Professor Felix Y.H. Kutsanedzie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, has called on researchers, academics, industry players, and policymakers to translate research findings into practical solutions to address societal challenges. He made this appeal at the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University (ARCATU) held in Accra. The conference aimed to provide a platform for participants to share research findings and exchange ideas.
The conference, themed “Applied Research and Innovation for Sustainable and Resilient Development in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” brought together researchers, academics, industry practitioners, development partners, policymakers, and stakeholders. Prof. Kutsanedzie, also the Conference Chair, noted that discussions demonstrated the importance of collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and sectors in developing solutions to complex societal challenges.
The event saw 3,366 participants from several countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin, with Nigeria recording the highest representation. Dr. Victoria Owusu-Ansah, a member of the Planning Committee of ARCATU, expressed optimism about increasing attendance to about 5,000 at next year’s edition. The conference provided a platform for participants to showcase innovative solutions and prototype technologies.
Prof. Kutsanedzie emphasized the need for an interdisciplinary, inter-institutional, and multisectoral approach to achieve sustainable solutions. He described AI as a useful supportive tool but cautioned that its growing application must be accompanied by responsible use. The Conference Chair reinforced the need for academia, industry, and policymakers to work together to ensure research has a meaningful impact on communities and society.
Dr. Theophilus Anyanful, Co-Chair for the Planning Committee of ARCATU, announced plans to publish the Conference’s proceedings in a Scopus-indexed journal through Springer. This will create further academic publication opportunities for participants. Dr. Anyanful described the event as a rewarding experience and said the team had achieved the objectives set for the event.
The conference provided a platform for participants to examine existing approaches and identify areas for improvement. Prof. Kutsanedzie’s call to action emphasizes the importance of collaboration and responsible innovation in addressing national development challenges. The Applied Research Conference of Accra Technical University aims to promote sustainable and resilient development in the era of AI.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to translating research findings into practical solutions. Key stakeholders, including researchers, academics, and policymakers, are expected to work together to ensure that research has a meaningful impact on communities and society. The next edition of the conference is expected to attract even more participants, with plans to increase attendance to about 5,000.
Key points
- Prof. Kutsanedzie calls for collaboration across disciplines to develop solutions to complex societal challenges.
- The conference aims to promote sustainable and resilient development in the era of AI.
- The next edition of the conference is expected to attract about 5,000 participants.
