Researchers from across 17 Ethiopian universities descended at AMU’s New Auditorium, Main Campus from 5th to 6th April, 2019, to cudgel their brains in finding sustaining scientific solutions to solve emerging societal problems thus enhancing quality of life by advancing science and maximizing its potential for socio-economic utility.Click here to see the Pictures
This two-day symposium was hosted by Research Directorate in collaboration with research co-ordination offices of College of Natural Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences and College of Health and Medical Sciences. It had two plenary speeches from eminent researchers followed by 40 presentations on 1st and 2nd day that includes 18 papers from AMU alone.
AMU President, Dr Damtew Darza, in his address, said, comparatively speaking practice of disseminating research results to end-users are inadequate for addressing needs of people are paramount. And having sensed the concern institutional arrangement and policy guidelines are in place to address them; in this regard, AMU is complementing ongoing efforts by prioritizing research. And country primarily focusing on the application of science fields of study via research and transfer of technologies to ensure sustainable development and I am sure this august platform will serve the purpose, he quipped.
The program began with Research and Community Service Vice President, Dr Simon Shibru, welcoming participants, said, such eminent gathering discussing role of science in shaping up the future of nation is vital. At this critical juncture where indiscriminate usage of resources, climate change and failure in achieving Sustainable Development Goal have put us on back foot and brought great distress; despite this, we want to make life better; in this, scholars from multidisciplinary fields have lot to do to resolve this riddle.
Research Directorate Director, Dr Teshome Yirgu, giving overview of the symposium and AMU’s research initiative; said, we were flooded with very good papers as response was overwhelming from researchers but we could select 40 papers and their gist has been published in the abstract.
In plenary speech, chairing the symposium Prof Yemane Berhane, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health Director, on building university research capacity, said, a good research has to be original; it must contribute in advancing science, impact society and rejuvenate industry. It needs to be published to get it known; he further reiterated that capacity not only at institutional but nation level is of great important.
Ruing dismal national scenario on publications, he informed from 1935 to 1964 there were no publications by any Ethiopian, from 1964-93, than out of available 172 publications 33% were authored by Ethiopian and from 1993 to 2018 of 651 papers 80% are penned by Ethiopians. Exhorting researchers, he said, you need to be motivated, inquisitive, committed and get ready for any eventuality for in the long run it pays.
Seasoned researcher Prof Yemane Berhane strongly asked university to introduce incentive package for researchers, improve general environment, balance teaching load, develop tolerance to failure, evaluate prevailing research environment and cultivate ethical conduct.
The second plenary speaker Prof Yalemtsehay Mekonnen, emphasizing perspective on culture of science said, the advancement of science in discoveries and innovation is instrumental for development of nation; industrial revolution in Europe further testifies the importance of science. Hence, promote scientific and technological advancement, investment in quality education, continuous use of training and knowledge should be shared as widely as possible that will invariably help us to achieve what we expect, she opined.
One of AMU presenters, Mesfin Mamo, on determinants of stillbirth at public hospitals in erstwhile Gamo Gofa Zone, said, antenatal care birth interval, previous stillbirth, family planning, maternal tetanus toxoid, and antepartum hemorrhage were identified as the determinants of stillbirth. These factors are easily recognizable and potentially provable with existing maternal health programs, hence, efforts need to be intensified in expanding maternal health services, he argues.
In closing remarks, Dr Simon Shibru lauded efforts of Research Directorate in organizing such significant forum for discussion and assured AMU’s continuous contribution in advancing science to further quality of social life across nation. Potential Research scholars from across Semera, Wollo, Dilla, Haramaya, Addis Ababa, Jimma, Gondar, Debre Tabor, Debre Markos, Debre Berhan, Wachemo, Oromia State, Assosa, Mekelle, Aksum and Woldia universities, AMU top officials and academic staff were in attendance.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)