Erstwhile Research Directorate Director, Dr Fantahun W/senbet, having AMU firmly placed on the cusp of marked breakthrough in this arena, has now been appointed Program Manager for VLIRUOS’ IUC-AMU projects in June 2016.
Dr Fantahun, informed, Research and Community Service Vice President, Dr Guchie Gulie, IUC-AMU projects Program Coordinator, will oversee overall administrative, financial and liaising tasks that will begin from January 2017.
Dr Fantahun heading VLIRUOS’ coordination office in AMU, will abide by latter’s rules and regulation. His support unit includes a finance manager, secretary, messenger and a driver will have extra incentives clubbed to their emoluments.
Of Pre-partner Program’s two phases; first formulation process has been completed, while organizing Program Manager’s office is underway and visit to different universities will follow.
He revealed, ‘‘This 5-year program will offer an excellent opportunity for 17 AMU staff members to pursue PhDs of which 35% seats will be reserved for female candidates. Of 17 PhDs, AMU’s six approved projects are expected to have 2 to 4 each.
The designated AMU-Flemish panel will select candidates on competitive basis by January 2017. The panel will be comprised of AMU and Flemish local program leaders and program coordinators. KU Leuven, Gent, Antwerp, Hasselt and Brussels universities will host all PhDs.
Sticking to program management manual approved by AMU-Flemish steering committee, Program Manager will perform key functions that include administrative, financial, procurement, mobility, financial and personal management and also build bridges between AMU and Flemish universities.
On what AMU will look like after five years, he said, ‘‘ICT’s capacity will be strengthened including libraries with better services and laboratories equipped with advanced equipments of global standards. Some of the equipments have already started pouring in and next purchases will be made in Brussels after respective proposals get approved.’’
Giving a piece of suggestion, he said, ‘‘I encourage everyone to prepare potential proposals to attract huge funds from across the world that will cement our relations with genuine donors thus empowering AMU and nation.’’ He also called upon expatriates to make a difference.
(By Philips Joseph: Corporate Communication Directorate)