The College of Health Sciences (CHS), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has recorded another significant research milestone as Dr (Mrs) Lilian Antwi Boateng, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Diagnostics and Lead Scientist of the Immunohaematology Research Group, has been awarded the prestigious ASH Global Research Award by the American Society of Hematology (ASH), to advance immunohaematology research in Africa.

The highly competitive award will support a groundbreaking research project titled “Study of African Blood Group Antigens for the Development of Reagents to Detect Associated Antibodies.” The project seeks to address a critical gap in red blood cell (RBC) alloantibody testing in Africa and contribute to the development of an African-specific reagent red cell panel for antibody testing.

The research responds to an important challenge in transfusion medicine across the continent, where healthcare systems often depend on internationally sourced reagents that may not adequately reflect the diversity of blood group antigens within African populations. Such reagents can also be expensive and difficult to access, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Through this project, Dr (Mrs) Boateng and her research team will generate evidence on African blood group antigens to support the development of locally relevant reagents for detecting associated antibodies. The proposed African-specific reagent red cell panel is expected to provide antigens more suitable for the African population, while reducing dependence on imported testing materials.

The successful completion of the study could represent an important step towards strengthening pre-transfusion testing in Ghana. In particular, it has the potential to support the eventual introduction and wider integration of RBC antibody testing into routine pre-transfusion testing protocols, contributing to improved transfusion practices and patient care.

The award further highlights the growing contribution of the KNUST College of Health Sciences to research that addresses pressing health challenges through innovation, international collaboration and locally relevant solutions. It also positions the College's Immunohaematology Research Group as an important contributor to efforts aimed at advancing transfusion science and improving healthcare outcomes in Ghana and across Africa.

Dr (Mrs) Boateng, a promising researcher with a growing profile in haematology and immunohaematology, has been actively involved in teaching, research and postgraduate supervision since joining KNUST in 2012. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to building knowledge and capacity in areas of research with direct relevance to healthcare delivery.

Her academic contributions span undergraduate and postgraduate education. She teaches haematology and immunohaematology across the Medical Laboratory Technology, Emergency Nursing and Veterinary Medicine programmes, while also contributing to the MPhil and PhD programmes in the Department of Medical Diagnostics.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Dr (Mrs) Boateng continues to pursue research to address important gaps in haematology and transfusion medicine. Her long-term aspiration is to grow into a national and international leader in haematology and immunohaematology research, contributing to scientific knowledge, professional development and improved health outcomes.

The USD 150,000 ASH Global Research Award is therefore not only a major personal and professional achievement for Dr Boateng but also a strong endorsement of the quality and relevance of research being undertaken at the College of Health Sciences.

Her success underscores the value of investing in researchers whose work is rooted in local challenges while pursuing solutions with broader continental and global relevance. By focusing on the unique characteristics and needs of African populations, the project exemplifies the kind of context-driven research that can help transform healthcare practice and reduce inequities in access to essential diagnostic resources.

The College of Health Sciences warmly congratulates Dr (Mrs) Lilian Antwi Boateng on this remarkable international recognition and grant award. Her achievement is a source of immense pride to the College and the University and reflects the dedication, expertise and research excellence she continues to demonstrate.

As the College advances its commitment to excellence in health sciences education, research and innovation, achievements such as this reaffirm its role in providing an enabling environment for researchers to pursue impactful studies, forge strategic international collaborations and develop solutions to local, national and global health challenges.

Dr Boateng's latest achievement stands as a powerful testament to the transformative role of research at KNUST and the College of Health Sciences. It shows how rigorous, locally grounded scientific inquiry can generate knowledge and innovations that can strengthen healthcare systems and improve lives across Ghana and the African continent.

Congratulations to Dr (Mrs) Lilian Antwi Boateng on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved ASH Global Research Award.