From August 6th to 9th, 2024, Heritage’s Research and Grants Centre (RGC) hosted a highly successful faculty and staff research retreat under the theme “Reforming and Transforming Research at Heritage.” The four-day event aimed to elevate research capacity, enhance collaboration, and equip participants with essential tools for pursuing and managing research grants effectively.
The retreat received glowing praise from the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy (DRIC) team from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), who facilitated the sessions. The DRIC team was particularly impressed with the university’s hospitality, the serene and well-maintained campus, and the overall professionalism of the Heritage staff. Their feedback highlighted the meticulous organization of the retreat, from the welcoming arrangements to the quality of the sessions, which created a conducive atmosphere for learning and collaboration.
The retreat was attended by an average of 42 faculty and staff members daily, with participation numbers reaching 52 on the first day. Each day was packed with insightful presentations and interactive sessions that covered both qualitative and quantitative research methods, grant-making, and the intricacies of writing successful grant proposals
The retreat began with a warm welcome from Dr. Samuel Twumasi-Ankrah, President of Heritage, followed by an introduction to the workshop’s purpose by Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, Deputy Director of DRIC, UCC. The first day focused on qualitative research methods, with Dr. Prince Justin Anku delivering an in-depth presentation on data collection and reporting techniques. Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah also led a session on team management and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the importance of building strong research teams.
The second day began with a recap of the previous day’s activities, led by Prof. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, followed by a detailed discussion on researcher visibility in the digital age. Prof. Francis Annor then took participants through quantitative research methods, covering both descriptive and inferential statistics. The day concluded with an evaluation session, allowing participants to reflect on their learning and identify areas for further development.
The third day was dedicated to grant-making and proposal writing, with Prof. David T. Doku, Director of DRIC, UCC, discussing the importance of grants in career progression and the various types of funding available. Participants engaged in group activities to understand the structure of successful grant proposals, with Prof. Doku emphasizing the need for innovation and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Brandford Bervell, Deputy Director of DRIC, UCC rounded off the day with insights into the key features of winning grants, including sustainability and inclusiveness.
The final day focused on the practical aspects of developing and managing research budgets, led by Dr. Alex Boadi Dankyi. Participants were guided through the steps involved in submitting grant proposals, including registration on portals and meeting deadlines. The retreat concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Williams Atuilik, Vice President & Provost, Heritage, and Dr. Brandford Bervell, who commended the participants for their active involvement and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained in their future research endeavors.
The FSRR was a resounding success, fulfilling its goal of reforming and transforming the research culture at Heritage. The commendation from the DRIC team underscores Heritage’s commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative research environment. The RGC is confident that the skills and knowledge acquired during this retreat will significantly enhance the research output and grant-winning capabilities of Heritage’s faculty and staff, setting a strong foundation for future growth and success in the academic arena.
