VC, Catholic University College of Ghana
Professor Daniel Obeng-Ofori, Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University College of Ghana delivered an occasional lecture at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho (UHAS) on the theme FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS SPONSORED BY ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT FOUNDATION, GERMANY. The lecture which was sponsored by the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation, Germany was chaired by Professor Seth Owusu-Agyei, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UHAS.
In his introductory remarks, Professor Obeng-Ofori gave more details about the personality of Alexander Von Humboldt, founder of the foundation. He said Humboldt was a German royal who was born in 1769. He described him as a level-headed man who acquired knowledge in several disciplines; Economics, Botany (under Greek scientists), Archeology, Geology, Physics and Chemistry (all in Germany). As a scholar, Humboldt authored many books, scrolls and set up a scientific body in Berlin which mentored many world renowned scientists including Justus von Liebig (father of modern Chemistry) and Leopold von Buch (father of modern Geology). Alexander Von Humboldt believed in networking and contact with other academics from different disciplines. He died at the age of 90 (1859) in Berlin.
The Lecturer explained the Awards Scheme and other benefits as well as provided information on application requirements and processes.
According to Professor Obeng-Ofori, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards Research Fellowships and Research Awards to highly qualified researchers from all countries and from all academic disciplines. The foundation has principles of sole selection criterion; academic excellence, no quotas for countries or disciplines; sponsorship of people, not projects; free choice of academic host/collaborative partner in Germany; independent scientific research, not stipulated by the Foundation.
Professor Obeng-Ofori concluded the very insightful lecture with a hint that the current research output rate is unacceptably low for Ghanaian researchers. There is therefore the need for Ghanaian researchers to improve upon their research output to be able to compete effectively for Humboldt Awards. He emphasized countless times the fact that there is the need to improve upon the research profile in general and also contribute to the scope of knowledge both locally and internationally.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman for the Occasional Lecture, Professor Seth Owusu-Agyei urged participants to seize the opportunities offered by the Humboldt Foundation to advance their respective careers in order to be of immense benefit to the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho in particular and the world at large.
Present at the lecture were faculty and senior administrative staff of the University.