The Research and Innovation Directorate, on Wednesday, 9th April 2025, welcomed a delegation from the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) of Korea. The team was accompanied by Mr. Nashiru Salifu, Director at the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology (MEST). 

The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the team from STEPI with the University of Ghana’s research landscape and institutional structures for disseminating scholarly publications. The visiting team included Mr. Dongwook Seon, a Research Fellow, and Mr. Jian Kim, from STEPI, as well as Ms. Chulsw Lim, of the Korean Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI).

Prof. David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of Research and Innovation (RID), welcomed the visitors on behalf of Prof. Felix A. Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Development. Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Director (Research) Prof. Nancy O. Quarshie, and research support staff of RID including Research Development Officers representing the Colleges of the University. 

Prof. Dodoo-Arhin presented an overview of the University’s research structure and network, highlighting the role of the Research and Innovation Directorate in promoting and coordinating the University’s strategic goals. He outlined UG’s research priorities, and key focus areas of research.

Mr. Seon provided an introduction to STEPI, which is a government-funded research institute devoted to research and development of science and technology policy. He explained that their visit was aimed at developing a framework for a comprehensive database that captures the output of higher learning institutions and technology-driven research. The outcome of their meetings with MEST and UG was part of preliminary work that builds on an earlier visit to Korea, by Prof. Dodoo-Arhin and officials of MEST. 

Mr. Jian Kim presented a synopsis of existing databases developed as a repository for science and technology data; underscoring the essence of the database they seek to build for making research visible.

Prof. Nancy Quarshie noted that dissemination of science outcomes from research conducted is managed in compliance with data protection laws, and cognizance of the fact that the majority of research projects are funded by external donors. Mr. Nashiru indicated that MEST would be responsible for the regulatory aspects of managing data provided by research institutions. 

Prof. Dodoo-Arhin expressed appreciation to the team for their interest in collaborating with UG, stating that the Research and Innovation Directorate will continue to engage with STEPI through MEST to harness the enormous benefits of research, technology, and innovation.