THE Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has been urged to ensure that its research work directly contributed to improving the quality of life in society.
The call was made by a former Executive Vice President of Unilever Global Markets and independent strategic advisor, Mr Yaw Nsarkoh, at the institute’s annual Quality Week celebration held yesterday in Accra on the theme “Think Research, Think Quality, Think Noguchi Sustainability Beyond Accreditation.”
He said quality research must go beyond merely obtaining accreditation from international regulatory organisations to making tangible impact on society.
Mr Nsarkoh explained that excellence must be modelled and simplified so that ordinary citizens could understand and appreciate the work of research institutions. He further encouraged the institute to champion civic education and act as organic intellectuals by breaking down complex scientific findings into relatable knowledge for the public.
“Quality is not something that is detached as a mechanistic discipline. When we talk about building a quality culture, we are talking about the advancement of society and improving people’s well-being. So I want to urge NMIMR to connect its work to the improvement of society and break it down for people to understand,” he said.
Mr Nsarkoh also underscored the need for effective collaboration with stakeholders, particularly the media, to better inform the citizenry about the institute’s operations and contributions.
Additionally, he urged the leadership of the country, including policymakers, to look beyond Gross Domestic Product and focus on improving the overall quality of life of the people.
The Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Mr Emmanuel Amarh Kofi Buah, in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Director General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Francis Hasford, highlighted the critical role of quality systems in research, policy coordination, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“We increasingly rely on scientific data and research to guide decisions on land use, environmental protection, climate resilience and resource maintenance,” Mr Buah stated.
He noted that quality-driven research institutions such as the Noguchi Memorial Institute were indispensable partners in national and regional development, adding that the institute’s emphasis on policies across its operations, from research and diagnostics to biosafety, ethics, data management and capacity delivery, was commendable.
Mr Buah commended the institute for promoting quality research and management systems, which had earned it recognition and accreditation from the International Standard Organisation. However, he reiterated the need for the institute to uphold a culture of continuous improvement and excellence and assured it of government support for initiatives that strengthened quality, innovation and research excellence.
The Director of the institute, Professor Dorothy Yeboah Manu, in an interview with the media, highlighted its contributions to the health sector, particularly in infectious disease research.
The week-long celebration, designed to highlight the institute’s commitment to quality management systems, research excellence and continuous improvement in health research and laboratory practices, featured activities including mental health awareness sessions, biosecurity simulations, panel discussions and a quality quiz competition.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
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