KNUST Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering Dean challenges students to develop technology, not just consume it
The Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Emmanuel Assuming Frimpong, has challenged students to move beyond consuming technology for entertainment and contribute to its development.
He gave the advice at a capacity-building workshop organised by DIPPER Lab under the NKABOM Project, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana, to explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and materials science in developing sustainable energy technologies.
Speaking on the importance of interdisciplinary research in AI and materials science, Prof. Frimpong urged students to take advantage of opportunities to use AI to accelerate research and contribute to technological advancement.
He encouraged students to "take a keen interest in how AI can accelerate research and support the development of new technologies".
Head of the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at KNUST, Prof. Emmanuel Gikunoo, highlighted the role of materials engineering in sustainable energy solutions and the need to build research capacity in the field.
He said the workshop would help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers to take research innovations from the laboratory to industrial production.
“The intersection of AI and materials science offers you a pathway to global relevance and impact,” he said.
Prof. Gikunoo called for investment in high-performance computing, advanced characterisation facilities and sustained international mentorship to support research and innovation.
The workshop also featured presentations on the application of AI and machine learning in materials research.
Dr. Bennetta Koomson, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at KNUST and Principal Investigator at the WE-Africa Membrane Knowledge Hub, presented on the application of AI and machine learning in extractive metallurgy.
Her presentation explored how these computational techniques can be applied to research challenges in materials science beyond solar energy.
Prof. Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at KNUST, presented on “AI/ML-Driven Simulation and Experimental Optimization of Benzene Dicarboximide Hydrochloride-Modified Perovskite Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency and Long-Term Stability.”
His presentation examined how AI and machine learning can support simulations and experiments to improve the efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.
The workshop forms part of the NKABOM Project, which focuses on generative AI for stable, lead-free perovskites and high-performance organic solar cells. The project aims to advance the use of AI in discovering solar energy materials and strengthen research collaboration between Ghanaian and French institutions.
