The Regional Maritime University (RMU) Ghana, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its status as a leading research and innovation hub, thanks to the receipt of a substantial grant from the Open Researcher and Contributor Identifier (ORCID) Global Participation Fund (GPT). This grant, amounting to $19,291.00, will support RMU’s project titled “ORCID Adoption in Academic Institutions in Ghana,” set to run until January 2025.
ORCID, a non-profit organization, focuses on fostering openness, trust, and inclusivity within the global academic and research communities. The grant awarded to RMU underscores the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation, aligning with ORCID’s mission to enhance research visibility and collaboration.
In response to this grant, RMU has initiated a comprehensive nationwide training program, which began with a session in Accra on May 23, 2024. This program targets faculty members, librarians, researchers, and both graduate and postgraduate students, aiming to integrate ORCID into the academic fabric of Ghana. The training will be delivered through a series of workshops and seminars in collaboration with the Ghana Library Association (GLA) and the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana (CARLIGH).
Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jnr, the Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU.
Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jnr, the Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU, lauded the grant as a testament to RMU’s unwavering commitment to academic and research excellence. He extended gratitude to ORCID for their support and recognized the pivotal roles played by Dr. Amy Pascalia Abra Asimah, the University Librarian, and Dr. Robert G.M Nyamah, the Head of Research, Consultancy and Innovation, in securing the grant.
Dr. Brooks emphasized that this grant represents the beginning of a new chapter for RMU, with aspirations to secure at least two grants annually moving forward. He highlighted that the grant would enable RMU to significantly contribute to the adoption of ORCID within Ghanaian academic institutions, thereby elevating the visibility and impact of Ghanaian research on a global scale.
Dr. Abra Asimah elaborated on the project’s objectives, stating that the initiative is designed to introduce and promote the adoption of ORCID among Ghanaian researchers and academic institutions. The goal is to enhance the discoverability of research outputs, streamline scholarly workflows, and improve overall research efficiencies within the country.
Dr. Abra Asiamah, Liberian, RMU.
She noted that the project’s successful implementation would significantly boost the research visibility of the academic communities involved, particularly within RMU. To ensure sustained progress, the university plans to continue organizing webinars and training sessions for institutions across Ghana.
In summary, the ORCID grant represents a strategic investment in the future of Ghanaian research, promising to elevate the standards of academic and research activities at RMU and beyond. The university’s proactive approach to integrating ORCID reflects its broader mission to foster an environment of innovation and scholarly excellence.
Information Source: Marketing Unit, RMU.