Obeng-Ofori, former colleagues, students, friends and family of Prof. Emmanuel Marfo-Owusu, as well as the general public.
Several presentations were made by friends, family and members of the University community to celebrate the achievements of Prof. Emmanuel Marfo-Owusu.
