WASCAL and Lancaster University advance climate research partnership through Horizon Europe workshop

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) and Lancaster University have taken steps to advance their recently signed Memorandum of Understanding by launching a high-level partnership workshop focused on developing competitive proposals under the Horizon Europe programme.

The workshop, held at WASCAL Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, marks the implementation phase of the collaboration between the two institutions, with a focus on strengthening climate research, innovation and sustainable development initiatives across Africa.

Opening the event, WASCAL Executive Director, Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to address climate challenges and support sustainable development on the continent.

Prof. Kirk T. Semple, University Director of International Research at Lancaster University, provided participants with insights into the Horizon Europe Africa Initiative and outlined opportunities available to African research institutions through the programme.

Technical sessions were led by Dr. Akanimo Odon, Head of Africa Strategic Partnerships at Lancaster University, who facilitated discussions on funding opportunities, proposal development strategies and approaches to enhancing competitiveness for Horizon Europe grants.

The workshop also explored collaborative solutions in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems and the water-nutrient-energy nexus, areas considered critical to Africa’s climate resilience and development agenda.

Officials from both institutions said the engagement reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that international partnerships translate into practical outcomes that strengthen research capacity, innovation and sustainable development across Africa.