Addis Ababa University (AAU) to organize research week, exhibit job, technology and book fairs at the Main Campus (Sidist Kilo) from May 24-28, 2021; the research week is anchored with the theme of “Research for Peace and Nation Building”.

Shumey Berhie (PhD), Director of Industry-Linkage and Technology Transfer at Addis Ababa University, representing the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, told to the staff reporters that new discoveries in research and technology transfer are set to be unveiled next week.

According to Shumey, research findings and technology prototypes that are socially relevant will directly be made available to the industry and the community in the form of technology through community engagement. Different problems arisen from the community are researched and solved at AAU, backed up by technology, then put back for the benefit of the community, he added.

“There will be four events starting next week, May 24, 2021. Research week is one of the events that Serious of panel discussions to be held in different colleges of the University for five consecutive days where research scholars will present their ideas for discussion.

The second is the Job Fair: An activity organized by the Student Career Development Centre of the University. This is an opportunity for students (new graduates) to connect with employers. This will run for two consecutive days beginning May 24.

The thirds is a Technology Fair: The University’s Technology Business Incubation Centre (AAU-TBIC) will be showcasing the technology prototypes, innovations of students, and especially works of the Addis Ababa Institute of Technology.

This will be an opportunity for investors (organizations and individuals) to invest on the technologies. This is a three-day technology fair starting from May 24.

The fourth is the Book Fair: Books published by the university, especially the oldest and most sought-after, are available for sale. Public and private publishers out of AAU will also come and present their books for sale,” he clarified the program.

Shumey stated further that in addition to the university’s capacity, these activities also increase its visibility for the future. This exhibition creates the potential for the transformation of knowledge and new technologies through research and innovation, as well as opportunities to integrate qualified graduates into the community, he added.

About ten technology prototypes incubated in the Technology Incubation Centre and its affiliates which have been developed over the past three years along with their business plan, are ready to be directly used for Community-based problem-solving technologies, are set to be on display, Shumey intensified.

“We think the link between the University and the industry needs to be strengthened. The community, industries and various government and nongovernment institutions can play their part in using the research findings and the technologies of the University in making them accessible to others; we think it is a must to do,” Shumey said.

Doctor Shumey Berhie finally said that Addis Ababa University cordially and respectfully invites the community and all institutions to attend and visit this miraculous exhibition to be held for five days beginning from May 24, 2021.

By: Abraham Girmay

Photo: Andualem Aseffa