Representatives from Ghent University had a discussion with Haramaya University

A molecular Biology Lab (MoBiLab) project team members from VIB-IPBO, Ghent University, Belgium visited Haramaya University and discussed issues related to the launching of a new project on September 20, 2023.

According to Dr. Abdi Mohammed, a lecturer at the University and project Coordinator, the main purpose of their visits is to have discussions with HU staff as well as management and to see the existing facility to foresee implementations of the upcoming project activities at HU.

The International Molecular Biology Lab (MoBiLab) is led by the IPBO team from Ghent University. Another 6 project partners include two from each country, i.e., from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. From Ethiopia Addis Ababa and Haramaya Universities are partners of this project.

The project will be focused on capacity building to train university staff at different levels; senior professors, mid and junior-level researchers and lecturers as well as laboratory technicians, regardless of disciplines, depending on the relevance. Moreover, there could be an opportunity for HU post-graduate students to conduct their research on similar programs. In this case, priority will be given to mid-level lecturers with gender balance.

The project Coordinator, Dr. Abdi, stated that the main focus of this training course is basic molecular courses in which about 25 persons will be trained, while advanced molecular courses and genome editing techniques for limited attendees. In this case, the first training courses will be commenced by March of 2024 at HU.

He added that the project is based in the School of Plant Sciences, under the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Dr. Tesfaye Lemma, vice president for Research Affairs of Haramaya University, welcomed the guests and he emphasized how important such collaborations are in producing skilled manpower. He also expressed his hope that this collaboration will lay the foundation for other collaborations between the universities.

Haramaya University is a prominent higher learning institution in Ethiopia known for its strong research culture since its establishment as the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Art in 1952. HU has served Ethiopia as a national center of excellence for higher-level training in agricultural sciences and agricultural research for seven decades. Dr. Tesfaye explained in his speech.

Accordingly, we are currently working in partnership with several universities and research centers in Africa, Europe, and North America on matters of common interest. The partnership project budget currently accounts for about 60% of HU’s total annual research budget.

Dr. Tesfaye said Ghent University and HU are members of a consortium supported by various. “The project aims to train university researchers, seniors, mid-levels, and junior staff, including lab technicians focusing on basic molecular biology, advanced molecular techniques, and genome editing,” he indicated. The project addresses the strategic needs of both parties in terms of strengthening the capacity of technical and research staff to conduct cutting-edge research.

During the ceremony, Drs. Marc Heijde and Laura Cortada presented a summary of their University’s profile and ongoing projects in Africa and the Middle East to cultivate in partnership with research institutes.

On behalf of HU University, Dr. Deribachew Bekana, Director of Research Groups and Partnership at the Research Office, presented the University’s profile and potential.

A team led by Drs. Marc Heijde during the discussion explained the main objective of Ghent University and expressed that creating a strong partnership with the prestigious Haramaya University is in the long-term interest of their university.