POINT researchers pay courtesy call on KNUSTs IPO

Researchers participating in the Popular-to-Popular Transport Integration (POINT) Workshop paid a courtesy visit to the International Programmes Office (IPO) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as part of activities marking the workshop.

POINT (Popular-to-Popular Transport Integration) is a research initiative supported by the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF). The project focuses on co-creating practical, evidence-based solutions for sustainable urban mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana and Rwanda. Beyond transport systems and statistics, the initiative emphasizes the lived experiences of the people who keep cities moving every day, whether they travel by minibus, motorcycle, or on foot.

Welcoming the team on behalf of the Dean of the International Programmes Office, the Vice Dean, Prof. (Mrs.) Augustina Angelina Sylverken, commended the researchers for the progress made so far and expressed the office’s commitment to supporting the project throughout its implementation.

“The project, as you have explained, is very important. I am particularly impressed by the fact that you are addressing all the dimensions that come with it, including the political and social aspects of urban mobility. I believe this comprehensive approach is commendable and will contribute significantly to sustainable transport solutions in the region,” she said.

Prof. Sylverken further assured the visiting researchers of the office’s support during their stay at KNUST.

“I understand that you have already visited some areas of the university, and I would like to assure you that our doors remain open to you throughout your stay. Should you require any assistance to make your time here comfortable and productive, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may send us an email or simply walk into our office, and we will be glad to assist you,” she added.

The workshop seeks to facilitate the development of research instruments that will support effective and reliable data collection for the project. The Co-Principal Investigator and the Director of Business Development and Sustainability, Prof. Alexander Boakye Marful, explained that the workshop was designed to ensure alignment among all research teams involved in the project.

According to him, bringing the teams together provides an opportunity to harmonize research procedures, share knowledge, and establish common standards for data collection and analysis. He noted that this collaborative approach would enable project partners to conduct their work in accordance with internationally recognized standards of excellence, thereby enhancing the quality, credibility, and impact of the research outcomes.

The POINT project, funded by the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations, is being implemented at KNUST by TCC International Centre for Innovation, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (TCC-CIMET) under the leadership of Prof. Francis Davis. The project is led by Dr. Josephine Malonza as Principal Investigator, in partnership with researchers from Aalto University, University of Oxford, and University of Rwanda.