On Friday, May 23, 2025, a delegation from the University of L’Aquila, Italy, paid a courtesy visit to Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The delegation was led by Professor Bruno Rubino, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, and included Professor Antinisca Di Marco, Coordinator of the L’Aquila node of SoBigData RI; Ms. Sabrina Prioli, Coach and Consultant; Miss Fausta Ludovici; and Mr. Marco De Luca from the International Affairs Office. Professor Rubino stated that the main aim of the visit is to reaffirm the commitment of the University of L’Aquila to deepening academic and research collaboration with KNUST.
Dr. Henry Martin, of the Department of Physics and Ghanaian Coordinator of the RealMaths Consortium, shared that through ongoing collaboration, KNUST students have been participating in a one-year Postgraduate programme at the University of L’Aquila focused on Mathematics for Real World Application (RealMaths), culminating in a double degree.
To further strengthen the partnership between the two institutions, the visiting delegation engaged in discussions on the proposed Smart Water (Digital Twin) Project - a pioneering initiative aimed at purifying waste(water) for reuse, with funding from the Italian government.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of University Management, Professor Mrs. Dickson highlighted the central role the universities play in finding practical solutions to societal challenges, noting that such solutions are best achieved through strategic collaborations. She emphasized the relevance of the Smart Water Project, especially given the pollution of water bodies caused by unsustainable mining practices in Ghana. “We are excited to meet partners who share in our vision,” she said, expressing enthusiasm about the project and the broader collaboration.
Professor Leonard Amekudzi, Provost of the College of Science, assured the delegation that the College houses all the requisite Departments and expertise necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the Smart Water (Digital Twin) Project.
Other officials present at the meeting included Professor Michael Poku-Boansi, Director of School of Graduate Studies; Professor Joseph Abeiku Ackora-Prah, Dean of the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences; Professor Esmeranda Manful, Vice-Dean of the International Programmes Office; Professor Francis Kofi Ampong, Head of Department of Physics; Professor Akwasi Acheampong Aning, Department of Physics; Dr. Benjamin Doe, Department of Planning; and representatives from the International Programmes Office and the University Relations Office.
