By Florence Afriyie Mensah
Kumasi March 18, GNA – The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in its shared vision of advancing engineering education and research, has inaugurated a Radiofrequency (RF) and Microwave Research Center and Teaching Laboratory.
The laboratories and equipment valued at €1,000,000 was established with financial support from the Rohde and Schwarz, an engineering company in Germany.
The two rare and unique laboratories will help the KNUST to carry out innovative research communications, specifically research in radio frequencies, microwave and millimeter wave engineering covering antenna design and measurement, electromagnetic simulation, as well as device characterization.
These laboratories will bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience enabling students conduct experiments and explore real world applications of RF and microwave engineering.
Professor Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor, KNUST, at the inauguration of the facilities indicated that in the era of rapid technological advancement, telecommunication technology could not be left out.
“Our ability to actively contribute to this advancement lies in innovative research.
Radiofrequency and microwave engineering including antenna and circuit design are the hub of wireless communication,” she noted, adding that, research in these fields were incomplete without access to state-of-the-art test and measurement equipment.
Prof Dickson commended Rohde and Schwarz for the immense assistance to the KNUST College of Engineering, assuring partners of putting the research center and laboratory to best use.
She encouraged the students and teaching staff to fully utilize the facilities.
They should embrace continuous learning and push the boundaries, innovate as well to shape the future of telecommunication technology research and innovation in Ghana and beyond.
Mr Hans Nathias Boos, Project Lead, Rohde and Schwarz, said the importance of practical experience could not be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
It was crucial for students not only to learn theoretical concepts but also to apply them in real world scenarios adding that, the laboratory would be an important resource to students in enhanced understanding and skills.
Young engineers will receive education in well-equipped laboratories in their home countries to address challenges facing their communities and ensure sustainable economic growth.
Mr Boos hinted that in the coming months, Rohde and Schwarz would work closely with the KNUST for students to sharpen their innovative abilities and entrepreneurial skills.
Mr Daniel Krull, German Ambassador to Ghana, said Germany was happy to support the University with high-end technology.
He pledged the country’s resolve to continue extending assistance to Ghana through collaborative research and innovation including vaccine design at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR).
Prof Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, Provost, KNUST College of Engineering, said the donation showed the value of strong partnership between academia and industry.
Rohde and Schwarz, he said, support depicted their commitment to advancing engineering education and nurturing the next generation of telecommunication experts.
GNA
KOM/KOA