Research and Knowledge Management at Central University (CU)
Effective research development is considered an important success factor in research-intensive tertiary education institutions due to the changing landscape of learning. The significance of research to Central University (CU) is aptly captured in its Strategic Plan and Statutes which state that “the University is committed to nurturing a vibrant academic community conducive to the study and dissemination of knowledge through research, teaching, training and service”. This mission statement therefore, calls for the creation of an enabling environment which promotes research activities and outcomes that feed into policy formulation and project development and implementation in the country.
The University is evolving from a teaching institution into one with relatively more research activities, and can thus be characterized as an emerging research institution with increasing staff participation in research and advancement in its Masters’ and Doctoral programmes. CU has thus set for itself the goal to be a leading research university on the African continent by pursuing excellence and gaining national and international standing on the basis of research outputs which are relevant to the needs of the nation, continent as well as global stakeholders.
This website directs you to institutional research-related information as well as areas of support.
2.0 Research and Development Directorate (RDD)
CU has established a Research and Development Directorate (RDD) which is tasked with the coordination, facilitation and support of research at the institution and ensuring that the overall research mission of the university is sustained.RDD in collaboration with Schools and Faculty promotes inter-disciplinary staff and student research. It further ensures that the development of research activities of the university is integrated with the research capacities and interest of Faculty, thereby strengthening the institutional knowledge base.
The Directorate is charged with the following responsibilities:
- Provide strategic direction to the University through the development of effective research policies and programmes;
- Develop a research governance and ethics policy for the University;
- Ensure that the research activities of faculty are closely coordinated with the budgetary, human resources, and operational elements of all approved research activities;
- Coordinate, monitor and organize the research programmes of the University in collaboration with the Research Review Board, Ethics Committees and Research Coordinators of each Faculty;
- Provide capacity building for faculty and students through research workshops, seminars and PhD clinics;
- Coordinate the allocation and administration of research funds and research contracts in collaboration with the Research and Conference Committee;
- Spearhead resource mobilization initiatives to ensure that the research policy mandate is met;
- Ensure the preparation and production of research agenda and reports and other research publications in collaboration with faculty;
- Ensure compliance by researchers with institutional ethics requirements;
- Disseminate CU research outputs at appropriate forum;
- Maintain research records pertaining to the University’s research activities;
- Coordinate a rewards mechanism that recognizes excellence in research;
- Facilitate linkages between CU and other universities both nationally and internationally;
- Facilitate linkages between CU and policymakers, government ministries, private sector organizations and development partners.
3.0 Vision of the Research and Development Directorate
To facilitate enablement of a research-intensive university within fifteen years through supporting with appropriate research infrastructures and procedures.
4.0 Policy on Research and Conference Attendance
Research at CU is guided by a Policy on Research and Conference Attendance. The Policy details the University’s guidelines for research conduct, research funding and award, peer review processes, support for research projects, publication and dissemination, as well as monitoring and evaluation of performance.
The University is in the process of revising the current policy document into a comprehensive Research Governance and Ethics Policy which will expand on the standards, principles and expectations that underscore the University’s position on research. It will further provide information on CU’s position on unacceptable research conduct, including the processes in place for reporting and investigating allegations of breaches.
5.0 Ethical Review of Research Proposals
CU ensures that researchers working with, and/or who are associated with the University work in accordance with established international ethical standards. To this end, the University has an Institutional Review Board mandated to enforce ethical principles. All research conducted by staff of the University are required to receive ethics approval before the study can be undertaken.
6.0 Research and Grants Management
CU provides funding for research with the potential of having a positive impact on national development and the wellbeing of Ghanaians. The University offers a diverse range of funding opportunities such as research allowance, a research project fund which is subject to open competition.
The university provides financial support for Faculty to attend conferences and disseminate research outputs. CU also offers information on international funding opportunities, advice and support to researchers on proposal writing and submissions, including budgetary and contractual matters.
7.0 Staff Training and Development
CU staff capacity building is underpinned by a Staff Training and Development Policy which aligns with the vision and mission of the institution. The Policy underscores the university’s committed to strengthening the research competence and expertise of its scholars and management by ensuring that all faculty members obtain appropriate training to enhance their performance. To this end the University delivers training programmes on key issues in research on a rolling basis for early and mid-career researchers and students in all disciplines through mentoring programmes, seminars, workshops, PhD Clinics and colloquium for achieving the highest standards of research.
8.0 Research-related Publications
Publications support Central University’s Strategic Plan through the development and dissemination of knowledge and research outputs. The University publications include an annual report which documents various elements of academic initiatives; the inter-disciplinary journal, the “Central Inquiry” which publishes scholarly papers; working paper series and periodic publication of lectures. The University will also publish an Annual Research Profile with highlights from research projects.
9.0 Research Partnerships and Collaborations
CU is expanding its engagement with public and private sector institutions and organizations by liaising with stakeholders to enable university researchers and students participate in sector experts’ consultations, workshops, seminars and conferences in order to promote CU research outputs as relevant to policy makers and the general public.
CU encourages South-South and North-South research partnerships and collaborations as a way of tapping into the wealth of experience of Africans in the Diaspora, international organizations, academic institutions and funding partners. CU currently has collaborations with Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, University of Western Carolina, University of Louisiana and North West University in South Africa. Drawing together the expertise that exists in Africa and the Diaspora enables the University to build a critical mass of African academics to ensure relevance of research outcomes for long-term inclusive growth. A number of flagship projects are being identified and developed in collaboration with stakeholders.
10.0 Current Central University Funded Research Projects
| Team | Project or Research Area | |
| 1 | Puplampu, B. and Nkomo, S. | Organizational and Research Culture of African Universities |
| 2 | Agyei-Henaku, K. | Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Poultry Feed in the Poultry Producing regions of Ghana |
For further information, kindly contact Central University’s Research and Development Directorate on +233 (0) 30 331 8588 Extension 2161 or RDD@central.edu.gh
Director
Research and Development Directorate (RDD)
Office: +233 (0) 30 331 8588 Ext: 2162