Research

    Research at College of Basic and Applied Sciences

    The College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS) at the University of Ghana is dedicated to advancing knowledge through innovative research across multiple disciplines. Our research activities span from fundamental scientific inquiries to applied solutions addressing local and global challenges.

    With state-of-the-art laboratories and dedicated research centers, CBAS provides an enabling environment for faculty and students to conduct cutting-edge research and collaborate with national and international partners.

    Research Policies and Guidelines

    The College adheres to the University of Ghana's comprehensive research policies that ensure ethical, rigorous, and impactful research. These policies govern all research activities within the College and align with international best practices.

    Key Research Policies

    • Research Ethics and Integrity Policy
    • Intellectual Property Rights Policy
    • Data Management and Sharing Policy
    • Research Collaboration and Partnership Guidelines
    • Research Funding and Grant Administration Policy

    All researchers within CBAS must comply with these policies. Complete policy documents are available from the Office of Research, Innovation and Development (ORID) or can be accessed through the University's research portal.

    Research Board at the College

    The CBAS Research Board oversees and coordinates all research activities within the College. The Board is responsible for implementing research policies, reviewing research proposals, allocating resources, and monitoring research progress.

    Board Composition

    Chairman

    Provost, College of Basic and Applied Sciences

    Secretary

    College Research Coordinator

    Members

    • Provost of the College
    • Deans of all Schools within CBAS
    • Research Coordinators from each School
    • Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Development
    • Representative from the University Ethics Committee
    • Three senior researchers appointed by the Provost

    Key Responsibilities

    • Development and implementation of the College's research strategy
    • Evaluation and approval of research proposals
    • Allocation of research funds and resources
    • Monitoring research progress and ensuring compliance with policies
    • Promoting interdisciplinary research collaboration
    • Organizing research seminars, workshops, and conferences

    Ethics Committee for Basic and Applied Sciences

    The Ethics Committee for Basic and Applied Sciences (ECBAS) is responsible for ensuring that all research conducted within the College adheres to ethical standards and principles. The Committee reviews research proposals to evaluate ethical implications and approves research activities accordingly.

    Committee Structure

    Chairperson

    Appointed by the Provost from among senior faculty

    Secretary

    College Ethics Officer

    Scope of Review

    • Research involving human subjects
    • Research involving animal subjects
    • Research with environmental implications
    • Research utilizing hazardous materials
    • Research with potential biosafety concerns
    • Research involving genetic modification

    Ethics Approval Process

    Researchers must submit their proposals through the online Ethics Review System at least 6 weeks before the intended start of research. The Committee meets monthly to review submissions, and researchers may be asked to provide additional information or make modifications to their proposals before approval is granted.

    Research Publications

    Research outputs from CBAS are published in high-impact journals, conference proceedings, books, and other scholarly outlets. The College maintains a comprehensive database of publications by faculty and students.

    Publication Highlights

    Novel Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture in Tropical Regions: A Case Study from Ghana

    Mensah, J., Addo, K., Obeng, F., & Williams, S.

    Journal of Agricultural Science (2024), 42(3), 215-230

    Computational Analysis of Protein-Ligand Interactions in Drug Discovery

    Quaye, R., Mensah, P., Johnson, T., & Smith, K.

    Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (2023), 15(2), 78-96

    Environmental Impact of Artisanal Mining on Water Bodies in West Africa

    Appiah, M., Boateng, E., Nkrumah, L., & Thomas, H.

    Environmental Science and Technology (2024), 58(4), 312-328

    Research Funding Opportunities

    The College actively supports researchers in securing funding from various sources. Information about current funding opportunities, application deadlines, and grant writing support is available through the College Research Office.

    Current Opportunities

    Climate Change Adaptation Research Grant

    African Academy of Sciences

    Deadline: 15th August 2023

    Early Career Researcher Fellowship

    Ghana National Research Fund

    Deadline: 30th June 2023

    Collaborative Research Initiative

    World Bank Africa Centers of Excellence

    Deadline: 1st September 2023

    Innovation and Technology Transfer Grant

    USAID Feed the Future Program

    Deadline: 15th July 2023

    For more information about these and other funding opportunities, please contact the College Research Office or visit the ORID website.

    Research Areas

    School of Biological Sciences

    Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

    Research in molecular biology and biotechnology focuses on genomics, proteomics, genetic engineering, and biotechnological applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

    Ecology and Environmental Biology

    This area covers ecology, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem dynamics, environmental impact assessment, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

    Cell Biology and Genetics

    Research concentrates on cellular structures, functions, and processes, genetic inheritance, gene expression, and their implications for health and disease.

    Microbiology and Disease Biology

    Focus on microorganisms, infectious diseases, host-pathogen interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and development of diagnostic tools and therapeutics.

    Marine and Fisheries Sciences

    Studies marine ecosystems, fisheries management, aquaculture, oceanography, and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

    School Based Research Areas