The Mathematical and Computational Physics (MCP) Unit Participates in Continental Quantum Science Workshop
The Mathematical and Computational Physics (MCP) Unit at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was privileged to represent Ghana at the Quantum Science & Technology Across Africa workshop, hosted by CQCtec in Durban, South Africa. This gathering brought together researchers, policymakers, and educators from across Africa and beyond, to map out collaborative pathways and address the emerging "quantum divide" in research and innovation in the continent.
Dr. Henry Martin, coordinator of the Unit, delivered a talk titled "Quantum Science and Technology (QST) in Ghana: A Way to Address the Quantum Divide and Ensure Inclusiveness." In his presentation, Dr. Martin emphasized the pivotal role that mathematical and computational physics plays in reinvigorating physics education and research in Ghana, particularly in the face of infrastructural and funding constraints.
“Our efforts over the past four years demonstrate how a focus on computational tools and theoretical methods can meaningfully contribute to Ghana’s development goals, while also positioning us within the global QST community,” wrote Dr. Martin.
His talk highlighted departmental initiatives that contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), among others.
Two (2) PhD researchers also presented posters on advanced quantum materials: Henry Quarshie’s work on mechanical properties of refractory metals, and David Ansi’s study on enhancing the quantum capacitance of graphene-based supercapacitors using DFT simulations.
Both posters demonstrated applications of density functional theory (DFT) in materials science and energy storage, and showed the department’s growing capacity in quantum materials research.
The workshop also featured presentations from other Ghana-based institutions including AIMS Ghana and the UNESCO Ghana Office.
Participation in this event strengthens collaborative links and reinforces strategic focus on future-facing science to address both national priorities and global challenges.
The workshop was organized through the support of a consortium of partners including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Wilhelm und Else Heraeus-Stiftung, the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SA QuTi), the African Laser Centre, Premier Hotels & Resorts, and Venues for Conferences in Africa.
