By Sileshi Yilma/ Public &International Relations Directorate
Haramaya University’s Institute of Technology (IOT) conducted its first in-house research proposal review meeting on September 05, 2014 at the Resource Center.
According to Dr. Asfaw Kebede, dean of IOT, the main aim of the meeting is to revise the research proposals so that they will be competitive and will have a better chance of securing funds when submitted to the University’s research office.
During the occasion, 13 research proposals, which were developed by junior and senior staff members as well as graduate students, were presented and reviewed. The proposals focused on three thematic areas, according to Girma Berhe, coordinator of IOT Research and Community Engagement Office.
The first theme is related to natural resource and climate change. The second theme focuses on energy and post-harvest technology. Institutions, innovation systems and economic development is the third theme of the research proposals.
The Institute is has also encouraged graduate students to participate in its endeavor. Three of the research proposals were prepared by MSc candidates of IOT.
IOT has a plan to conduct various research projects in collaboration with different stakeholders, Dr. Asfaw indicated in an interview he had with HU FM 91.5.
“In collaboration with research and community offices of Haramaya University, we have plans to play our part in doing research in areas of biogas, drip irrigation, and water harvesting, among other,” the dean explained.
According to the recent annual report released by Haramaya University, currently among the total number students enrolled in the University in the undergraduate program, 36.2 % belong to IOT. The same report indicates that the Institute has a total of 92 local and 16 expatriate staff.
IOT was established as an independent institute of the University in 2004 at Dire Dawa sub-campus. The Institute is currently running eight regular undergraduate programs. M.Sc. programs as well as one PhD program are offered by the Institute. It has also a plan to launch new programs in the upcoming academic year.