Growing knowledge, inspiring change: Christian Opoku-Kwarteng’s journey with AuthorAID in conservation science and community engagement

Based on an interview conducted by Maisie Northing

AuthorAID is made up of thousands of researchers in the Global South. Each of them, in their own way, is on a mission to create new knowledge, strengthen existing knowledge, and improve their immediate or even global community and environment. 
We recently spoke with Christian Opoku-Kwarteng, AuthorAID member and Assistant Research Scientist with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research–Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, to discuss his work, his research journey, and the role AuthorAID has played in his career so far. 

Christian’s work is rooted in Ghana’s forests, where his entomology expertise is integral to research on issues threatening biodiversity, his outreach and sensitisation activities to educate young people takes place, and where local communities are engaged in initiatives to improve their livelihoods. His projects have ranged from conducting surveys for mining companies to develop responsible plans, investigating the role animals play in the ecology of African soils, to training local communities in sustainable beekeeping. Christian’s efforts show how research can be a powerful and necessary tool for positive change both for people and for the environment. 

Unlocking opportunities 

Like many early career researchers in the Global South, Christian faces obstacles, particularly around securing funding and resources, which can be scarce and competitive. Through AuthorAID’s courses, Christian gained skills that supported him in advancing his research and career. He credits AuthorAID’s Mastering Grant Proposal Writing Massive Open Online Course as a “game-changer” as it helped him secure grants and opening doors to further opportunities. 

Beyond grant writing, AuthorAID’s Getting Started with Writing and Publishing Your Research course has accelerated his research outputs. AuthorAID courses have helped connect Christian with other resources and course platforms, enabling him to deepen his knowledge in data analysis and publishing. Skills like developing a grant proposal or research writing, as well as soft skills, are often not taught in formal academic settings – this is where AuthorAID’s learning offer provides a crucial stepping stone for early career researchers to grow in their careers and to make a positive impact with their research.

Christian and a colleague doing the Winkler Technique for ant sampling

Inspiring the next generation

When not conducting research, Christian is involved in outreach programmes in schools and communities, educating Ghana’s younger generation on the importance of conservation and climate action. 

Inspired by AuthorAID’s journal clubs, Christian is powering discussions with colleagues at his university to create a journal club for postgraduates. Christian emphasises the importance of collaboration, understanding the interdisciplinary nature of one’s work, and always reading widely. These are valuable principles for early career researchers to establish in their approach to their work, and for all researchers working to address global and local issues.  

Reflecting on his journey so far, Christian emphasizes the power of lifelong learning something he hopes other early career researchers will embrace. He credits AuthorAID’s learning offer with helping him expand his capabilities and progress in his career.  

Christian’s story is one of many examples highlighting how AuthorAID equips researchers in the Global South to overcome challenges and to contribute research that inspires lasting change in their communities and beyond.

To read the full interview and learn more about Christian’s work, click here.