By ifeoma Onyekachi

Imperial College London has strengthened its drive for global innovation and research collaboration, with renewed efforts aimed at expanding partnerships across West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana.

The President of Imperial College London, Prof. Hugh Brady, disclosed this during an engagement with Nigerian and Ghanaian journalists in London, as part of a learning visit facilitated by the British High Commission in Nigeria and Ghana.

The visit exposed journalists to the university’s research environment, including tours of advanced laboratories and innovation centres, offering insights into how the institution uses research, innovation and international partnerships to tackle global challenges.

Brady explained that the university stands out among global institutions because of its strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Business, disciplines he said are directly linked to innovation and real-world impact.

Founded in 1907 with a mission to support industry through research and innovation, the university has expanded its focus to address broader global challenges such as healthcare, agriculture, food security and climate change.

During guided laboratory tours, journalists observed ongoing research and technological development in areas ranging from medical innovations to climate-related solutions. Some of the laboratories visited included the Digital Diagnostics for Africa laboratory, Target Malaria laboratory, Muju Earth laboratory and Polymateria laboratory.

Brady emphasised that solving global challenges such as pandemics, food insecurity and climate change would require strong multidisciplinary and international collaboration.

He noted that following Brexit, the institution chose to expand its global partnerships rather than reduce them, adding that the strategy led to the establishment of global hubs, including one in Accra serving the West African region.

According to him, other global hubs are located in Singapore, Shenzhen and San Francisco, and are designed to promote innovation, talent development and investment across regions.

Brady said existing partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana currently produce between 50 and 80 joint research publications annually.

Reports indicate that Imperial College London has collaborated with 69 institutions in Nigeria since 2020, resulting in more than 400 co-authored publications, with medicine emerging as the most active area of collaboration.

He also stressed the important role of journalists in communicating science and technology to the public, noting that public trust is essential for innovation to have a positive impact on society.

Within the next five years, the institution aims to create a multiplier effect that will further strengthen research collaboration, innovation and opportunities across partner regions, including West Africa.