Dric, Dpa Strengthen Collaboration to Promote Research Visibility

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC) and the Directorate of Public Affairs (DPA) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote the University’s research activities through strategic communication.

The renewed commitment was reached at a consultative meeting between the leadership and staff of the two directorates. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to reflect on their existing partnership and identify new strategies to deepen cooperation and enhance the visibility of the University’s research outputs.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of DRIC, Prof. David Teye Doku, indicated that the two directorates had over the years built a productive working relationship that had significantly helped in projecting the research achievements of the University to the wider public. He particularly cited the sustained positive publicity given to UCC’s performance in the Times Higher Education rankings since 2021, where the University has consistently been ranked the number one institution in Ghana and West Africa and among the top universities in Africa.

Prof. Doku stressed the need for closer collaboration between the two directorates to further advance the vision and mission of the University through impactful research and innovation.

Presenting the mandate of DRIC, a Deputy Director of the Directorate, Dr. Brandford Bervell, explained that the Directorate derives its functions from Statute 27 of the 2016 Statutes of the University. He noted that DRIC is responsible for coordinating the University-wide research agenda, sourcing and managing funding for research, and advising the Academic Board on criteria for the research component of promotion assessments.

He indicated that another function of the Directorate was to motivate research efforts across faculties and schools, support the sponsorship of research and academic conferences, and promote high-quality research by encouraging the development of strong research proposals capable of attracting funding and strengthening the University’s presence both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Bervell further noted that DRIC coordinates and supports the publication of journals and books in the University and collaborates with the Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance to promote research-based teaching.

According to him, DRIC has outlined 66 key activities for the year. Among the major programmes planned are the Early Career Women Researchers Network, Research Capacity Training for Early Career Researchers, a Research Summer School, and a Research Grant Call.

“With a strong partnership with the Directorate of Public Affairs, we are confident that our activities will achieve greater impact both within and outside the University,” he stated.

Responding, the Director of the Directorate of Public Affairs, Dr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, underscored the importance of strong institutional collaboration in achieving the University’s goals.

He noted that the Directorate of Public Affairs plays a critical role in protecting and promoting the image and reputation of the University.

“DPA’s presence is felt across the University. To us, image is everything. We work tirelessly to safeguard the image and reputation of the University,” he said.

Dr. Antwi-Konadu commended DRIC for initiating the engagement and expressed optimism that the renewed partnership between the two directorates would help sustain and further consolidate the gains made in promoting the University’s research achievements and impact.