Prof. John Owusu Gyapong

Professor John Gyapong is the Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), bringing to the role a distinguished record of leadership, scholarship, and commitment to advancing research and higher education across Africa. Before his current appointment, he served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences from 2016 to 2022, and as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana from 2011 to 2016. He has also held the position of Adjunct Professor of Global Health at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. From 1987 to 2010, Professor Gyapong practised as a medical doctor in Ghana, during which period he rose to become Director of Research and Development at the Ghana Health Service, where he oversaw health systems and implementation research. Professor Gyapong has made significant contributions to the higher education landscape in Africa, as well as to global research governance and university leadership. He serves on several international research granting bodies and review panels. His primary field of expertise is the epidemiology of infectious diseases, particularly neglected tropical diseases. He is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal College of Physicians.