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

He is the first inductee of GAAS from a private university, an honour that comes against the background of an illustrious career spanning engineering, industry, education and innovation. He has also been involved in efforts to enhance Ghana’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

Prof. McBagonluri holds a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Central State University (USA), a Master of Science in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech (USA), a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the University of Dayton (USA), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT – USA), reflecting a unique blend of engineering excellence, business leadership and innovation.

Before transitioning into higher education leadership, he held senior engineering and innovation leadership positions at Siemens Healthcare, Becton, Dickinson & Co., and Joerns Healthcare in the United States. His work led to the development of breakthrough medical technologies that generated more than US$250 million in new markets. He has authored over 40 U.S. patents and patent applications, with more than 20 patents granted.

GAAS is Ghana’s premier learned society and brings together distinguished scholars and professionals committed to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge. Its Fellows are elected based on significant contributions to the arts or sciences.

Commenting on the milestone, Prof. Fred McBagonluri said he was honoured and excited to be inducted into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

He described the induction as a milestone he received with humility and a renewed sense of responsibility to contribute to the Academy’s mission and the national discourse on knowledge, research and development.

Prof. McBagonluri said some of the most impactful innovations emerged at the intersection of the arts and sciences, stressing that the two disciplines were complementary in addressing complex societal challenges.

“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 the educational philosophy of Academic City, where students were encouraged 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,” Prof. McBagonluri said.