Arba Minch University (AMU) hosted the 12th International Symposium on Research for Development at its Chamo Campus on March 27, 2026. The symposium brought together researchers from universities across Ethiopia and abroad, as well as participants from national and international institutes, representing fields such as social sciences and humanities, business and economics, pedagogical and behavioral sciences, and law. A total of 24 research papers were presented and discussed, and presenters were awarded certificates of recognition. Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Teklu Wegayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation at Arba Minch University, emphasized the critical role of research in addressing today’s global challenges, noting that evidence-based policy and practice are essential in a rapidly changing world marked by climate change, economic inequality, and public health crises. He underscored that research serves as a systematic and empirical pathway to understanding complex realities, informing decisions, and advancing sustainable development that transforms communities. Highlighting the purpose of the symposium, he described it as a platform to ignite ideas and inspire action, urging participants to embrace collaboration, share knowledge, and engage with diverse perspectives. He further encouraged researchers to build meaningful connections stressing that such engagements can foster innovation and lead to impactful discoveries.
Dr. Tesfaye Habtemariam, Research Director at AMU, highlighted the university’s overall research landscape, noting that research for development focuses on applying academic knowledge to address complex societal challenges, inform policy, and promote sustainable development. He explained that such research spans diverse fields, including education, anthropology, economics, and governance, and related disciplines, often bridging human, cultural, and technological dimensions to generate impactful solutions and improve human well-being. He further stated that the 12th International Symposium on Research for Development focused on four thematic areas: social sciences and humanities, business and economics, pedagogical and behavioral sciences, and law; a total of 24 papers were presented.
Prof. Degefa Tolessa, instructor and researcher at Addis Ababa University and keynote speaker of the symposium, underscored the transformative power of research when aligned with development agendas. He noted that research plays a vital role in transforming economies and societies by improving livelihoods and public health outcomes. According to him, many development challenges stem from capacity constraints, including limited education, weak infrastructure, and inadequate knowledge sharing. He emphasized that knowledge is a key driver of sustainable development, as it fosters innovation, supports evidence-based policymaking, and enhances productivity. Prof. Degefa further highlighted the importance of bridging knowledge gaps, integrating local contexts, and promoting knowledge exchange to ensure inclusive and effective growth. Explaining that research and development is a systematic and creative process of generating and applying knowledge to develop new products, services, and technologies, he stressed that the ultimate focus should be on impact rather than knowledge alone.
Mr. Aniley Berhanu, Dean of the School of Pedagogical and Behavioral Sciences, stated that the primary aim of the symposium is to facilitate knowledge sharing and identify research gaps. He noted that the school primarily focuses on education, and its research outputs significantly contribute to informing educational policymakers and supporting the broader education sector.
Invited guests, presenters from various universities and institutes, and AMU staff from the Colleges of Social Sciences and Humanities, Business and Economics, the School of Pedagogical and Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Law attended the symposium. Dr. Tesfaye Habtemariam, AMU Research Director, anchored the program.
For more Information Follow us on:-
Website - https://www.amu.edu.et/
Telegram - https://t.me/arbaminch_university
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ArbaMinchUniversityccd/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOO_nclhMo8M3r74OyPBlVA
Public and International Relations Executive
