The University of Ghana is deepening its international research collaboration through a growing partnership with Brunel University London, following a successful three-day seminar in the United Kingdom.

The engagement is part of efforts by Ghana’s premier university to expand its global academic footprint and strengthen research that responds to both local and global challenges.

The seminar, themed “Beyond Participation: How Can We Achieve Meaningful Involvement in Research,” focused on enhancing public engagement in research through the principles of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) — a model that encourages the inclusion of lived experiences, particularly from older adults, in shaping healthcare policies and interventions.

For the University of Ghana, the event builds on a similar workshop hosted earlier this year in Accra, which laid the foundation for establishing the University of Ghana Older Adults Reference Group (UGORG).

The initiative, modelled after Brunel’s Older Persons Reference Group (BORG), aims to give older adults in Ghana a voice in research that affects their health and wellbeing.

Led by respected academics including Professor Jonathan Quartey, Professor Samuel Antwi-Baffour, and Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the University of Ghana delegation used the London platform to explore further opportunities for collaboration in research, teaching, and knowledge exchange.

These efforts align with the university’s broader vision of building strategic global partnerships that bring tangible benefits to Ghana’s academic community and society at large.

“We are grateful to our colleagues at Brunel University for this opportunity to share ideas and deepen our collaboration. These engagements are critical as we work towards research that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, particularly within our communities in Ghana,” said Professor Jonathan Quartey.

Brunel’s team, led by Dr. Paapa Kwesi Ampiah, also expressed appreciation for the University of Ghana’s participation and reiterated their commitment to supporting the growth of UGORG. Faculty from Brunel, including Professor Nana Kwame Anokye, Professor Christina Victor, Dr. Elmar Kal, Dr. Dominic Orth, Mr. Tim Grove, and Professor Neil O'Connell, contributed to the discussions.

The PPIE approach remains central to the collaboration, offering Ghana’s researchers innovative strategies to bridge the gap between academia and the public, particularly in healthcare research. By prioritising the voices of older adults, the initiative seeks to make research outcomes more relevant and impactful for Ghanaian society.

The University of Ghana’s delegation is expected to host its international partners in Accra later this year during the official launch of UGORG, which will further solidify this growing partnership.

This collaboration not only reflects the University of Ghana’s commitment to global academic excellence but also underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing research that serves communities both at home and abroad.