University of Ghana

For the Regional Institute for Population Studies program Although brain drain and a poor funding environment for demographic training in Africa has caused many of its peer institutions to fall into decay, the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) at the University of Ghana has instead quickly transformed into a rising center of excellence for interdisciplinary research and training in population sciences on the continent. Through its partnership with the Hewlett Foundation, RIPS has created an environment in which the right incentives and opportunities intensify revenue-generating research activity and retain elite talent. RIPS encourages talented graduate candidates to move beyond technical training into professional research opportunities early in their studies that will provide them with the skills to pursue viable professional careers and funding opportunities in Africa. Recommended general support for the RIPS program would enable RIPS to fund the mentorship and research apprenticeship of its top students, to continue to expand its funded research portfolio, and to begin to regionalize the program beyond Ghana. The proposed grant is aligned with Guideline 2 of the Population Program strategy with a focus on training of population studies scholars.