The University for Development Studies (UDS) has announced the establishment of a GH¢500,000 research support fund for postgraduate students and faculty, reinforcing its commitment to research that addresses real societal challenges.
The announcement was made at the opening of the 4th Annual Graduate School Conference at the University’s Tamale Campus, which brought together Master’s and Doctoral students from across UDS campuses for two days of scholarly engagement and reflection.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, said the new fund was an investment in ideas with the potential to influence policy, empower communities and promote sustainable development. He urged prospective beneficiaries to use the support responsibly and with a clear sense of purpose.
Professor Al-Hassan stressed that postgraduate research must extend beyond academic assessment and focus on producing knowledge that benefits society. He cautioned that research was not a neutral exercise, noting that it could either strengthen or undermine communities depending on its intent, ethics and relevance.
Held under the theme “Forging a Sustainable Future Through Postgraduate Research,” the conference sought to guide students toward conducting rigorous, ethical and socially responsive research. According to the Vice-Chancellor, universities globally were redefining their roles to balance academic excellence with societal responsibility, and UDS was aligning itself with that vision.
He further warned against academic dishonesty, particularly plagiarism, describing integrity as the foundation of credible scholarship and long-term academic impact.
The guest speaker, Professor Albert Luguterah, Vice-Chancellor of the CK Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, encouraged postgraduate students to view their research as an opportunity to create lasting change rather than simply a requirement for graduation.
He noted that while technology had transformed research and innovation, it could also deepen social challenges if not guided by ethical and community-focused inquiry. He therefore urged students to choose research topics that addressed real development needs and reflected the lived experiences of the people they aimed to serve.
The conference featured research presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions designed to strengthen critical thinking and foster a culture of impactful postgraduate scholarship at UDS.
Organisers said the Annual Graduate School Conference remains a key platform for nurturing high-quality research and advancing the University’s broader mission of development-oriented education and knowledge creation.
