The ATPS UK Chapter explores Opportunity for Research, Partnership and Collaboration with the ICT4D Centre, Royal Holloway University of London

From left:- Stephen Bekoe (PHD Student), Dr Dorothea Kleine (Director ICT4D Centre), Martha Ugwu (National Coordinator ATPS UK), Ambrose Nwodoh (Outreach and Communication Director, ATPS UK)

The ATPS UK Chapter and Royal Holloway University of London have explored the opportunities for Research, Partnership and Collaborations as part of an initiative to foster collaboration between the ATPS and the ICT4D Centre in the University. 

The ICT4D Centre is a renowned Cross Disciplinary research Centre that is based within the Geography Department at the University. The Centre was awarded the UNICEF Chair in ICT4D in 2007 and ranked 7th globally in the Science and Technology research category in the 2014 Go To Think Tank Index with the ATPS following closely at 13th globally in that category and only second in Africa.

The talk which was delivered by the Outreach and Communications Director of the ATPS UK Chapter, Mr Ambrose Nwodoh accompanied by the ATPS UK National Coordinator Martha Ugwu, was attended by a cross selection of Senior Academics and Postgraduates students from the ICT4D Centre. Notable attendees were the Head of Geography Department and a Professor of Human Geography Kate Willis, Director of the ICT4D Centre and Director of MSc Practicing Sustainable Development Dr Dorothea Kleine, Lecturer in Human/Environmental Geography, Dr Gwilym Eades to name but three. 

Focus

The talk was focused on introducing the current directions of ATPS Network and its strengths as a leading global research in Africa. It served a perfect opportunity to present the ATPS Phase VII Strategic Plan 2013-2018 to the Centre with a view of collaborating in delivering on some of the key objectives. The Centre acknowledged the relevance of ATPS in global science, technology and innovation policy research, policymaking and policy implementation and the benefit of working with ATPS especially in delivering on its sustainable development agenda.  Both organisations share similar objectives with great emphasis on delivering practical activities that will empower poor people in the global south.

The presentation concluded with a very interactive question and answer session that focused on clarifying issues of capacity/structure of ATPS and identifying areas for collaboration. The Centre was reassured of the structure and the extensive global network of ATPS researchers that cuts across many disciplines both within and outside Africa. The Director of the Centre thanked Ambrose and Martha for the presentation and reaffirmed her commitment in developing a collaborative framework between the ICT4D Centre and the ATPS Network. . She alluded that the Centre would sign an MOU with the ATPS once a suitable project is identified.  

For all enquiries about ATPS in the UK please do contact;

The Outreach and Communications Director

59 Highgrove Road

Princes Park

Kent, ME5 7SF

UK.

Email: atps.uk@atpsnet.org

Visit ATPS website at: www.atpsnet.org