CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

6TH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

THEME: “RESEARCH FOR POLICY: STRENGTHENING EVIDENCE-INFORMED POLICYMAKING FOR GHANA’S DEVELOPMENT”

DATE: 23rd to 25th September 2026

UBIDS, Bamahu, Wa, Ghana

INTRODUCTION

We are pleased to announce that the 6th Research and Development Conference will be held at the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, between 23rd and 25th September 2026.

Despite the growing volume of research generated by universities, think tanks, and research institutions in Ghana, much of this knowledge remains underutilised in the policy space. Weak research-policy linkages, limited capacity for knowledge translation, political economy constraints, and inadequate institutional frameworks often hinder the systematic uptake of evidence into decision-making processes.

This year’s conference seeks to provide a multi-stakeholder platform for researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to critically examine pathways for strengthening the research-policy-practice nexus in Ghana with special focus on the SDGs. By fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and showcasing innovative approaches to evidence use, the conference aims to elicit and share policy suggestions that are responsive, inclusive, implementable, and impactful to drive the achievement of the SDGs.

Ultimately, the conference is grounded in the conviction that research evidence must transcend academic outputs to become a central pillar of national development planning, policy design, and implementation in Ghana.

The conference welcomes submissions under the following sub-themes and beyond
  1. Economic Governance and Macroeconomic Policy (SDG 8, 10)

Research evidence in fiscal policy, public financial management, debt sustainability, and economic recovery strategies.

  1. Agricultural Transformation and Food Security (SDG 1, 2, 13)

Research-driven policies for modern agriculture, agribusiness, irrigation, climate-smart farming, and resilient food systems.

  1. Energy, Extractives, and Natural Resource Governance (SDG 7, 12, 13)

Using data and research to inform energy transition, mining governance, oil and gas policy, and sustainable resource management.

  1. Strengthening Infrastructure, Transport, and Housing Policies through Evidence (SDG 9, 11, 13)

Evidence-informed planning for roads, rail, ports, urban development, and affordable housing delivery.

  1. Educational Policy and Systems Transformation (SDG 4)

Research-based reforms in basic, secondary, TVET, and tertiary education; teacher quality; curriculum relevance; digital learning; and education financing.

  1. Health Governance and Evidence-Informed Policy (SDG 3, 10, 13)

Health system strengthening and resilience, health inequalities and social determinants, climate-health adaptation and mitigation, and non-communicable diseases

  1. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action (SDG 12, 13, 15)

Research-driven climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and disaster risk reduction.

  1. Social Protection and Inclusive Development (SDG 1, 5, 10)

Research evidence for poverty reduction, gender equity and diversity, youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and social safety nets.

  1. Digital Transformation, Resilience and Innovation (SDG 9)

Evidence for ICT policy, digital public services, AI governance, fintech, and innovation ecosystems.

  1. Tourism, Creative Economy, and Cultural Heritage Development (SDG 8, 12)

Evidence-based policies for tourism growth, hospitality, creative industries, cultural heritage conservation, and destination competitiveness.

  1. All Other Related Areas of Research within Social Sciences and Humanities
Main Sessions
  1. Day 1: Opening, a keynote speech and presentation of selected policy briefs
  2. Days 2 and 3: Oral Presentations (Academic Papers)
AUTHOR GUIDE FOR ACADEMIC PAPERS

(Please note that abstracts that do not conform to the format will not be reviewed)

  1. Submit an unstructured abstract of your work
  2. The abstract should have a clear title
  3. Should include an introduction, purpose, methods, results, and conclusions/implications
  4. Provide up to five (5) keywords separated with a semi-colon (;)
  5. Between 200 and 300 words, and must be submitted in British English
  6. New Times Roman, 12 font, 1.5 spacing
  7. The full names, affiliations, and emails of the authors must be included in your submission
  8. Submit Your Abstract to: conference@ubids.edu.gh
IMPORTANT DATES

(The deadline for submission of abstracts will not be extended)

Activity Dates
Abstract Submission Due May 31, 2026
Notification of Acceptance June 30, 2026
Conference Registration July 1 to 31, 2026
Dates for Conference September 23 to 25, 2026

 

REGISTRATION FEES

 Please note that the deadline for registration will not be extended

The link and medium of payment will be provided before registration opens

  Rates
Participant Category  
UBIDS Staff only GHC 500
Local participants GHC 700
All Postgraduate Students GHC 400
Foreign (Africa) US$ 200
Foreign (Others) US$ 300

Note: Registration fee covers snacks and lunches, & conference pack  

All enquiries should be directed to: conference@ubids.edu.gh, or call +233594940793.

You can also download the full call document here