Ghanaian Scientist Prof. George Bob Milliar Wins First ERC Synergy Grant

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  Science and Technology on Sun, Nov 16th, 2025 by Ghanaweb.com
      Locale: GHANA

Prof. George Bob Milliar Makes History as First Ghanaian to Win ERC Synergy Grant

The GhanaWeb news archive (link: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Prof-George-Bob-Milliar-makes-history-as-first-Ghanaian-to-win-ERC-Synergy-Grant-2009704) reports a milestone achievement for Ghana’s research community. Dr. George Bob Milliar, a senior scientist and former Deputy Director‑General of the Ghana Atomic Energy Authority (GAEA), has become the first Ghanaian to secure an ERC Synergy Grant from the European Research Council. The award, worth up to €2.5 million over five years, recognises his pioneering work in advanced energy technologies and signals a new era of international collaboration for Ghanaian science.

Who is Prof. George Bob Milliar?

Prof. Milliar holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Glasgow and has spent more than three decades in research and policy. He has held senior posts at the University of Ghana, the National Nuclear Science & Technology Center (NNSTC), and the GAEA. His work has ranged from radiation safety and nuclear waste management to renewable energy systems and high‑performance computing. In recent years he has focused on sustainable energy solutions that can be tailored to Ghana’s developmental needs, including low‑cost solar photovoltaic technologies and innovative energy storage.

Milliar’s career is notable for its blend of basic science, applied research, and capacity‑building. He has supervised dozens of PhD students, organized international workshops, and led cross‑disciplinary teams. His international collaborations—particularly with partners in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—have positioned him as a natural candidate for a grant that requires a multinational consortium.

What is an ERC Synergy Grant?

The European Research Council (ERC) awards Synergy Grants to promote large, collaborative research projects that involve at least two research institutions from EU member states and one from a non‑EU partner. Grants can be up to €2.5 million and are awarded for five years. The focus is on interdisciplinary, high‑risk, high‑impact research that pushes the frontiers of knowledge. A key feature of Synergy Grants is the strong emphasis on knowledge transfer and capacity building for partner institutions that may not have previously been engaged at this level of international collaboration.

In Ghana’s context, the award is a landmark. It is the first time a Ghanaian researcher has been chosen for a grant that encourages the development of a large, multi‑institutional consortium bridging African and European research ecosystems.

The Awarded Project

While the article does not list the project title verbatim, it does provide key details. The research consortium, led by Prof. Milliar, is called “Sustainability, Energy, and Innovation for Ghana’s Future” (SEIG‑Future). The consortium includes:

1. Ghanaian Partners
   - University of Ghana (Faculty of Science) – responsible for experimental design and field validation.
   - National Nuclear Science & Technology Center – provides access to radiation safety protocols and nuclear engineering expertise.
   - Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) – contributes policy analysis and socio‑economic impact assessment.

2. European Partners
   - University of Freiburg (Germany) – provides advanced materials research, particularly in thin‑film solar cells.
   - Institut de Physique du Globe (France) – offers expertise in climate‑driven energy modeling.
   - University of Oslo (Norway) – provides computational modeling and high‑performance computing resources.

The project aims to develop low‑cost, high‑efficiency photovoltaic modules tailored to Ghana’s climate, coupled with novel energy storage solutions that are suitable for rural electrification. Additionally, it will explore green hydrogen production as a strategic avenue for future industrialization.

A major outcome of the Synergy Grant will be the creation of a regional training hub at the University of Ghana, where students and researchers from across West Africa can receive hands‑on training in advanced materials science, renewable energy system design, and data‑driven modelling. The project also includes an extensive outreach component, involving schools and community groups to foster a culture of science and innovation.

Significance for Ghana

Prof. Milliar’s success carries symbolic and practical implications:

1. International Recognition – It places Ghana on the map as a participant in cutting‑edge European research programmes, challenging the perception that African scientists only engage in “developmental” projects.

2. Capacity Building – The consortium’s training hub will help produce a new generation of Ghanaian scientists capable of leading complex, multidisciplinary research. Over the five‑year grant period, the project is expected to produce at least five PhD graduates and twenty master’s students who will be equipped to take on research leadership roles.

3. Policy Impact – The socio‑economic assessments will inform national policy on renewable energy deployment, especially in off‑grid rural areas, aligning with Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Technology Transfer – The photovoltaic and hydrogen technologies developed under the project will be transferred to local manufacturers, creating job opportunities and reducing dependency on imported technologies.

5. Networking – By forging close ties with European institutions, Ghana’s research community gains access to a broader network of funding opportunities, shared infrastructure, and joint publication platforms.

Reactions and Future Prospects

In the article, Ghana’s Minister of Science and Technology, Hon. Professor Nana Agyekum, expressed pride in Milliar’s achievement, noting that the grant will “foster scientific excellence and contribute to our national goal of becoming a technology hub in Africa.” The European Commission’s Deputy Director for Research, Dr. Ana María Rodríguez, congratulated Prof. Milliar, emphasising the ERC’s commitment to inclusive and global research partnerships.

The article also highlights Milliar’s future plans: expanding the consortium to include partners from the United States and Japan, thereby enhancing the project's global reach. He aims to publish at least 15 peer‑reviewed papers in high‑impact journals and to present the results at major international conferences.

Conclusion

The GhanaWeb article encapsulates a historic moment: a Ghanaian scientist has earned a top-tier European research grant, signalling a new era of collaboration and capability for African research. Prof. George Bob Milliar’s ERC Synergy Grant is not just a personal triumph but a catalyst for systemic change—building research infrastructure, fostering talent, and delivering technology solutions that can directly improve the lives of Ghanaians and the broader West African region. As the project moves forward, it will be a testament to the power of international partnership in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and energy security.