The Quality Assurance and Academic Planning Unit of Christian Service University (CSU) has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on enhancing research grant proposal writing skills. Facilitated by Prof. Samuel Benjamin Owusu-Mintah, the workshop aimed to equip faculty members with the essential skills required to secure research funding and boost academic output.
Opening Address
In the opening address, Mr. Andrews Kingsley Doku, Registrar of CSU, representing the Vice-Chancellor, underscored the pivotal role of academic research in driving innovation and development across Ghana and the broader African continent. He urged participants to engage earnestly in the workshop, emphasizing that high-quality research is crucial for national progress and has the potential to address pressing societal challenges.
Day 1: Focused Learning Sessions
The first day of the workshop featured in-depth discussions on key topics, including:
- Understanding Research Grant Proposals: A foundational introduction to research grant proposals, covering their purpose, significance, and the role they play in securing funding for academic projects.
- The Relevance of Research: An exploration of how research contributes to knowledge advancement, societal development, and policy formulation. This session highlighted the importance of aligning research objectives with national and continental priorities, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by Ghana and other African nations.
- Identifying Grant Opportunities: An overview of the various types of grants available for researchers.
- Proposal Structuring: Guidance on how to effectively structure a grant proposal, including key components and formatting requirements.
- Budgeting for Proposals: Insights on creating realistic budgets that align with project goals.
- Writing Techniques: Strategies for clear and persuasive writing to improve the quality of proposals.
- Understanding the Review Process: An examination of how grant applications are evaluated and the criteria reviewers use in their assessments.
Day 2: Practical Application and Feedback
On the second day, each department presented their proposed research topics and strategies, demonstrating their readiness and commitment to the grant-writing process. This interactive session provided an opportunity for departments to receive constructive feedback, ensuring their proposals align with the expectations of funding bodies.
Strengthening Africa’s Research Capacity
This workshop represents a critical step towards addressing Africa’s research challenges, which often include inadequate funding, limited infrastructure, and the underrepresentation of African perspectives in global research discussions. By hosting such initiatives, Christian Service University is contributing to the advancement of impactful research that reflects and addresses the needs of Africa. The program not only empowers individual researchers but also strengthens Ghana’s and Africa’s position within the global academic community.
Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Rev. Dr. Isaac Boaheng, Director of Quality Assurance and Chairman of the Research Committee, commended participants for their active engagement throughout the workshop. He encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to elevate the quality and impact of their research efforts. The workshop highlights Christian Service University’s dedication to raising research standards and positioning the institution as a center of academic excellence in Africa.
