CSIR moves to turn scientific research into jobs, national growth

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is organizing a conference and innovation fair in October to transform locally developed research into market-ready products, new businesses, and solutions to Ghana's development challenges. This event, the CSIR Scientific Conference and Innovation Fair 2026, will feature research in various sectors such as agriculture, food security, biotechnology, construction, water resources, environmental protection, and industrial development.

The conference will take place on October 14-15, while the innovation fair will run from October 16-18 at the Efua Sutherland Children's Park in Accra, themed "From Research to Market: The Role of CSIR in Driving Innovation for National Development." CSIR Director-General, Prof. Paul Bosu, highlighted that research's true value lies in translating knowledge into solutions to address real-world challenges and enhance people's lives.

He emphasized the need for science to cater to the demands of farmers, industries, communities, and businesses. Deputy Director-General, Prof. Marian Dorcas Quain, revealed that over 500 scientists from CSIR's 13 institutes are currently engaged in more than 300 research projects, with a combined value of nearly GH¢100 million. These projects span various areas, including climate-smart agriculture, food security, biodiversity, sustainable construction, water resources, biotechnology, and public policy.

Examples of CSIR's innovations include pod borer-resistant cowpea, climate-smart rice breeding materials, hydroponic systems, nano-fertilizer technology, improved fish-smoking ovens, low-carbon concrete, improved cookstoves, and briquette technology. The fair aims to strengthen connections between research institutions and Ghana's productive sectors, encouraging scientists to collaborate with universities and industry to translate research findings into practical applications.