https://newslinkghana.com/afiri-awards-thesis-grants-to-ghanaian-students-for-research-advancement/
AFRICA INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report highlights the achievements, progress, and impact over the past year of Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute (AfIRI), showcasing the institute’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in the research. We are proud to share our accomplishments, including our projects, successes, challenges and lessons learned over the past year and we look forward to continuing our mission to support researchers to undertake, facilitate, coordinate, and disseminate their innovative and cutting-edge Africa-related research. The findings and insights presented in this report aim to inform stakeholders and support decision-making for the progress of the institute. Since 2021, AfIRI has grown steadily in the areas of project coordination and execution, skilled personnel, and effective project management. The institute has recorded a significant number of successful projects and is still actively involved in the execution and implementation of ongoing projects.
- ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT
a. Grant Awards for Tertiary Institution Students:
The institute successfully provided grant awards to tertiary institution students from prominent universities in Ghana, including the University of Ghana, Cape Coast University, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and University of Development Studies. These grants were instrumental in supporting students to complete their thesis and dissertation projects.The grant awards facilitated academic excellence, research innovation, and knowledge dissemination among students, fostering a culture of research and academic achievement within the tertiary institutions. The grant awards provided by the AfIRI did not only support students financially but also encouraged them to delve deeper into their research topics, fostering critical thinking and academic curiosity. By offering these grants to students across multiple universities in Ghana, the institute promoted cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing, enriching the academic landscape in the country.
Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute also empowered students to explore innovative research ideas, engage in scholarly discussions, and contribute to the academic community. Provided are the links( Link1, Link2) to the testaments of grant awardees and how the grants have made significant positive impact in the completion of their thesis.
b. Donation of Books and Study Materials to Nursing Institutions:
Through collaboration with Push Aid Africa, the institute donated books and study materials to nursing institutions in Ghana. This initiative addressed the lack of essential educational resources in these institutions, thereby enhancing the learning experience for nursing students.The provision of books and study materials contributed to improving the quality of education and training for nursing students, ultimately enhancing their academic performance and preparing them for their professional careers in healthcare. The collaboration highlights AfIRI’s commitment to addressing educational disparities and promoting equitable access to learning resources. By targeting nursing schools that face resource challenges, the institute played a pivotal role in enhancing the educational environment and supporting the professional development of aspiring healthcare providers.
c. Growth in Staff Strength:
The institute experienced significant growth in its staff strength, indicating organizational expansion and increased capacity to undertake interdisciplinary research projects and academic activities.
The growth in staff strength enabled the institute to enhance its research capabilities, academic offerings, and administrative support, leading to greater efficiency and productivity in fulfilling its mission and objectives. The expansion of staff strength signifies the AfIRI’s strategic vision for organizational growth and sustainability. With an increasing team of dedicated professionals, the institute has diversified its research endeavours, offering specialized expertise, and providing enhanced support services to students, researchers, and collaborators.The growth in staff strength at Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute symbolizes a commitment to academic excellence and research leadership. By recruiting talented individuals across various disciplines, the institute has bolstered its intellectual capital, and has fostered a multidisciplinary approach to research and innovation.
d. Increased Collaboration with Researchers for Study Projects:
The institute fostered increased collaboration with researchers to implement various study projects, promoting interdisciplinary research initiatives and knowledge sharing.The enhanced collaboration with researchers facilitated the creation of impactful study projects, innovative research outcomes, and the dissemination of research findings, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge and scholarly contributions in diverse fields. Collaborating with researchers from diverse backgrounds and institutions has enhanced the institute's research portfolio, stimulated interdisciplinary dialogue, and has fostered a rich ecosystem of intellectual exchange. By promoting partnerships with external stakeholders, the institute has leveraged collective expertise, resources, and networks to address complex research challenges and drive impactful outcomes.
- RESEARCH PROJECTS:
a. ‘Effectiveness And Acceptability of Two Models Of An Insertable Vaginal Cup For Non-Surgical Management Of Obstetric Fistula In Ghana: A Hybrid Type I Randomized Crossover Trial’’ (COPE study)
The aims of the study are to examine the effectiveness, comparative effectiveness, and acceptability of two vaginal menstrual cup models (cup and cup+) as a temporizing alternative to managing urinary leakage from vesico-vaginal fistula in both a clinical setting and a community setting, and to quantify non-surgical fistula management costs.The study sites for this project are in the Central Region and Northern Region of Ghana.
b. “Identifying the Mechanisms of Water Insecurity on HIV Treatment Outcomes (WI Study)
The purpose of conducting this study is to understand how water insecurity affects HIV treatment outcomes in Ghana. By exploring climate-related factors and developing interventions, the study aims to improve the situation for People Living With HIV (PLWH). This study also aims to guide program integration and intervention development to address water insecurity among PLWH in Sub Saharan Africa.The study, which begun officially in June 2024, is being conducted in various phases which include baseline data collection of study participants, and subsequent follow up data collection with three months interval. The baseline data collection was conducted between October and November from 503 participants across three regions (Greater Accra, Eastern and Upper East) from some health facilities. These health facilities include Kaneshie polyclinic, Madina polyclinic, Weija Gbawa municipal hospital and Ashaiman polyclinic, Somanya polyclinic, Atua government hospital, Akuse government hospital, War memorial hospital, Paga district hospital and Bongo district hospital. The study also aims at ascertaining the adherence of these people in terms of taking their Anti-Retroviral Medications.
The results from the baseline data collection are currently being analysed after which follow up data collection will begin from January 2025.
c. “We Are Together (WAT): Development and testing of an intervention to reduce HIV-related stigma among pregnant and postpartum women.”
The WAT project is currently being conducted in the Greater Accra and Eastern region to ascertain stigma associated with pregnant and postpartum women and how they are treated in the community.The study is currently being conducted at Ashaiman polyclinic, Madina polyclinic and Kaneshie polyclinic health facilities. The Eastern region facilities will be engaged from 2025.
The study aims to interview 30-35 pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV and 20 health workers.
- CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEEARNED
The institute has faced a range of challenges that impacted effectiveness, efficiency, and overall success of the institute. These challenges did not only teach us lessons but also presented us with the opportunity for assessment of the organization’s performance and key areas that need attention. Below are some challenges from which lessons were learnt.
a. Funding and Resource Challenges: Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute often relies largely on grants which can be unpredictable and competitive. Securing grants from funders are sometimes challenging. The delay in releasing funds to AfIRI for the execution of our duties in most cases stalls and adversely impacts the pace of execution of projects. Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute, encounters the challenge of limited funding sources to sustain its research initiatives and operational activities. Despite these financial constraints, the institute remains committed to optimizing resource allocation, exploring diverse funding opportunities, and enhancing the efficiency of its financial management to support groundbreaking research projects and academic endeavours.
b. Competition for Grants: Securing competitive research grants amidst a competitive landscape poses a significant challenge for AfIRI. The institute has therefore devised strategies to strategically align its research priorities with funding opportunities, demonstrate the impact of its research initiatives, and navigate the rigorous grant application processes to access critical resources for innovation and knowledge creation. By fostering strategic partnerships, leveraging collaborative opportunities, and demonstrating the societal relevance of our research, the institute aims to overcome the challenges of grant competition and secure sustainable funding for its research endeavours.
c. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: Navigating regulatory requirements, compliance standards, and reporting obligations presents a complex challenge for Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute. The institute upholds a commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical research practices, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines and reporting standards. By implementing robust compliance measures, maintaining rigorous oversight mechanisms, and prioritizing ethical research conduct, the institute demonstrates its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and governance in its research activities. However, the numerous bureaucratic processes involved in acquiring clearance and approvals for projects to be undertaken poses a significant level of frustration to the institute.
d. Technology and Infrastructure: Investing in technology infrastructure, research equipment, and data management systems presents a significant challenge for Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute, given its financial constraints as a not-for-profit organization. The institute acknowledges the importance of enhancing technological capabilities, upgrading research facilities, and embracing digital innovation to optimize research outcomes and data management practices. By prioritizing strategic investments in technology, leveraging cost-effective solutions, and promoting a culture of digital literacy and innovation, the institute endeavours to overcome infrastructure challenges and enhance its research capabilities in an increasingly digitized research landscape.
- FUTURE PLANS
To strategically address some challenges posed to the institute and to promote sustainable success and continuity, some key areas have been identified for attention. Below are future plans for this purpose.
a. Developing a Comprehensive Five-Year Research Plan: The institute is committed to crafting a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that aligns projects with strategic goals, enabling researchers to prioritize tasks, track progress, and enhance productivity. This personalized roadmap will encompass key elements such as grant writing, research execution, publication strategies, teaching commitments, and community service initiatives to drive research excellence and academic impact in AfIRI.
b. Promoting Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: AfIRI emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers by organizing flagship events. This will bring together experts from diverse fields to share research findings, spark innovative ideas, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations that drive scientific discovery and academic advancement.
c. Securing Sustainable Funding Streams: AfIRI is committed to pursuing diverse funding sources, including grants, contracts, and philanthropic donations, to sustain and expand research initiatives. By proactively seeking external funding opportunities, the institute aims to fuel research projects, enhance infrastructure, and drive impactful outcomes that contribute to scientific knowledge and societal well-being New projects or initiatives to be launched.
- APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In reflecting on the accomplishments and milestones of Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have contributed to our journey of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. It is through the collective efforts, unwavering support, and collaborative spirit of our stakeholders, partners, researchers, staff members, and community advocates that we have been able to achieve our mission and advance knowledge in diverse fields of study.
We express our deepest gratitude to our dedicated researchers whose passion for discovery, commitment to excellence, and pursuit of knowledge have propelled our research initiatives forward. Your intellectual curiosity, innovative thinking, and collaborative endeavors have enriched our academic community and inspired groundbreaking research outcomes that contribute to the advancement of scholarship and scientific inquiry.
We extend our sincere thanks to our funding partners, donors, and supporters whose generosity, vision, and belief in our mission have provided essential resources, funding opportunities, and philanthropic support that sustain our research endeavors and drive innovation. Your commitment to advancing research excellence and academic impact is instrumental in shaping the future of our institute and fostering a culture of academic success and intellectual growth.
We acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our staff members, administrative teams, and collaborators who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of our institute, facilitate research projects, and support the academic and research goals of our organization. Your dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit are integral to the success of our institute and the realization of our collective vision for academic excellence and research leadership.
Lastly, we express our gratitude to the broader academic community, industry partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders who have engaged with us, collaborated on research projects, and shared their expertise and insights to advance knowledge, drive innovation, and address societal challenges. Your partnership, engagement, and shared commitment to research excellence have enriched our academic landscape, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoted the translation of research into tangible solutions that benefit society.
As we look towards the future with optimism and determination, we remain grateful for the continued support, encouragement, and collaboration of all those who have contributed to the success of Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute. Your unwavering dedication, belief in our mission, and commitment to academic excellence inspire us to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in all our research endeavours.
Thank you for being part of our journey, for your invaluable contributions, and for your ongoing support of our research mission. Together, we will continue to pursue knowledge, drive innovation, and make a positive impact in the academic and research landscape.
