The Africa Interdisciplinary Research Institute (AfIRI) has announced the latest recipients of its Dissertation Completion Grants, providing a vital financial lifeline to Master’s and PhD students navigating the final hurdles of their academic journeys.
AfIRI, an independent not-for-profit organization, designed the grant to foster collaborative research across the African continent. The funding specifically targets the most resource-intensive phases of post-graduate work, including data collection, complex analysis, and the final production of theses.
For many beneficiaries, the grant represents more than just financial aid; it offers the mental space required for rigorous academic inquiry. Hilda K. Koranteng, a grant recipient, noted that the funds will ease the financial burden of her thesis by covering data collection and communication costs.
She further noted that the grant will also offer her the needed space to focus more deeply on producing high-quality analysis and completing her study on the topic ‘experiences of under-18-year psychiatric patients admitted to adult psychiatric wards at Ankaful Psychiatric Hospital, Ghana.’”
In the field of medical research, Steve Auko is utilizing the support to validate traditional treatments for Buruli ulcer, a persistent public health challenge in West Africa. Auko stated that rural populations continue to rely on traditional medicine despite pharmacological advancements.
He expressed confidence that the funds will be instrumental in facilitating the costs of characterizing the identified compounds, printing the final thesis document, and preparing conference posters to disseminate the findings.”
The grant is also driving innovation in agriculture and biotechnology. Rabbi Boateng, a PhD candidate developing low-cost machine-learning tools to improve rice seed selection in Ghana, described the support as crucial.
“With this support, I can complete data collection, finalize my experimental analysis, and prepare my dissertation for submission. The grant also assists with printing, logistics, and essential lab supplies. I deeply appreciate AfIRI’s commitment to supporting research development in Africa,” Boateng noted.
Similarly, Waswala Brian indicated that the grant will directly support his dissertation by covering essential laboratory materials and antimicrobial sensitivity testing required for data collection and analysis.
He added that the funding will enable presentation of his research findings at a relevant academic conference, facilitating scholarly feedback, and will cover final thesis binding to ensure timely submission and dissemination of the completed work.
Congratulating the awardees, the Founding Director of AfIRI, Dr. Rachel Thompson, urged the students to strive for excellence, emphasizing that their work has the potential to contribute significantly to advancements in knowledge and innovation globally.
Looking ahead, Dr. Thompson expressed hope for expanded resources to support more students, especially women, with funds to complete their dissertations across universities in Africa in the coming years.