Education
Prof. Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, with Nigerian and Ghanaian journalists in London
IMPERIAL College London has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and global collaboration with a strong focus on deepening partnerships with West Africa.
The institution’s President, Prof. Hugh Brady, gave the reassurance while addressing some Nigerian and Ghanaian journalists in London.
The meeting formed part of a learning visit facilitated by the British High Commission in Nigeria and Ghana, which brought together some journalists for an immersive experience including tours of cutting-edge laboratories in the institution.
The visit provided insights into how the institution leveraged innovation, collaboration and international partnerships to address pressing global challenges.
Brady described the institution as distinct from most global universities due to its strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Business.
“On the international stage, Imperial is quite different from most universities. We prioritise disciplines that directly drive innovation and real-world impact,” he said.
Founded in 1907 with a mission to be useful to industry, the institution has expanded its vision to address broader global challenges, in healthcare, agriculture and climate change, among others.
The focus was evident during guided tours of some laboratories, where journalists observed researchers working on advanced technologies ranging from health innovations to climate-focused solutions.
Some of the laboratories toured by the journalists include Digital Diagnostics for Africa laboratory, Target Malaria laboratory, Muju Earth laboratory, and Polymateria laboratory.
Brady emphasised that solving today’s global challenges such as pandemics, food insecurity, and climate change effects would require multidisciplinary and international collaboration.
“Following Brexit, Imperial chose to expand its global reach rather than scale back.
“Our response was to double down on international partnerships. Central to this strategy is the creation of global hubs, including one in Accra serving West Africa.”
He added that the institution’s global hubs, including those in Singapore, Shenzhen and San Francisco, were designed to facilitate innovativeness, talent discovery and investments across regions.
Brady said that existing partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana produced between 50 and 80 joint research publications annually.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Imperial College London has collaborated with 69 institutions in Nigeria since 2020.
This has resulted in 403 co-authored publications, with medicine being the most popular area of collaboration, having 269 publications.
Brady also highlighted the critical role of journalists and communicators.
“If we don’t have the trust of citizens, we risk losing the opportunity to use science and technology as a force for good,” he warned.
He called on media professionals to play a critical role in translating complex scientific developments into accessible narratives to help the public understand both the benefits and risks of emerging technologies.
Within the next five years, the institution aims to create a multiplier effect that will strengthen research, innovation and opportunities. (NAN)
A.I
March 29, 2026
Tags: Imperial College London Prof. Hugh Brady
