DRID Enhances UEW Research Through Collaboration with Project Implementers
The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) held a strategic meeting with project implementers of the University to strengthen collaboration and streamline efforts towards the institution’s vision of becoming a research-intensive university.
The meeting, held at the Pecku Conference Room on Friday, 10th October, 2025, brought together key stakeholders and project leads from across faculties, schools and centres of the University. It served as an interactive platform for sharing insights on ongoing projects, discussing strategies for grant acquisition and management and exploring innovative ways to enhance research visibility, commercialisation and institutional ranking.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Enoch F. Sam, Director of DRID, underscored the Directorate’s renewed commitment to positioning UEW as a premier destination for project grants and consultancies by enhancing institutional visibility, building technical competence and deepening international partnerships. He explained that DRID, as a statutory body under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor is tasked not only with managing research and funding but also with commercialising research outputs for societal benefit.
“Our mandate goes beyond facilitating research. We are focused on applied research, research commercialisation and building the capacity of our staff to translate their work into viable projects that attract grants and have real-world impact,” he stated.
Prof. Sam elaborated that DRID has strengthened its operational structure with six specialised units, comprising Grant Sourcing and Proposal Development, Capacity Building and Development, Fund Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Research Policy, University Ranking and Journal Standards and Consultancy and Patent Services to drive UEW’s research agenda effectively. He emphasised that through these units, DRID aims to ensure that every department and faculty becomes actively involved in project implementation and grantsmanship.
The Director revealed that UEW’s corporate strategic plan for 2025–2030 sets an ambitious target of securing at least US$1 million in research grants annually, a goal that requires active involvement and collaboration among all research actors in the University.
“To achieve this, we are enhancing research communication to publicise UEW’s successes, developing a comprehensive database of staff expertise and creating incentive structures to motivate faculties and departments to pursue external funding,” he added.
Prof. Sam also announced several upcoming initiatives including the development of a research results framework to monitor project outcomes, quarterly information sessions for project implementers and a hands-on Proposal Development and Budgeting Workshop for staff. He disclosed that DRID had secured commitments from over 99 staff to participate in the first round of the training, which will focus on practical grant-writing and project management skills.
Prof. Alfred Kuranchie, Deputy Director of DRID, reaffirmed the Directorate’s crucial role in UEW’s research transformation agenda, noting that the meeting was also meant to acquaint project implementers with the restructured leadership of DRID and its expanded functions.
Regarding capacity building, Dr. Philip Siaw Kissi, Coordinator of Capacity Building and Development, outlined plans to launch a quarterly DRID Newsletter to highlight ongoing projects, success stories and implementer profiles. He also mentioned that the Directorate would start monthly profiling of project team leaders on the University’s website and social media platforms to enhance visibility and attract collaboration opportunities.
He further revealed that DRID is set to operationalise the Research Innovation and Staff Development Fund, revised in 2024, to support internal research proposals with competitive small, medium, and large-scale funding schemes. “For years, this internal fund has existed but has not been accessed. We intend to activate it to motivate researchers and build their capacity to win external grants,” Dr. Kissi stated.
Dr. Adams Osman, Coordinator of Grant Sourcing, provided an overview of ongoing projects under DRID’s supervision, revealing that the University currently manages over 17 active research projects worth approximately US$3.1 million with five additional projects about to commence. He noted that another ten projects are in the pipeline, pending final approval and funding.
He emphasised DRID’s role in offering one-on-one support to staff in conceptualising, budgeting and managing research projects, as well as in navigating due diligence requirements during funding processes. “Winning a grant is only one phase. The due diligence stage can be challenging but we are here to support staff with all the documentation and compliance needed to successfully access and manage their funds,” he assured.
Dr. Medina Srem Sai, Coordinator of Research Policy, Journal Standards and University Ranking Unit, outlined measures being implemented to standardise UEW’s academic journals, enhance policy alignment and improve the University’s standing in global and regional rankings.
She disclosed that UEW currently ranks first in sustainability metrics in Ghana and that DRID is working towards improved performance in the Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, SDG Rankings and the UI Green Metrics. “Everything we do in research impacts the University’s visibility and ranking. Let us manage our projects efficiently and align our outputs with the policy direction so that together, we uplift the image of UEW,” she said.
The meeting ended with an open forum during which project implementers shared experiences and suggestions for improving research administration and support. The DRID leadership reiterated its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to advance UEW’s mission of excellence in research, innovation and development.
