Professor Francis Hasford is a trailblazer in the field of medical physics, combining his expertise as a research scientist with a leadership role in academia. As a medical physicist with the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), he also serves as the head of the Medical Physics Department at the University of Ghana. In this dual capacity, he has dedicated his career to advancing medical physics in Ghana and across Africa.

Prof. Hasford is the focal person for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Regional Designated Centre for Medical Physics Training in Ghana, a role that underscores his prominence in the field. Through his leadership, he has mentored numerous medical physicists, both locally and internationally, contributing to the growth of the profession. Beyond training and research, he provides vital medical physics support to the University of Ghana Medical Centre and has been instrumental in establishing nuclear medicine services in Ghana. These contributions reflect his deep commitment to improving healthcare through the application of medical physics.

A Lifelong Commitment to Academic Excellence

Prof. Hasford has established himself as an academic leader, with a remarkable record of supervising postgraduate research. Over the years, more than 30 master’s and doctoral students have benefited from his guidance, completing theses under his mentorship. His research output is equally impressive, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles, three book chapters, and 20 conference abstracts to his credit.

He is also a sought-after public speaker, delivering lectures that focus on radiation medicine research and the development of medical physics in Africa. Through these engagements, he has inspired a deeper understanding of medical physics and its potential to transform healthcare systems across the continent.

In addition to his academic work, Prof. Hasford has led several impactful projects aimed at advancing medical physics in Ghana. His leadership in developing a sustainable physics audit network for radiotherapy centers in Ghana is a testament to his dedication to quality assurance and patient safety in cancer treatment. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he demonstrated his innovative spirit by spearheading a project to produce face shield personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers, contributing directly to the fight against the virus.

International Collaborations: Building Bridges Across Borders

Prof. Hasford’s influence extends far beyond Ghana, as he has worked tirelessly to foster international collaborations in medical physics. As a project committee member for the Ghana-Norway Partnership Project for Medical Physics and Radiography Education (NORPART), he has helped bridge the gap in medical physics education between Africa and Europe.

For over a decade, he has successfully coordinated three IAEA Regional Africa projects in Medical Physics. One of his most notable roles is as the Project Scientific Consultant for the IAEA Regional Project on Medical Imaging Physics in Africa. Through this platform, he has contributed significantly to the growth of medical imaging across the continent, ensuring that African countries have access to cutting-edge techniques and technologies.

In another significant initiative, Prof. Hasford serves as Ghana’s Coordinator for Thematic Safety Area 3, an IAEA project focused on radiological protection in medical exposures. Additionally, he leads the Triangular Partnership Project between the IAEA, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. This project has facilitated the training of numerous medical physicists at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, further strengthening the profession across Africa.

Leadership in Professional Organizations

Prof. Hasford has dedicated himself to the advancement of medical physics through active involvement in professional organizations. At the national level, he has played a key role in the Ghana Society for Medical Physics (GSMP), where he has served as Assistant Secretary (2012–2017), General Secretary (2018–2020), and currently as Vice-President.

Internationally, his contributions are equally significant. He is the Vice-President and President-Elect of the Federation of African Medical Physics Organizations (FAMPO). Prior to this, he served as Secretary General (2017–2021) and Chair of the Education and Training Committee (2016–2017) for the Federation. Prof. Hasford’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing the FAMPO Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, a critical step toward strengthening medical physics on the continent.

Memberships and Editorial Roles

Prof. Hasford’s commitment to advancing science and education is reflected in his membership in several prestigious organizations. He is a member of the Ghana Young Academy (GhYA), the Ghana Nuclear Society (GNS), and the Ghana Science Association (GSA). He also serves as a board member of the Ghana Young Generation in Nuclear (GhYGN), where he supports the development of young professionals in nuclear science.

His editorial expertise is sought after, as evidenced by his role on the Editorial Board of the African Journal of Medical Physics (AJMP). He also serves as a reviewer for several leading medical physics journals, ensuring that high-quality research is disseminated within the field. Additionally, he is a member of the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) Web Sub-committee and represents Ghana on the IOMP Council.

Prof. Hasford’s contributions to education extend to his role as a Visiting Lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, as well as an External Examiner for several prestigious universities in Ghana and South Africa.

Global Recognition and Awards

Prof. Hasford’s work has earned him widespread recognition, both nationally and internationally. His expertise has been sought for several high-profile global conferences. He has served on the International Advisory Committees of the IUPESM World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering 2021 (WC2021), the 18th Asia-Oceania Congress of Medical Physics (AOCMP), the 16th South-East Asia Congress of Medical Physics (SEACOMP), and the First AAPM ISEP/FAMPO Diagnostic Imaging Symposium.

Locally, he has contributed his expertise to numerous statutory and ad hoc committees, leaving a lasting impact on Ghana’s healthcare landscape.

Prof. Hasford’s achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including:

• 2018 Best Presentation Award at the ICTP College on Medical Physics
• 2017 Recognition Award from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission
• 2016 IOMP/IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Medical Physics
• 2015 Best Presentation Award at the University of Ghana Doctoral Conference

In 2016, his groundbreaking research on ultrasound and PET/CT image fusion to aid prostate cancer treatment was featured on the BBC’s “Focus on Africa” program, bringing global attention to his innovative work.

A Legacy of Excellence

Prof. Francis Hasford’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing medical physics. Through his research, mentorship, and leadership, he has made a profound impact on healthcare in Ghana and across Africa. His efforts to foster international collaborations, develop education and training programs, and innovate within the field have earned him a reputation as a visionary in medical physics.

As a leader, mentor, and advocate for the profession, Prof. Hasford continues to inspire the next generation of medical physicists, ensuring that the field remains at the forefront of innovation and excellence in healthcare. His legacy is one of service, dedication, and transformative impact.