The College of Education Grants Management Unit recently held its fourth grants management training series, drawing focus to the twin pillars of research integrity and intellectual property (IP) protection. Held under the theme “Protecting Innovation, Ensuring Integrity: IP and Ethics for Researchers,” the session brought together faculty and PhD students for a timely dialogue on responsible research practices.
A cross-section of participants
The training forms part of a broader push to build internal research capacity and promote a culture of adherence to ethical standards in research, across constituent units of the College. Through expert-led presentations and a panel discussion, the session explored the legal, ethical and institutional responsibilities that underpin academic research in today’s knowledge economy.
Opening the session, Professor David Dodoo-Arhin, Director of the Research and Innovation Directorate (RID), emphasised the delicate balance between innovation and ethical accountability. “As researchers, our work is driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. “However, this pursuit must be balanced with a commitment to ethical practices and the protection of intellectual property.”
He also outlined RID’s strategic vision to grow the College’s contribution to the University’s grant funding portfolio from 0.08% to 15% over the coming years. “Let us work together to make the University of Ghana a leading institution for research and innovation in Africa and beyond,” he added.
Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Registrar, College of Education
Reaffirming the College’s support for grantsmanship, Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, the College Registrar, highlighted ongoing capacity-building initiatives in the College, including grant-writing workshops, seed funding opportunities and specialised training in IP rights and research ethics. “As researchers and PhD students, it is essential to approach your research with integrity, safeguarding your findings and ensuring your work adheres to the highest ethical standards,” he advised.
Mrs. Diana Adobea Owusu Antwi, Lead for Technology Transfer, Commercialisation and Intellectual Property (TTCIP)
In a detailed presentation, Mrs. Diana Adobea Owusu Antwi, Lead for Technology Transfer, Commercialisation and Intellectual Property (TTCIP), addressed the topic “Raising Awareness Regarding Intellectual Property and Confidentiality Clauses in Research Contracts and Consultancies.” She emphasised that researchers must be familiar with IP provisions and confidentiality obligations embedded in academic and consultancy agreements. “Once you create an IP using university resources, the default position is that the University owns that intellectual property,” she clarified, adding that IP includes outputs such as research data, software and teaching materials protected under laws including copyright, patents and trade secrets.
Mrs. Owusu Antwi further noted that confidentiality clauses in research agreements are critical to safeguarding unpublished data and sensitive information, especially in collaborative or sponsored research contexts.
Panellists share insights during the discussion
A lively panel discussion on the theme “Ethical Clearance in Academia: A Necessity or a Hindrance?” brought fresh perspectives to the fore. Moderated by Dr. Helena Baidoo, Lead of the Ethics Unit, the discussion featured insightful contributions from distinguished panellist: Prof. Lily Yarney, Prof. Peace Mamle Tetteh and Prof. George Essegbey. The panelists emphasised that ethical clearance is not a hindrance but a vital process that ensures research integrity, safeguards participants’ rights, and promotes accountability.
A cross-section of participants
“Ethics is doing the right thing when nobody is watching,” one panellist remarked, highlighting the importance of obtaining informed consent and addressing confidentiality from the outset of any research endeavour.
A cross-section of participants
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer forum, during which participants reflected on their research experiences and sought guidance on ethical dilemmas encountered in research.
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