Wisconsin International University College, Ghana has held a faculty seminar on “Proposal Writing and Securing Funding Opportunities” facilitated by Head of Department for the Law Faculty, Professor Edmund Ato Kwaw.
Prof. Kwaw, who brings a wealth of experience in legal education and academic leadership. Before joining Wisconsin, he had served as an Associate Professor at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School. He was also the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Governance and International Relations and Vice-President of Kings University College. Additionally, he has taught at several tertiary institutions in Ghana and Ontario, Canada.
Prof. Kwaw delivered an engaging presentation addressing the limited emphasis placed on proposal writing in many universities. He expressed concern over the reluctance of some faculty members to engage in research proposal development, often due to a lack of patience or appreciation of its long-term benefits. He also noted the challenges researchers face when attempting to secure funding for sensitive or emerging topics.
Highlighting both public and private sources of funding, Prof. Kwaw encouraged faculty members to explore various avenues for financial support proactively. He introduced key online tools and search engines that can aid in discovering grant opportunities and improve research methodologies.
Emphasising the importance of visibility in the academic space, Prof. Kwaw urged lecturers to create personal websites to showcase their works and boost their professional profiles, saying, “everyone should take advantage of networking opportunities, as collaboration among academics often results in ground-breaking research.”
He further outlined the structure of an effective proposal, stressing the importance of following the appropriate format. Key elements he mentioned included a compelling cover page, a clear project description, a detailed budget with justification, a plan of action, and the inclusion of signatures from authorized institutional representatives and collaborators.
The seminar concluded with a vibrant interactive session, where staff shared their experiences and challenges related to research and academic publishing. Discussions included the impact of age bias in accessing funding and the need to select research topics that are not only relevant but have broad appeal to increase the impact factor of published work.
The seminar was attended by prominent university management, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and administrative staff.
This initiative forms part of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana’s continued efforts to foster a strong research culture and enhance the capacity of its academic community.
