The University of Cape Coast, UCC, has launched its maiden research report for the collective benefit of society. The 184-page document, issued by the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (DRIC), comprises research output from the colleges and other research directorates and centres of the University. Spanning 2012 to 2016, the report also covers a plethora of research areas in the Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Medical Sciences and the Natural Sciences undertaken by individuals, departments, and faculties, either independently or in collaboration with other institutions, government and non-governmental organizations, donor agencies and development partners. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, who launched the report, said the University remained committed to research and was open for collaborative research efforts with other research -oriented individuals, academic institutions of higher learning, industry and development partners for cutting- edge research activities that would advance the frontiers of knowledge for sustainable development. In the light of this, Prof. Ampiah encouraged faculty to always endeavour to research so as to make themselves and the university visible across the world. He also charged lecturers to produce at least one high quality research informed article every year. He commended researchers in the university for their publications over the last five years and entreated other faculty members to research to enable DRIC to capture their research activities in the next report, which will be launched in 2019. He urged faculty to contribute to the report, to search for collaborators and seek for grants in order to do innovative research. On behalf of the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor commended the dedicated researchers and research administrators whose research endeavors and administrative support respectively made the publication of the maiden edition of the research report possible. The Director of DRIC, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, noted that the launch of the report was a clear demonstration of the credibility of faculty to engage in good research. Prof. Annim used the launch to clear up some misconceptions held by a section of faculty members about the role of DRIC in the University. According to him, DRIC indulges in administrative research, whilst the other research centers in the University engage in scientific research. He, therefore, appealed to faculty to collaborate with the Directorate regarding issues on research, innovation and consultancy, pointing out that DRIC was not established to take over research activities of faculty members. Contrary to popular opinion, the Director stated that the Directorate has Consultancy Policy, Research Agenda and Research Policy guiding the conduct of research in the University. He announced that DRIC had developed a trial researcher database, an online platform that would help colleagues to update themselves, as well as grants and publications. The Deputy Director of DRIC, Prof. Fredrick Ato Armah, gave an overview of the Maiden Research Report, highlighting the total research funds, research domains attracting more funds, areas that require funding attention and, funding agencies by category. A former Director of DRIC, Prof. Albert Abane, who chaired the launch, urged management to motivate researchers in the University to enable them to publish and also to collaborate with distinguished institutions that engage in innovative research. He entreated researchers to make their research findings available to industry players and policy makers to enhance socio-economic development of the country. He called on major stakeholders to support DRIC to achieve its mandate.
