The Department of Chemistry at the College of Science, KNUST has honoured renowned theoretical and computational chemist, Prof. Evans Adei, with a seminar celebrating his 70th birthday and decades of contributions to science, research and graduate training.
The event brought together faculty, students, alumni and colleagues to reflect on the life and career of a scholar whose work helped establish computational chemistry research and training at KNUST and positioned the University as a contributor to global scientific discovery.
Delivering a lecture that blended personal reflections with scientific insights, Prof. Adei traced his academic journey from his undergraduate days at KNUST to earning a Fulbright scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in theoretical chemistry at the University of California, Irvine, under pioneering computational chemist Prof. Warren J. Hehre.
He later returned to Ghana, determined to build capacity in a field that was then virtually non-existent in the country.
A major highlight of the seminar was his account of how a Teaching and Learning Innovation Fund (TALIF) grant enabled him to establish KNUST's Molecular Modelling and Informatics Facility, now known as the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Centre.
According to him, the facility was created to train graduate students in molecular and materials modelling and to provide the computational tools needed to undertake cutting-edge research in chemistry and materials science.
Prof. Adei noted that the Centre quickly gained international recognition, attracting collaborative opportunities and research grants that connected KNUST researchers with leading institutions.
These collaborations later produced a generation of scientists who have gone on to build successful academic and research careers across the world.
Speaking on the theme of quantum mechanics and its role in modern science, the veteran chemist explained how principles developed more than a century ago continue to underpin contemporary technologies, from computer chips and medical imaging systems to computational drug discovery and advanced materials research.
He also shared how computational chemistry has become an indispensable tool for understanding chemical reactions, designing new materials and supporting the search for treatments for diseases such as cancer and psoriasis.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Prof. Adei reflected on the importance of mentorship, discipline and perseverance in academic life.
He recounted the experiences that shaped his career and paid tribute to former students and collaborators whose contributions helped transform the computational chemistry programme into one of the Department's most successful research initiatives.
Several speakers at the seminar described Prof. Adei as a visionary scholar whose commitment to excellence has influenced generations of chemists.
Prof. Adei joined KNUST as an Assistant Lecturer in 1985 and rose through the ranks to become Professor of Chemistry.
He also served twice as Head of the Department of Chemistry and has led numerous research initiatives in computational organic, organometallic and materials chemistry. His work has contributed significantly to advancing theoretical chemistry research in Ghana and beyond.
As the seminar concluded, the Department of Chemistry celebrated not only a milestone’s birthday but also a scientific legacy defined by innovation, scholarship and an enduring commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.
