The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) has set up a Centre for Research in Applied Biology (CeRAB) to complement clinical diagnosis and research in Ghana. The Centre, which was opened on February 16, 2022, at the Sunyani campus, in its operation, shall conduct research in the area of plant pathogenesis, genetics, physiology, ecology, microbiology, immunology, haematology and global health among others. In addition to its activities, the Centre would assist healthcare institutions in boosting their diagnostic and research capacity in the country and the sub region.
The Vice-Chancellor of UENR, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako in his keynote at a ceremony to unveil the Centre, explained that the establishment of CeRAB is essential in recent times where public health has become the central focus for academic enquiry. He cited that the Covid-19 pandemic over the few years of evolvement has uncovered the botches of research institutions globally. “UENR is prepared through CeRAB to lead in health research for the internationalization of the University and development in Ghana,” he added.
In his speech, the Head of the Centre, Prof Samuel Fosu Gyasi mentioned that the Centre is equipped with requisite logistics in training postgraduates with focus in applied biology practice and research. Prof. Gyasi also reiterated CeRAB is to train the next generation of scientists within the sub region on modern trends in applied biology as well as provide Consultancy services in related areas. He called for partnership and government support for the Centre to enable it to achieve the vision to become a Centre of excellence at the forefront of modern and relevant applied biology research.
Some of the research activities undertaken by the Centre includes the potential impacts and mitigation strategies of the COVID-19-induced delay of Community Directed Treatment with ivermectin (CDTi) on onchocerciasis elimination targets in Ghana, and the Critical role of clinical laboratories in the COVID-19 pandemic.
