Findings and discoveries of scientific research catalyze innovation, technological development, and accelerate industrialization. To translate the scientific discoveries into practical applications, platforms that bring together researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and the private sector are crucial. Such conferences help bridge the gap between the research and the industry as they connect the researchers and practitioners by translating the research findings into practical actions.
Last week, from February 17-18, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) organized an annual research conference. AASTU hosted its 9th annual conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation for Industry (STII 2025) under the theme “Science, technology and innovation for industry.” AASTU, a technology-focused higher education institution in Ethiopia, is striving to become an Ethiopian science and technology hub. And to achieve its vision, AASTU is constructing a Center of Excellence, which is currently nearing its completion, focusing on eight areas, according to the university.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 9th STII 2025 annual research conference, AASTU President, Dereje Engida (PhD), said to further support the commercialization of research in the science, technology and engineering fields, AASTU “establishes an industrial innovation and entrepreneurship hub which will become operational by next month.” As to him, the industrial innovation and entrepreneurship hub will catalyze transforming research findings into industrial applications and entrepreneur ventures, fostering a culture of innovation and economic growth.
In addition to strengthening its institutional efforts to become a national hub in the technology and engineering fields, in providing international standard programs and conducting problem-solving research, AASTU is creating university-industry linkages initiatives. Among these initiatives is the annual research conference on science, technology and innovation for industry, which was organized last week for the ninth time. According to Dereje, the conference aims at disseminating research findings and enhancing collaborations between researchers, policy makers, innovators, industry leaders and government institutions, aiming at creating linkages and translating research findings into practice.
According to Dereje, president of AASTU, since its establishment AASTU has been committed to excellence in applied science, engineering and technology fields through its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. “AASTU’s mission is to advance research and innovation that contribute to Ethiopia’s industrial and technological progress and beyond. Guided by our motto, ‘university for industry’, I am supported by the eight centers of excellence we strive to be a national hub of science and technological advancements,” Dereje stated.
According to AASTU, 89 papers covering various topics on science, technology, and engineering fields were presented during the two-day event. The conference was attended by hundreds of participants from various disciplines, including from eight different countries, bringing leaders, researchers, technologists, innovators, government and industry owners to share ideas and experiences on research, technology, innovation and digitalization in Ethiopia.
STII 2025 focuses on eight thematic areas of Artificial Intelligence and robotics, biotechnology and bioprocessing, construction quality technology, high-performance computing and big data analytics, mineral exploration, extraction and processing, nanotechnology and sustainable energy, AASTU mentioned adding the 89 research papers were focused on these thematic areas, which are also AASTU’s centers of excellence.
For his part, AASTU’s Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, Abraham Debebe (PhD) said during the opening ceremony of the event that conducting problem solving research to support the productivity and competitiveness of industries in Ethiopia is one pillar in AASTU’s strategic plan. And to realize its motto of “university to industry”, AASTU is closely working with industries, he added.
For Dereje, science, technology, and innovation are the driving forces behind industrial development and the rapid evolution of science, technology, and innovation has revolutionized industries enabling greater efficiency, productivity, and global competitiveness. Hence, in today’s interconnected world, he said, harnessing science, technology and innovation is no longer an option, but a necessity for sustainable economic growth.
“For Ethiopia, investing in science and technology is essential to advance a long-term development goal. Through research-driven innovation, we can address pressing challenges such as food security, energy sustainability, healthcare improvements, and industrial transformation,” AASTU president reiterated. He recommends prioritizing science, technology and innovation, to diversify the nation’s economy, create employment opportunities and enhance Ethiopia’s global competitiveness. Mentioned the theme of the STII 2025 conference, Science, technology and innovation for industry,” Dereje said that it reflects a shared commitment to integrate research with industrial development in the nation.
In addition to presenting scientific research touching various topics in the technology, engineering, and innovation fields and translating these research findings into practical application, the platform helps to exchange knowledge, showcase findings, and build networks that drive technological progress and future research in all institutions. “Research is the bridge between knowledge and application. Our research efforts are aligned with UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063,” Dereje stated, adding science and technology must address critical global challenges, including climate change, clean energy, sustainable agriculture and equitable access to healthcare and education.
For Dereje, the theme, the thematic areas as well as the research presented during the 9th annual conference on STII targets addressing these critical challenges of the time. Hoping to see meaningful connections and linkages between researchers and practitioners as well as policy makers and researchers, he underlines the crucial role of promoting research-based technological development and innovation to enhance industrialization and fostering global competitiveness of Ethiopia.
Science and technology are essential for sustainable economic growth. For Ethiopia, investing in these fields is crucial to achieving long-term development goals. Such investments help address challenges related to food security, energy sustainability, healthcare, and industrial transformation,” he added. Accordingly, in collaboration with industry leaders and experts, AASTU aligns its research efforts with practical needs to ensure that innovation contributes meaningfully to industrial advancement and economic growth.
Following the completion of the two-day annual research conference, AASTU announced that the conference showcased groundbreaking research and innovative solutions aimed at addressing the industrial challenges. According to the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at AASTU, the research findings presented during the conference have the potential to drive innovation, enhance industrial competitiveness, and solve real-world challenges. In addition to presenting world-class research in the science, technology, and engineering fields, the platform plays a crucial role in strengthening collaborations between the academia, industry, and local and international partners.
Getachew Adam (PhD) Director of Research and Centers of Excellence within AASTU noted that as a leading institution in science, technology and innovation fields, AASTU is committed to organizing high-impact research conferences. As to him, the knowledge shared during the 9th annual research conference and the research outcomes presented are crucial in solving industry-related problems. He stated that the 10th National Research Conference will be hosted, aiming at strengthening the research-industry linkage and further bridging the gap.
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025
