The University for Development Studies (UDS) has concluded its 19th Annual Interdisciplinary Conference and 3rd Research Week Celebration, with a call for researchers to work across disciplines and turn their findings into practical solutions for communities.
Organised by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIR), the September 14 -17, 2026 event brought together exhibitions, school outreach, capacity building sessions and academic presentations across the Nyankpala, City and Tamale campuses. It was held under the theme, “Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation for Resilient Communities and National Development.”

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu, said challenges involving health, food security, climate change, governance and technology required expertise from more than one field. He urged researchers to develop solutions with communities, government, industry and civil society, and to consider how their work could influence policy and improve lives.

Prof. Iddrisu also encouraged students and early-career researchers to take part in academic discussions, while calling on senior scholars to mentor the next generation.

The Research Week opened with an exhibition of faculty research, technological innovations and institutional achievements at the Nyankpala Campus. An expert panel assessed the exhibits, while visiting students from three senior high schools and a basic school explored the University’s programmes. Industry representatives also attended to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

At a capacity building seminar at the City Campus, participants examined the role of artificial intelligence in research, institutional mentorship and the development of competitive grant proposals. Presentations included a session on mentorship by the Dean of the Graduate School, Prof. Paul K. Nkegbe, and guidance on research grants by the Director of the Centre for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Prof. Awal Abdul-Rahaman.

The main conference at the Tamale Campus featured addresses by invited guests, including Prof. Shamsudeen Ziblim, and parallel sessions in which researchers presented their work and received feedback. A further session examined the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

In his closing remarks, the Director of IIR, Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu, thanked the University’s senior leadership, planning committee and organisers. He said the discussions had strengthened awareness of AI’s growing role in research and encouraged participants to apply what they had learned and sustain the professional connections made during the event.

Prof. Akudugu urged presenters to develop their papers for publication in the conference proceedings and academic journals. The Institute also plans to update the book of abstracts and explore a special journal edition featuring selected papers.

The conference chair, Prof. Ibrahim Yakubu Seini, reiterated the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, community partnerships and research with measurable impact. He formally closed the 2026 gathering on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. Deans, directors, heads of department, lecturers and students from across the University attended the conference.

Story by Abdul-Malik | UDS Media