His Excellency late Prof. Beyene Petros, a revered figure in Ethiopian academia and politics, passed away on September 17, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of academics, politics, and public service. Appointed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D) as the 5th Director General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute on January 6, 2022, Prof. Beyene dedicated his life to advancing education, health, and governance in Ethiopia.
Born in 1950 in the Hadiya Zone of Southern Ethiopia, Prof. Beyene earned his BSc degree from the former Haile Selassie I University in 1973. He furthered his education with an MSc degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA, in 1977, and completed his PhD in Tropical Diseases and Public Health at Tulane University in 1986, conducting his dissertation research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
A prominent researcher and educator at Addis Ababa University, Prof. Beyene trained and mentored hundreds of undergraduate students, along with numerous Master’s and doctoral candidates, advising several PhD students till the time of his passing. His contributions extended beyond the university; he was instrumental in various public institutions and played a vital role in numerous academic societies and professional associations.
Prof. Beyene held several significant administrative positions throughout his career. He was the founder and President of the Biological Society of Ethiopia from 1989 to 1991 and served as the Chairman of the WHO/AFRO Advisory Committee on Health Research and Development from 1997 to 2000. He also chaired the Ethiopian Bioethics Initiative (ETBIN) from 2002 to 2014 and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Pan African Bioethics Initiative (PABIN). In 2013/2014, he was a Visiting Professor at Governors State University in Chicago and served as a Senior Fulbright Fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on malaria research.
Additionally, Prof. Beyene led national research projects on malaria and other parasitic diseases stationed at Addis Ababa University and contributed to numerous international and national advisory boards and conference organizing committees. Prof. Beyene’s legacy as one of the country’s great scholars will be remembered for his intellectual rigor and his unwavering dedication to the betterment of society.
Beyond his academic contributions, Prof. Beyene was a prominent political figure, advocating for equality, equity, unity, fraternity, freedom, peace, good governance, and democracy in Ethiopia since 1992. He served as the Deputy Minister of Education in the Ethiopian Transitional Government from 1991 to 1993 and was a member of the FDRE House of Representatives during two terms, from 1991 to 1993 and from 2000 to 2010.
Prof. Beyene’s remarkable achievements earned him numerous national and international awards, including gold medals for his public service and leadership in research. He published nearly 120 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored the widely respected book, Basic Principles of Biology.
Prof. Beyene was a transformative leader whose contributions extended far beyond the national boundaries of Ethiopia. His vision and dedication significantly enhanced the visibility of the institute, establishing numerous national and international partnerships that enriched its mission and reach.
Prof. Beyene played a pivotal role in the professional development of researchers at the Policy Studies Institute, facilitating both short and long-term training programs. His commitment to human resource development empowered junior researchers, helping them build a strong foundation in research through continuous professional development training. He was instrumental in ensuring that all research outputs were of the highest quality, advocating for their dissemination to the public and fostering a culture of excellence.
Known for his integrity and egalitarian approach, Prof. Beyene treated all staff members with respect and dignity. His wise use of time and commitment to a collaborative working culture served as a model for others. He was humble, always willing to lend a helping hand, and had an exceptional ability to connect with his staff on a personal level. Many were often amazed by his remarkable capacity to recall details about work.
Prof. Beyene valued family life, believing that the well-being of staff members and their families was crucial for effective performance. He led by example rather than through authority, nurturing an environment of mutual respect and support.
Sadly, Prof. Beyene’s health journey led him through various medical institutions, including hospitals in Ethiopia, the Nordic Medical Centre (NMC) as well as the Gesund Cardiac Centre and the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Prof. Beyene lived a full and joyful life surrounded by his beloved family. He was a devoted father of four children, and his legacy continues through his many grandchildren who made him very happy. His commitment to family values was evident in the love and support he shared with those closest to him. Prof. Beyene’s life was marked by the warmth of family ties, and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Prof. Beyene’s legacy will be remembered not only in the achievements of the Policy Studies Institute but also in the hearts of all who had the privilege to work alongside him. The Policy Studies Institute extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this time of profound loss.
