Preparations for the 2026 Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities of Ghana (ARCTUG-2026) have recorded a major boost as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the host institution, Takoradi Technical University (TTU), participated in a one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the development of industry-friendly books of abstracts. The session brought together LOC members and selected researchers from various faculties of the university.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Secretariat of the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities of Ghana (VCTU-G) and the Ghana Research and Industry Collaborative (GRIC) as part of efforts to strengthen the conference’s focus on applied research with strong industry relevance.
Addressing participants, Julius Lamptey, Secretariat Lead at GRIC, underscored the urgent need for academia to communicate research findings in ways that industry can easily understand and apply. Citing a 2021 study, he disclosed that a mere three per cent of academic research in Ghana is utilised by industry, largely because research outputs are often too technical, lack clear practical implications, or are poorly disseminated.
“Industry prefers concise, results-focused communication,” Lamptey noted. “Research in typical academic formats often lacks readability and does not clearly convey outcomes. For research to be applied by industry, it must communicate its main findings in under two minutes.”
Lamptey, who also serves as Senior Research and Policy Officer at Impact Investing Ghana, guided participants on crafting abstracts that highlight the practical value of research. He stressed that industry-oriented research should ideally start with direct industry input. However, in cases where this is not feasible, universities can still foster engagement through programmes, partnerships and community outreach initiatives. Such collaboration, he said, aligns research with real-world needs and expands opportunities for funding, including through the Ghana National Research Fund. He assured that GRIC remains ready to support researchers seeking to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Chairman of VCTU-G, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, praised the LOC for its forward-thinking approach and commended TTU’s commitment to hosting a successful ARCTUG-2026. He emphasised that strategic collaboration and focused preparation will be crucial in delivering a high-impact conference.
The Executive Secretary of VCTU-G, J.M. Oti-Asirifi, added that the workshop has deepened the connection between academic research and practical application, equipping participants with the skills to develop abstracts that support commercialisation and societal impact.
Chair of the ARCTUG-2026 LOC, Prof. Efua Nkrumah, expressed gratitude to Julius Lamptey for sharing valuable insights. She assured that the knowledge acquired will significantly enhance the quality and relevance of research outputs to be showcased when the conference takes place in May 2026.
