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

The University of Ghana has launched a targeted capacity-building initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into its research training for faculty and doctoral candidates. This programme, which aligns with the university’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, focuses on utilizing AI-assisted technologies to conduct systematic reviews and manage references more effectively. By adopting these modern tools, the university aims to significantly enhance the quality of its scholarly output and improve its competitiveness in securing international research grants.

Organized through a collaborative effort between the Departments of Animal Biology, Marine and Fisheries Sciences, and Plant and Environmental Biology, the training addresses specific gaps in traditional research methodologies. Faculty members involved in the initiative highlighted that AI-driven reference management is particularly crucial for reducing common citation errors that often undermine academic work. The training also emphasizes literature synthesis, allowing researchers to navigate vast amounts of data with greater precision and speed, which is essential for staying current in rapidly evolving scientific fields.

Despite the university’s ongoing investment in digital libraries and electronic resources, administrators noted that usage levels among the academic community have historically remained low. This training programme seeks to reverse that trend by providing hands-on experience and demonstrating the practical benefits of these resources. By bridging the digital divide, the university hopes to foster a more vibrant research culture that makes full use of available technological assets to address critical issues in conservation and environmental science.

Funding for this initiative is provided by the Building A New Generation of Academics in Africa (BANGA-Africa) project, with additional support from the Carnegie Corporation. Beyond the immediate technical benefits, the programme is part of a broader mission to strengthen Africa’s academic workforce. By equipping the next generation of scholars with advanced research capabilities, the University of Ghana intends to solidify its position as a leading institution for academic excellence and innovation on the continent.