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| Prof. John Gyapong Pro-Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation & Development, in a handshake with the CEO of GRATIS foundation, Dr. Emmanuel Asiedu |
The Pro-Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation & Development, Prof. John Gyapong who signed the MoU on behalf of the University
in brief remarks indicated that the relationship between the two organizations has grown as a result of the mutual interests they both share. He mentioned that the reason for making the event a public ceremony was largely to ensure the two institutions commit themselves to what has been planned and let the world know what projects they have been working on.
Prof. Gyapong noted that the collaboration has come at an opportune time when UG is making efforts to become a research-intensive University which he said gives more reason for the partnership. He mentioned the existence of the Technology Development and Transfer Centre (TDTC) and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) which have been established at the University of Ghana to transfer technologies developed by the University through research to industry. He stated that the University needs to create the culture of free thinking and innovation as it produces good research work.
Prof. Gyapong further touched on the University’s annual research report which he said is an annual compilation of research work conducted by researchers of the University of Ghana. The research report he said has been compiled for easy comprehension by industry and the public to know the kind of research going on within the University. He later presented copies of the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 editions of the research reports and UG Strategic Plan to the CEO of GRATIS foundation.
The CEO of GRATIS foundation, Dr. Emmanuel Asiedu who signed the MoU on behalf of his organization stated that the aim of GRATIS foundation is to industrialize the nation. He said the purpose of signing the MoU with UG is not only an advantage but also to bridge the gap between academia and industry, particularly to take student research and practicalize it. He mentioned that GRATIS is considering the setting up of an applied research university that will focus on bridging the gap between research and academia.
The Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, Prof. Samuel Sefa-Dedeh noted that the MoU will provide a perfect platform to enable the School of Engineering Sciences achieve its aim of industrializing academic research and also provide solutions to challenges in industry.
In his remarks, the Board Chair of GRATIS foundation, Mr. David Atugiya touched on the importance of such collaborations. He was optimistic that the MoU would create the needed platform for both organizations to achieve their objectives.
The Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the School of Engineering Sciences, Dr. Elsie Effah Kaufmann pledged her department’s preparedness to execute the tasks that would be assigned it as per the provisions of the MOU.
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