The College of Social Sciences (CSS) of Addis Ababa University (AAU) held a consultative discussion with its academic staff on “Promoting Interdisciplinary Social Science Research (SSR) on Sustainable Development” on the 9^th of February 2023 at Hilton Addis Hotel.

The half-day consultative meeting was co- organized by the SustGOV-NORHED project of

AAU which is under implementation in collaboration with the University of Oslo, Norway and the University of Malawi.

Debebe Ero (PhD), Dean of the CSS, in his opening remarks explained the purpose of the consultative meeting and the expected outcomes to be evolved. He further indicated the need for identifying thematic areas that will guide the College’s efforts of teaching, research and community services in the coming three to five years.

According to Dr. Debebe, this consultative meeting is a continuation of the College’s previous meetings with its academic staff, also in line with its strategic plan.

Dechasa Abebe (PhD), Associate Dean for Research and Technology Transfer, in his part noted the relevance of holding this kind of discussions and the need to address pertinent development issues from interdisciplinary perspectives.

He further noted the importance of crossing disciplinary boundaries and collaborations to initiate and undertake interdisciplinary social science research (SSR).

Following the general discussions and clarifications on certain questions, the participants set into groups to deliberate on and prioritize interdisciplinary research thematic areas related to sustainable development.  Each group identified a number of thematic areas and presented them to the plenary.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Debebe noted that the thematic areas identified by each group will be further refined and prioritized to guide the teaching, research and community service endeavors of the College in the coming years.

Report: From College of Social Science

Photo: Andualem Aseffa

Editor: Abraham Girmay