KEEP VISITS HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Group photograph at SUNY Polytechnic Institute with the teams from KNUST and SUNY.

A delegation led by the Provost of the College of Engineering, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, embarked on a two-week visit to the United States of America from 14th October to 28th October 2023 to foster partnerships with esteemed institutions such as SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

At WPI, representatives from KNUST and officials from WPI engaged in discussions focused on the Global Development Project, Manufacturing and Materials, scholarship opportunities, and the robust collaborations between RAIL and Artificial Intelligence Projects at WPI. They explored the potential for credit transfers between KNUST and WPI and fostering strong collaboration between the innovation centres of both institutions.

They used the opportunity of their travel to engage with Alumni at Worcester and Virginia and discussed ways to fortify their relationship. They agreed to schedule quarterly meetings with the Provost to update them on College developments and explore avenues for mutual contributions.

At SUNY, discussions revolved around interdisciplinary research encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI), Manufacturing, Cyber Security, Staff and Student Mobility, Transportation, Robotics, Electrical Cars, and Mini Grids.

The team agreed to work closely beyond this visit in these thematic areas. Plans are underway for a joint proposal to the Mastercard Foundation. They agreed to work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and contribute as guest lecturers for symposia and seminars.

Additionally, the SUNY team will engage in understudying and supervising postgraduate students at KNUST, prior to the initiation of their upcoming postgraduate programmes. The visit also included interactions with their collaborative partners, Griffins Institute, focusing on innovation excellence.

The team are actively formulating a proposal to the African Development Bank (AfDB) in the area of digital development for Africa.