The Faculty of Built Environment at Accra Technical University (ATU) has organised a workshop on research and grant writing aimed at rekindling academic research activities within the faculty. The workshop, held on September 2, 2024, at the ATU Lodge, highlighted the significance of research and its impact on academia and industry.
In his welcome address, Dr. Bernard Arthur-Aidoo, Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment, stressed the need to improve the faculty’s research output and secure grants for impactful projects. He acknowledged that the faculty’s current position in the university’s research rankings is below expectations, urging faculty members to renew their commitment to research and grant writing to enhance the faculty’s reputation and research performance.
The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Peter Nyanor, praised the timeliness of the workshop, expressing optimism that it would boost research activities and increase the faculty’s contribution to the university’s research output. He encouraged faculty members to register on Google Scholar and other international scholarly platforms, update their profiles, and actively publish their work to increase the university’s visibility.
The workshop featured Professor Clinton Aigbavboa from the University of Johannesburg as the guest speaker and facilitator. In his presentation on research culture, the Research Process, and Grant writing, Professor Clinton stressed the importance of fostering an enabling environment for research within universities. He advocated for the establishment of a supportive ecosystem where academics can engage in research, emphasizing that the value of research goes beyond financial gains to enhancing teaching and solving societal problems.
Professor Aigbavboa urged faculty to cultivate a culture of curiosity and problem-solving through active research committees, collaborative learning platforms, frequent research conferences, seminars, and awards. He also encouraged faculty to refine their skills in grant writing by developing competitive, fundable ideas that align with the priorities of funding agencies, noting that grant writing can enhance personal reputations and career prospects.
The interactive workshop provided faculty members with the opportunity to engage in discussions on key issues in research and grant writing. Facaulty benefited from the vast experience of Professor Clinton, a renowned scholar and expert in the field. The event served as a crucial step towards boosting research activities and positioning the faculty as one of the leading contributors to the university’s research goals.