Office of VPRTT Organizes Research Projects Progress Review Workshop.

Office of V/President for Research & Technology Transfer at Hawassa University has conducted a progress review workshop for Medium-scale research projects funded by the NORAD V Project at the AU Hall on September 20, 2024.

Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, emphasized in his opening speech that one of the key responsibilities of his office is to ensure that research projects are need-based and problem-solving to drive technological innovation. To support this goal, he said, the office has developed a comprehensive research and technology transfer strategy aimed at increasing the number and quality of relevant research projects and technological innovations. Dr. Tafesse noted that significant progress has been made in the last three years, particularly in enhancing the quality and quantity of research and technological innovations at HU.

Dr. Andargachew Gedebo, the NORAD Project Program Coordinator at HU, on his part, explained that the NORAD V project entitled "Institutional Cooperation between Hawassa University, Mekelle University, and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences: Strengthening the Ethiopian Food System through Education, Research, and Dialogue" aims to develop a better-qualified workforce in Ethiopian partner institutions, promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural solutions, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

Prof. Mebratu Mulatu, Director of the Collaborative Project coordination, outlined the objectives of the workshop, which included evaluating the progress of the ongoing collaborative medium-scale thematic projects funded by NORAD ICP V and providing a platform for researchers to share experiences and insights.

Throughout the plenary and parallel sessions of the workshop, researchers presented progress reports on 20 different projects, followed by reflections and feedback from expert reviewers.