Professor McBagonluri inducted into Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences

President of Academic City University, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, has been inducted into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) in recognition of his contributions to engineering, innovation and education.

His induction makes him the first person from a private university to be admitted into the prestigious learned society.

The induction, announced on November 11, 2026, recognises his career spanning engineering, industry, education and innovation, as well as his efforts to advance Ghana’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

Professor McBagonluri holds a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Central State University in the United States, a Master of Science in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech, a PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Dayton, and an MBA in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Before moving into higher education leadership, he held senior engineering and innovation positions at Siemens Healthcare, Becton, Dickinson & Co., and Joerns Healthcare in the United States.

His work contributed to the development of medical technologies that generated more than US$250 million in new markets. He has also authored more than 40 US patents and patent applications, with over 20 patents granted.

The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences is the country’s premier learned society, bringing together distinguished scholars and professionals committed to advancing and disseminating knowledge. Its Fellows are elected based on their significant contributions to the arts or sciences.

Commenting on his induction, Professor McBagonluri said he was honoured and excited to join the Academy, describing the recognition as a milestone that came with a renewed responsibility to contribute to its mission and national discussions on knowledge, research and development.

He emphasised the importance of combining the arts and sciences to address complex societal challenges, noting that the two disciplines complement each other.

“Science gives us the tools to solve problems, while the arts help us understand people, culture and context, so that the solutions we develop are relevant and human-centred. If Ghana is to translate ideas into meaningful national development, whether in technology, health, enterprise or the creative economy, we must nurture graduates and thinkers who can move comfortably between both worlds,” he said.

He added that the interdisciplinary approach was central to Academic City’s educational philosophy, which encourages students to combine technical knowledge with creativity, critical thinking and an understanding of society.

“That is the spirit I hope to bring to the Academy, and the one we cultivate every day at Academic City,” Professor McBagonluri said.