UEW Staff Present Key Research on Academic Integrity in Athens
In a significant contribution to the global discourse on research integrity, two faculty members from the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have presented enlightening studies at the 8th World Conference on Research Integrity held from 2nd to 5th June, 2024.
The two senior members are Dr. Fred Yao Gbagbo, Head of the Department of Health Administration and Education, and Dr. Pearl Nana Yaa Adubea Hammond, Faculty Officer of the School of Creative Arts (SCA).
Dr. Fred Yao Gbagbo delivered two compelling papers shedding light on critical issues plaguing Ghanaian academia. His first study, employing an exploratory descriptive case study design, meticulously explored stakeholders' perspectives on research misconduct within a prominent Ghanaian public university. Through in-depth interviews and rigorous thematic analysis, Dr. Gbagbo revealed the complex interplay of factors driving research misconduct, prominently attributing it to the pervasive "publish or perish" culture and inadequate institutional frameworks for identifying and addressing such issues.
"Research misconduct in Ghanaian academic institutions is deeply intertwined with pressures to publish," remarked Dr. Gbagbo during his presentation. "Our findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policies and ethical guidelines to safeguard academic integrity."
In his second presentation, Dr. Gbagbo expanded his inquiry to encompass broader perspectives on research misconduct among Ghanaian academics, advocating for evidence-based interventions to foster a culture of ethical research practices.
Dr. Pearl Nana Yaa Adubea Hammond probed into the intricacies of thesis supervision within her department. Employing a qualitative research paradigm, Dr. Hammond's study revealed nuanced insights into the challenges faced by both graduate students and faculty supervisors. Her findings underscored the need for enhanced institutional support and clearer guidelines to improve the quality of thesis supervision, particularly in mitigating challenges related to workload and resource constraints.
"The quality of thesis supervision directly impacts the scholarly output of our students," Dr. Hammond emphasised. "Our study highlights the imperative for structured policies and increased faculty support to ensure a conducive academic environment."
The 8th World Conference on Research Integrity serves as a pivotal platform for global experts to advance dialogue and action on promoting ethical research practices worldwide. UEW's contributions not only enrich the scholarly discourse but also pave the way for actionable reforms within Ghanaian academia.
As the conference concluded, Dr. Gbagbo and Dr. Hammond expressed optimism that their research would catalyse meaningful reforms in academic policies and practices, driving towards a more robust framework for research integrity in Ghana and beyond.