Haramaya University Fortifies Global Research Endeavors at ‘Horizon Europe’ Workshop

By Demis / June 25, 2025

Haramaya University held a forum during its ‘Horizon Europe’ Information Day and Project Writing Workshop, highlighting its dedication to boosting competitiveness in globally recognized research projects.

university researchers and partners

The event brought together around 200 university researchers and partners, fostering a dynamic atmosphere for shared training and experiences, both in-person and online.

The workshop provided an essential platform for sharing practical knowledge on how to effectively collaborate with international partner organizations. Dr. Ketema Bekele, the delegate of the Vice President for Administration and Development at Haramaya University, emphasized the university’s significant role in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. He highlighted the institution’s ongoing efforts to enhance its research infrastructure and expand international partnerships, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.

university researchers and partners Haramaya University is currently engaged in seven projects supported by the European Union, collaborating with various partner organizations. This demonstrates its active involvement in global research initiatives.

During the forum, researchers shared their insights on the requirements for conducting internationally competitive research. Professor Abi Tadesse, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Chemistry at Haramaya University, emphasized the critical importance of identifying prevailing global issues and understanding international needs to ensure that research remains relevant. He also advocated for real-time research activities to proactively identify and address potential challenges.

Professor Nega Assefa, a lecturer and researcher at Haramaya University’s College of Health and Sciences, discussed the foundations of internationally recognized research. He emphasized the importance of grounding research in real-world problems and integrating innovative ideas and methodologies to address these issues. Additionally, he highlighted the need to leverage local resources to mitigate the effects of these challenges.

Professor Nega also stressed that completing research projects requires a collective effort from all researchers, underscoring the significance of global partnerships, readiness for collaboration, and ongoing capacity building.

Dr. Derbachew Bekana, the Director of Research at Haramaya University, concluded by highlighting that the workshop discussions mainly centered on identifying additional projects with support from the European Union. He expressed confidence that the valuable experiences gained from this forum would serve as a significant resource for the university’s future research endeavors.