The Faculty of Applied Sciences at Accra Technical University (ATU) has held a two-day seminar to promote collaboration and improve research among its academic staff. The programme, which took place on September 2 and 3, 2025, at the ATU-AFOS DigiCAP Training Centre, was hinged on the theme “Fostering the Culture and Convergence in Applied Research – AI/Emerging Technologies.”
The Seminar brought together lecturers and Heads of departments from the five departments of the faculty: Science Laboratory Technology (SLT), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), Computer Science (CPS), Information Systems and Technology (IST), and Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS). It offered staff the chance to present departmental research activities, showcase ongoing projects, and share ideas on how to strengthen research.
The Director of Research, Innovation, Publications and Technology Transfer, Dr. Peter Nyanor, delivered a presentation on grant writing and urged staff to focus on internal collaboration as the first step to building a strong research culture. He explained that while securing external funding is important, lasting progress will come when departments work together, share expertise, and combine their efforts to produce impactful research and increase the faculty’s publications.
The Dean of the Faculty, Professor Nana Yaw Asabere, presented an overview of the research output across the various departments. He commended the Departments of Medical Laboratory Technology and Science Laboratory Technology for their outstanding contributions and leadership in research, encouraging other departments to follow their example. He further urged lecturers to apply the insights gained from the seminar by initiating collaborative projects and producing research that addresses real societal challenges.
The Seminar also covered areas such as new opportunities for research and the use of artificial intelligence in applied research. Staff also gave presentations to show how their work in laboratory sciences, computing, and data analysis is helping to solve practical problems.
The seminar marked an important step in building a stronger research culture in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and advancing ATU’s contribution to innovation and development. It reinforced the need for staff to work more closely across disciplines, share knowledge, and take advantage of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.