The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Ghana is set to host a Scientific Conference and Innovation Fair in October, bringing together scientists, businesses, investors, and policymakers to drive national growth. The event aims to turn locally developed research into market-ready products, new businesses, and solutions to Ghana's development problems. The conference will showcase research in various fields, including agriculture, food security, biotechnology, and environmental protection.
The CSIR Scientific Conference and Innovation Fair 2026 will take place from October 14 to 18, with the conference running from October 14 to 15 and the Innovation Fair from October 16 to 18. The events will provide a platform for researchers to generate, share, and examine knowledge, and then move the findings towards practical use, adoption, and commercialization. According to Prof. Paul Bosu, Director-General of CSIR, research achieves its greatest value when the knowledge generated is translated into solutions that address real challenges and improve lives.
The conference and fair will strengthen links between research institutions and Ghana's productive sectors, with the goal of encouraging businesses to adopt scientific solutions. Prof. Bosu stated that the events will allow Ghanaians to see, feel, and taste the work of CSIR. The Innovation Fair, themed "From Research to Market: The Role of CSIR in Driving Innovation for National Development," will be held at the Efua Sutherland Children's Park in Accra and is open to the public.
Prof. Marian Dorcas Quain, Deputy Director-General of CSIR, disclosed that over 500 scientists across the council's 13 institutes are conducting more than 300 research projects valued at nearly GH¢100 million. The projects cover various fields, including climate-smart agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and sustainable construction. Some of the innovations include pod borer-resistant cowpea, climate-smart rice breeding materials, and nano-fertilizer technology.
The conference will allow scientists to share major findings and build stronger partnerships with universities and industry. According to Prof. Quain, this cooperation could encourage businesses to adopt scientific solutions. The events will also provide an opportunity for researchers to showcase their work and interact with potential users and beneficiaries.
Mrs. Naomi Owusu, CSIR Director of Commercialization, invited the public to attend the Innovation Fair, stating that it will be a platform for CSIR to showcase its work and interact with the public. The fair will feature various innovations, including improved fish-smoking ovens, low-carbon concrete, and briquette technology.
The CSIR Scientific Conference and Innovation Fair 2026 aims to drive national growth by turning scientific research into jobs and solutions to Ghana's development problems. The events will bring together stakeholders to share knowledge, build partnerships, and encourage the adoption of scientific solutions. Key points include:
Key points
- The CSIR Scientific Conference and Innovation Fair 2026 will take place from October 14 to 18.
- The events aim to turn locally developed research into market-ready products and solutions.
- Over 500 scientists are conducting more than 300 research projects valued at nearly GH¢100 million.
