ACS-UEW Equips Students with Research Communication and Networking Skills
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS-UEW) organised a post-conference clinic to enhance students’ skills in research communication and professional networking at the South Campus on Thursday, 19th March, 2026.
The event, chaired by Faculty Adviser Dr. Ernest Koranteng, featured a poster presentation session by Dr. Bright Ankudze and a networking masterclass by Dr. Mahama Alhassan alongside a documentary commemorating the 150th anniversary of the ACS.
Dr. Koranteng urged students to be intentional in preparing for academic and professional opportunities, emphasising that networking should be strategic and aligned with clearly defined interests to achieve meaningful outcomes. He encouraged participants to leverage upcoming international conferences by positioning themselves to build relevant connections that could advance their careers.
Ms. Lydia Owusu Agyei, Vice-President of ACS-UEW, described the clinic as timely and impactful, noting that focusing on poster presentations and networking skills is essential for students’ academic and professional growth and urged participants to engage actively to maximise the learning opportunity.
Dr. Bright Ankudze, facilitating the poster session, highlighted the importance of effectively communicating research findings, noting that poster presentations offer a concise and visually engaging way for sharing academic work at conferences. He outlined the structure and design of a standard academic poster and emphasised clarity, brevity and the use of visuals to improve understanding.
In a complementary session, Dr. Mahama Alhassan underscored networking as a vital lifelong skill that provides access to mentorship, collaborations and career opportunities, encouraging students to develop clear academic interests, craft compelling personal introductions and use platforms such as LinkedIn and ResearchGate to expand their professional reach.
The event also featured a documentary celebrating 150 years of the ACS, showcasing its global contributions to advancing chemistry and improving lives. The clinic reinforced the commitment of ACS-UEW to equip students with practical skills necessary for academic excellence and career progression while inspiring them to actively participate in the global scientific community.
