Addis Ababa University’s (AAU’s) Institute of Geophysics Space Science and Astronomy (IGSSA) hosted a Symposium to launch an MSc Program in Earth System Physics Launching at Ethiopia Hotel on February 24, 2022.

Professor Atalay Ayele, the Director of IGSSA, appeared with his paper presented on Seismology Track stated that Seismology is currently in fairly good condition at IGSSA. He underlined that the geophysical environment is a fertile ground with an opportunity for strong international collaborations.

Professor Atalay further underscored that Seismology Track is not free of some challenges. Accordingly, he is of opinion that “Government attention is episodic for developing mitigation capacity in the country. We are missing science because of lack of funding for rapid response. Brain drain and staff retention are some of the issues that challenge us.”

Elias Lewi (PhD), the Head of Unit Geodesy and Geomatics and Gravimetric Sciences (UGGG), in his presentation revealed that the Atmospheric and Meteorological Science Track (AMST) in the Earth System Physics Program is to produce qualified specialists with their capacity to anticipate and respond to the arising needs in the field.

AMST is also vital for the alarming expectations of institutions for meteorological, hydrological and related information as well as prediction services thereby helping the nation to adapt to the environment in ways that could secure the health and safety of the society, Dr. Elias added.

According to the IGSSA MSC PROGRAM BOOKLET-2022, The Unit of Geodesy, Geomatics and Gravimetry (UGGG) appears with an objective of providing a critical understanding of the geo-information science and Earth observation technology to generate, integrate, analyse and visualize spatial data for various applications.

Reporter: Tewodros Shewangizaw

Photo: Fidremariam Beyene

Editor: Abraham Girmay