Brunel University of London has successfully hosted a three-day seminar in collaboration with academics from the University of Ghana, aimed at strengthening research partnerships and enhancing public engagement in research.
The seminar, themed “Beyond Participation: How Can We Achieve Meaningful Involvement in Research,” focused on the principles of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). It followed an earlier workshop held in Accra, which explored the creation of the University of Ghana Older Adults Reference Group (UGORG), modeled after Brunel’s Older Persons Reference Group (BORG) — a PPIE initiative that integrates the voices of older adults into research.
This latest event provided a platform to explore broader opportunities for collaboration in both research and teaching between the two institutions.
Organisers described the discussions as productive, with meaningful connections forged and concrete action points agreed upon to deepen institutional ties.
“We are grateful to our colleagues from the University of Ghana — Professor Jonathan Quartey, Professor Samuel Antwi-Baffour, and Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann — for honouring our invitation,” said Dr. Paapa Kwesi Ampiah, who led the Brunel team.
Brunel faculty members who contributed to the seminar included Dr. Elmar Kal, Professor Nana Kwame Anokye, Dr. Dominic Orth, Mr. Tim Grove, Professor Neil O’Connell, and Professor Christina Victor.
The PPIE model seeks to give older adults a meaningful role in shaping healthcare research by ensuring their lived experiences inform policies and interventions.
Brunel’s delegation expressed enthusiasm about continuing this exchange, including participating in the upcoming launch of UGORG in Ghana.
