Blue Resources Research and Policy Institute (BlueRRPI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the sustainability of marine and freshwater ecosystems, has announced the recipients of its 2024 Undergraduate Research Grant. The grant, designed to support research projects that contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of aquatic resources, was awarded to Miss Flavianne Fianko-Yirenkyi and Mr. Bismark Kortey, both from the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD). They were selected under the supervision of Dr. Rahmat Q. Duker, a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences.
The BlueRRPI Undergraduate Research Grant provides recipients with both financial support and professional development opportunities. Miss Flavianne Fianko-Yirenkyi received a cash prize to support her laboratory and field research, a fully funded research mentorship programme, and a scholarship for an introductory statistical programming course in either R or Python. Bismark Kortey received a fully funded research mentorship programme and a scholarship for an introductory statistical programming course in either R or Python.
These grants will enable Flavianne and Bismark to advance their research, thereby contributing to critical scientific knowledge on marine and freshwater ecosystems. The awards reflect BlueRRPI’s commitment to fostering future leaders in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Duker expressed pride in her students’ achievements, highlighting the importance of such opportunities in equipping young researchers with the skills and resources needed to tackle environmental challenges. She said, the 2024 BlueRRPI Undergraduate Research Grant represents another step forward in promoting scientific inquiry and environmental conservation among the next generation of researchers in Ghana.
A brief award ceremony took place in the Vice-Chancellor’s office, where Professor Nyarko-Sampson presented the prestigious awards to Miss Fianko-Yirenkyi and Mr. Kortey for their exceptional research projects on marine and freshwater ecosystems.
In his congratulatory statement, Professor Nyarko-Sampson commended the students for their hard work and dedication. “We are extremely proud of you, Flavianne and Bismark. Your commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainability and environmental conservation has earned you this remarkable achievement. We are confident that you will make significant contributions to protecting our natural resources.”
He also expressed appreciation to the Blue Resources Research and Policy Institute for their continued support. “We are sincerely grateful to BlueRRPI for its commitment to fostering young researchers and supporting innovative projects in environmental sustainability. Your partnership plays an essential role in shaping Ghana’s future leaders in marine and freshwater conservation.”
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, and the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, were also present at the ceremony, showing their support for the awardees and encouraging them to continue excelling in their research endeavours.
This occasion highlights UESD’s growing influence in environmental and sustainable development education and research, and the institution’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent that will lead in environmental stewardship.