The partnership will build on Imperial’s work with universities and policymakers in the region, developing research and educational programs in areas such as public health, entrepreneurship, sustainability and vaccine manufacturing.
“The scale of our research and projects with partners in Ghana has grown rapidly in the last few years and together we are making a positive impact,” said Professor Hugh Brady, president of Imperial.
“Our work with the University of Ghana has already helped policymakers better understand the ways to raise living standards in cities and widen access to improved drinking water.”
Imperial, which recently scored a surprise second place in the QS World University Rankings, has long-standing links with the University of Ghana and is committed to developing long-term collaborations in Africa, according to Brady.
High visa rejection rates are impacting the ability of many African students to study abroad. The new agreement will increase mobility opportunities for staff and students in London and Accra, working on joint projects and sharing knowledge in each other’s laboratories.
The partnership will unlock new discoveries, create new jobs, and generate solutions to the challenges faced by both our countries and the world at large
Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner for Ghana
“The respected QS world university rankings ranked Imperial as number one in the UK and second in the world and UG is happy to be associated with such an institution as a partner and collaborator,” said Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, UG pro vice-chancellor
The agreement was announced at the University of Ghana in Accra in June, during a visit by Imperial staff including vice president of international, Maggie Dallman.
Dallman met Ghanaian student entrepreneurs taking part in the student venture support program, created in 2021 in collaboration with Imperial and the British Council to encourage students to turn innovative ideas into profitable businesses.
Additionally, Imperial and the University of Ghana have jointly developed the UK-Ghana science technology & innovation strategy, which aims to increase the number, quality, and impact of partnerships between the UK and Ghana.
In the past five years, Imperial has collaborated with the University of Ghana on more than 120 academic publications, more than any other Ghanaian university.
“The thriving partnership between Imperial College London and the University of Ghana is great evidence of the strength of collaboration between the UK and Ghana on science, technology and innovation, in line with the joint ST&I strategy agreed by the governments of our two countries,” said Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner for Ghana.
“The partnership will unlock new discoveries, create new jobs, and generate solutions to the challenges faced by both our countries and the world at large.”
During the visit, Imperial hosted an event for scientists, policymakers and alumni to spotlight the impact of climate change on African cities and the healthcare inequalities faced by millions of city-dwellers in Accra and Tamale.
Imperial professor Mike Templeton highlighted the need for equal access to sustainable sanitation, which is an area the two universities are already collecting data and collaborating on.
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