University of Ghana trains PhD students and faculty in AI research tools

The University of Ghana has launched a specialized training initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into the research workflows of faculty members and PhD students. Organized by the Departments of Animal Biology, Marine and Fisheries Sciences, and Plant and Environmental Biology, the workshop focuses on using AI for systematic literature reviews and reference management. This capacity-building effort is a central pillar of the university’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which aims to modernize the institution’s academic processes and enhance its global research profile.

The training specifically addresses the need for improved scholarly output and increased competitiveness in securing international research grants. By leveraging AI-assisted tools for literature synthesis, researchers can manage data more efficiently and minimize common citation errors that often hinder the publication process. Faculty leaders noted that despite significant institutional investment in electronic resources, usage has remained low; this initiative serves as a strategic intervention to ensure that academic staff and students are fully utilizing the digital tools at their disposal.

Funded by the Carnegie Corporation through the Building Next Generation of Academics in Africa (BANGA-Africa) project, the program seeks to bolster the continent’s academic workforce. The training is particularly focused on addressing research gaps in conservation and environmental science, sectors vital to regional development. By equipping scholars with advanced technological skills, the University of Ghana aims to foster a more robust research culture capable of producing high-impact solutions for contemporary environmental challenges.