ARBA MINCH, ETHIOPIA – June 16, 2026 – Arba Minch University (AMU) hosted a high-level scientific seminar featuring Dr. Lawrence Banks, Director-General of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), bringing together university leaders, researchers, academic staff, postgraduate students, and grant beneficiaries to explore opportunities for international research collaboration, scientific mobility, and biotechnology innovation. Click here to see more photos.
Opening the seminar, Dr. Ing. Abdela Kemal, President of Arba Minch University, welcomed Dr. Banks and emphasized the importance of scientific excellence, innovation, and international collaboration in addressing challenges in health, agriculture, environmental management, and technology. He described the visit as a valuable opportunity to strengthen cooperation between AMU and ICGEB and highlighted the University's planned transition to an autonomous governance system and the recent inauguration of its 600-bed Teaching and Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Teklu Wogayehu, Vice President for Research and Cooperation Service, described the AMU–ICGEB partnership as one of the University's most impactful international collaborations. He noted that the partnership, initiated through the scientific leadership of Dr. Addisu Fekadu, secured more than €250,000 through ICGEB's Collaborative Research Programme (CRP) between 2021 and 2026. The collaboration contributed to breakthroughs in Enset fermentation technology, the creation of over 4,000 jobs, and strengthened AMU's position as a national leader in biotechnology and food systems innovation.
Dr. Teklu further highlighted that through the B-INOC Programme, the partnership has strengthened the University's Enset and Rhizobiology Laboratories, trained more than 650 smallholder farmers, and supported rhizobial inoculant distribution and demonstration trials benefiting around 300 farmers. He also announced ICGEB's support for the first-ever postdoctoral fellowship at Arba Minch University.
In his presentation, Dr. Lawrence Banks provided an overview of ICGEB's global mission and opportunities available to researchers from member countries. He explained that ICGEB comprises 69 Member States, including 24 African countries, and supports scientific cooperation, capacity building, and technology transfer in biotechnology. He highlighted fellowship programmes, collaborative research grants, and international mobility opportunities available to scientists and students.
Dr. Banks also shared practical advice for grant applicants, encouraging researchers to develop clear, realistic, and innovative proposals with achievable objectives, strong scientific merit, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He stressed that successful projects are those that address real-world challenges while delivering meaningful scientific and societal impact.
Participants described the seminar as highly informative and inspiring, particularly appreciating the opportunity to learn about international research funding, fellowship programmes, and strategies for developing competitive research proposals.
Dr. Addisu Fekadu, Enset Project Coordinator and ICGEB Grant Awardee, noted that Dr. Banks' visit marks an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between AMU and ICGEB. He emphasized the significant role of ICGEB grants in enhancing research capacity, supporting innovation, establishing advanced laboratory facilities, and creating opportunities for researchers and postgraduate students.
During the event, Arba Minch University presented ICGEB with a Crystal Award and Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of its outstanding partnership and unwavering support in advancing research, scientific excellence, innovation, and capacity building at the University.
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