West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference
The West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference started in 2008 through an initiative of the School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading. The key moment was a two-day research workshop in Accra, Ghana on 2-3 June 2009. The event was a resounding success. It attracted participation from 32 researchers, from 12 different institutions, who presented their work to an audience of approximately 100 people. Each presenter received immediate and constructive feedback from a panel of experienced international academics. This was the first time an event of that nature has taken place in the region. The positive feedback from participants is what provided the encouragement to sustain the initiative.
Today, WABER has developed into a full-fledged annual conference that brings together around 150 academics, researchers and practitioners in the region to interact and share ideas on built environment-related issues. The conferences so far organised have brought together 250+ built environment academics, researchers and practitioners in the region. More than 180 research papers have also been developed and published. Through WABER, many young researchers and early-career scholars in West African institutions have been helped to develop their research work and skills through constructive face-to-face interaction with experienced international academics.
We have clear plans for moving WABER forward. WABER has developed rapidly since 2009. Our key aims remain the same: To help built environment researchers in West Africa to develop their research work and skills through face-to-face interaction with their peers and experienced international academics; To supply a platform for interaction among more senior academics and an outlet for publishing some of their research work; and To serve as a vehicle and catalyst for developing the built environment field in Africa.
The main people currently providing the infrastructure and academic leadership for developing WABER are Professor Will Hughes (University of Reading, UK); Dr Sena Agyepong (Ashesi University, Ghana); Dr Emmanuel Adu Essah (University of Reading, UK); Dr Roine Leiringer (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden); Dr Chris Harty (University of Reading, UK); and Dr Samuel Laryea (University of Reading, UK).
For enquiries and information about the WABER conference, please visit Waber Conference or contact:
Dr Samuel Laryea
School of Construction Management and Engineering
University of Reading, PO Box 219, Reading, RG6 6AW, UK
Telephone: 00447949668955 (UK) or 00233244618851 (Ghana)
Email: s.laryea@reading.ac.uk