The School of Natural Resources (SoNR) on March 13, 2024, held a seminar on capacity building on research and grantsmanship which featured a team of experts from the Office of Grants and Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as well as some staff of UENR who facilitated various topics of relevance.
The Dean of SoNR, Prof. Berchie Asiedu addressing the participants acknowledged that research is key in academia as such, the School aims to derive excellence in its research pursuit locally and globally. This, he said hinges on the Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako’s strategic research plan and vision to improve quality research in the University. He urged staff at the School to join in making the vision a reality.
Dean of SoNR, Prof. Berchie Asiedu
Facilitating the topic “The Research Mandate of Universities; The KNUST Experience”, Prof. Philip Antwi Agyei, the Director of Research and Grants, at KNUST, emphasized the importance of research and publication at the university level adding that a university with no strong research capacity would be likened to a secondary school. His presentation included the fields of proposal and grant writing, research methods, collaboration, and using social media to promote research and financial planning.
Prof. Philip Antwi Agyei, the Director of Research and Grants, at KNUST
The Grant Manager at KNUST, Dr. Nadia Tagoe presenting on improving grantsmanship mentioned that good writing is clear thinking made visible. She encouraged her audience to pay attention to good grant writing skills noting that “good writing will not save bad ideas, but bad writing can kill good ones”. She further indicated how projects provide solutions to societal challenges and improve scientific knowledge as well as socio-economic development and well-being. Dr. Tagoe advised grant writers to align their projects to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Grant Manager at KNUST, Dr. Nadia Tagoe presenting on improving grantsmanship
Other Facilitators were Mr. Kwabena Ampong, Project Management Expert and Accountant at Centre for Grant and Research, KNUST; Prof. Richard Kwasi Bannor, Vice-Dean of Students; Dr. Peter Osam Sanful, Head of Centre for Grants, Research and Innovation (CeGRI), UENR and Dr. Samuel Kumi. The Ag. Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John K. M. Kuwornu graced the seminar where he spoke extensively on publications and promotion at UENR.
A section of participants at the Seminar
