Haramaya University Delegation Strengthens Research Partnerships on Gadaa System at the University of Innsbruck
A delegation from Haramaya University recently conducted a research visit to the University of Innsbruck in Austria to promote international academic cooperation and the study of indigenous governance.
The Haramaya University team, comprising Dr. Gutema Imana, Dr. Ayana Beyene, and Mr. Birhanu Midakso, traveled to Austria in June 2026 to participate in a collaborative research project focusing on the Oromo Culture of Peace within the Gadaa System.
The visit proved to be highly productive and intellectually enriching, offering an invaluable platform for meaningful scholarly engagement. During their stay at the University of Innsbruck, the Haramaya University researchers successfully executed their planned research activities, participated in in-depth academic discussions, and collaborated closely with their Austrian counterparts.
The visit served as a vital forum for exchanging ideas, sharing research experiences, and exploring innovative approaches to the study of endogenous systems of governance, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, particularly within the Oromo Gadaa System.
Beyond fulfilling the project’s immediate objectives, the visit laid a firm foundation for long-term institutional ties. The delegation held constructive, forward-looking discussions with leadership and researchers at the University of Innsbruck to explore future avenues of cooperation.
Future collaboration will focus on developing large-scale, multidisciplinary joint research initiatives, co-authoring impactful academic publications, and fostering expanded faculty and institutional partnerships.
The visit signifies an important milestone in strengthening the academic partnership between Haramaya University and the University of Innsbruck. By integrating local indigenous knowledge with global scholarly networks, both institutions are well-equipped to enhance research on peace, culture, and sustainable governance.
Haramaya University Public and International Relations
Tags: academic collaboration, Cultural Heritage, Ethiopian Culture, Gadaa System, Haramaya University, international cooperation, research partnerships, Scholarly Exchange, Traditional Knowledge, University of Innsbruck
