ADDIS ABABA – St. Mary’s University (SMU) noted that data and community-driven research findings have valuable contributions towards promoting professional and institutional development.
SMU conducted the 18th National Student Research Forum yesterday under the theme: ‘By Students, For Students’ in the presence of undergraduate students drawn from various institutions to present their research papers at the premises of its undergraduate campus, multi-purpose hall.
In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), SMU Research and Knowledge Management Office Director Mathias Shimelis (Asst. Prof.) said that the forum has been serving as a foundational platform that embraces various novel issues that help promote the student’s professional development, the community’s livelihoods.
The director further underscored that this forum offers a significant opportunity for students to engage in impactful research activities apart from making contribution to policy makers and researchers’ decisions.
Also, the proceedings, including the research papers and proposed recommendations embracing community-driven research outputs promote awareness in the community and financial institutions, and will be disseminated to the general public, he remarked.
Mentioning the gaps witnessed on the applicability of these research findings, Mathias emphasized the need to take research as part of our daily routine and undertake data-driven decision making processes in every area of engagement.
Lack of streamlined research strategies, resources, political commitment are the possible setbacks hindering research implementation, he stressed.
He said: “The University conducts a wide ranges of issues at international and national multidisciplinary research conferences annually in a bid to enhancing the student’s research skill in their curricular activities and meet their skills with the 21st Century.”
During the forum, eight research papers showcasing the prospects of capital market, cooperatives, information management system, causes and effects of employee’s turnover, and financial performance among many others were thoroughly convened.
Since its establishment in 1998, SMU has been giving due emphasis on research and valuable knowledge sharing undertakings, it was learnt.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 26 JULY 2024
