3rd national symposium on ‘Science for Sustainable Development’ could successfully generate the much-needed synergy among researchers from across Ethiopia as all findings have social dimensions at the centre. Symposium was held at Main Campus from 30 to 31st May, 2016. Click here to see the pictures.

The pool of findings of this two-day symposium that was comprehensive in its outlook stemmed from natural, agricultural, medicine and health sciences; of 38 papers, AMU shared 10 with Dr Simon Shibru leading the pack.

The tone for two-day scientific deliberation was set by eminent academician, Prof. Ensermu Kelbessa of Addis Ababa University. He informed, 56 years ago, Ethiopian population that was 22 million has went up to 101 million. But, then 60% forest-woodland cover including 40% high forest has now been reduced to 12 & 1.8% respectively. He calls it threatening as survival of the present population is in utter peril.

AMU President, Dr Damtew Darza reiterating the mandate of higher education institutions says with research strategy in place, AMU allocates fund to support the proposal that generates technology to address social issues. Terming symposium as a part of dissemination tactics, he hoped that research outputs will be pooled in to resolve community problems.

Dr Solomon Genet of Addis Ababa University spoke on the role of bio-medical sciences that includes basic and applied researches used in designing drugs, diagnostic equipments, imaging techniques etc.

AMU’s 10 papers revolved around the issues like life-style, malnutrition, animal feed, enset-based ecosystem, pneumonia, onion, coffee, chickpea and carbon sequestration etc.

AMU’s Dr Simon Shibru on Swaynes Hartebeest extinction stated, ‘‘16.4% protected area in Ethiopia are vulnerable for they are open for all activities. In 1974, there were 130 Swaynes Hartebeest, that rapidly reduced to four in 2014 and now only two males exist. ‘‘If measures at policy level are not taken then probably it will be too late,’’ he quipped.

Symposium Organizing Committee chairman, Mr Haftom Gebrekiros in welcome address, said, ‘‘In 28 years, AMU has made noteworthy gains in conducting and disseminating scientific research that primarily addresses community issues. It has made us realize, the green economy can be achieved if the fulcrum of our researches is demand-driven and problem-solving.’’

Chairing discussion, Addis Ababa Science & Technology University’s former President, Dr Tarekegn Tadesse, informs that government is laying strongest emphasize on science and technology by investing heavily so that socio-economic issues of the nation is sustainably addressed.

Stressing on science contribution to nation’s development, Vice President for Research and Community Service, Dr Guchie Gulie, reminded the researchers about their mandate to transfer knowledge and technology from advanced nations to make sustainable use of them to stimulate growth. Hence, serious deliberation on science research would contribute to policy strategies that will pave the way for overall advancement in Ethiopia, he added.

Symposium has participation from around 14 Ethiopian universities. Mr Behailu Merdekios, Dr Fantahun, Dr Alemayehu Hailemichael, Dr Serekebirhan Takele, Dr Nega Chifamo and others chaired the discussions.

 

(By Philips Joseph: Corporate Communication Directorate)