The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) at the University of Ghana (UG) has hosted the 8th University-Based Institutes for Advanced Studies (UBIAS) Directors Conference 2025, bringing together top-level management members from institutions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
The event aimed to share diverse global experiences on how UBIAS plays a critical role in shaping research and knowledge production while taking into account the various cultural nuances of the locations in which they operate.
Speaking at the event held at the J.H. Nketia Conference Facility of the Institute for African Studies, the UBIAS Lead Coordinator and Director at the French Network of Institutes for Advanced Research, Olivier Bouin, indicated that the network of advanced institutes spread across the five continents serves as a specialised platform to co-create knowledge and conduct evidence-based research to strengthen universities and shape state and non-state policies worldwide.
“This meeting of experts from across five continents is dedicated to exchanging ideas on how we can strengthen our networks as partners to sharpen policy and academic outcomes for the good of society. We exist to complement the work we do in different locations around the world, contributing to the process of knowledge creation and dissemination that inspires innovative policymaking and makes the world better for us all. The main goal is to foster diverse collaborations across academic and social fields while mentoring the next generation of well-rounded experts for global impact.”
The Provost of the College of Humanities, Professor Joseph Yaro, also noted that since the establishment of MIASA under the College, it has rolled out several programmes and fellowships for both local and visiting African scholars, helping to build capacity and transmit knowledge to advance development across the continent.
“At the College of Humanities, which makes up nearly 50% of the University of Ghana’s population, the impact of MIASA has been remarkable. It has played a critical role in training the next generation of both local and foreign scholars from across the continent and parts of the West, while projecting a positive image of the wider academic community on campus.”
The Co-Directors of MIASA, Professors Diawara (Germany) and Grace Diabah (Ghana), expressed gratitude to their local and global funding partners, the University of Ghana and the German Federal Ministry for Higher Education, for their support in making the first UBIAS Global Directors Conference in Africa a resounding success.
“As the local hosts of this conference under the auspices of the German Federal Ministry for Higher Education and the University of Ghana, MIASA is deeply grateful for the collaboration that enabled the organisation of this prestigious gathering of seasoned academic experts from five continents. This has provided a platform to discuss contemporary research challenges and how institutions can leverage partnerships to sustain excellence in knowledge production for long-term global impact, guided by a shared vision of a diversified world where academic collaboration is not limited by geographical boundaries.”
The five-day conference featured presentations from selected scholars, networking sessions, and visits to tourist sites and places of interest, providing participants with a holistic and enriching experience.
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Story by Sika Togoh | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Gabriel Tecco Mensah
