DMU: Debre Markos University Conducts the 8th Annual National Research Symposium colorfully under the theme “Research Driven Technology Transfer for Sustainable Development and Renaissance” from 22-23 April 2017 under the presence of honorable inanities guests, researchers, scholars, stakeholders and other concerned bodies.
Assistant Professor Genet Degu, Debre Markos University Research and community Service Vice President, in welcoming the participants says that the symposium helps the researchers share knowledge, skill and attitudes on the research out puts conducted in various thematic areas in a wider, stronger and ever growing research culture. There by, all concerned bodies should take part in research works that pertain societal problems, she remarks.Dr. Nigusie Mitiku, Debre Markos University President, opening the symposium states that research is a key driver to accelerating economic, social and political development in any country. The development of countries is directly related to the emphasis and investment they gave to research. The future success of any country lies on the ideas, knowledge and talent of its citizens, he added. Universities are central to capacity building, driving innovation, and creating new inventions.
Debre Markos University is conducting problem solving researches in the area of agriculture, natural researches management health, law and other areas and publish the findings on its own proceedings, Dr. Nigusie remarks. Furthermore, since budget for research is a problem for institutions terminal degree holders shall write grant proposals and solicit fund, Dr. Nigusie underlined. The symposium will help researchers debate and share their ideas on societal issues. Thus, in turn creates a strong network among researchers coming from different institutions, he concluded.
Prof. Masresha Fetene, Research Executive Director, in Ethiopian Science Academy and professor in Addis Ababa University making his keynote speech, states about “The path to a research intensive university; Some imperatives”. What is university, Priorities for a developing nation, Evolution of universities, What distinguishes a research university, key concerns of research, Challenges of research, University leadership, challenges of an emerging University, what should be done on research, why communicate knowledge /Science, Bridging the gap and critical areas of Ethiopia Development are points explained in his key note speech.
Dr. Tilaye Getie, FDRE Minstery of Education State Minister on his part states that sustainable development in it’s all forms and dimensions includes economical, societal and environmental inclusiveness on people’s lives, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. Hence, this ambitious agenda wouldn’t be addressed either quickly or easily. It needs intensive and extensive research engagement, collaborations and professionally assisted technological adaptations at national and local context, Dr. Tilaye added. “Our existence as an organization and as a scholar here is to curve the real and pervasive societal problems, he noted.
It is noted that fifty research papers presented of which 31 by Debre Markos University and the rest from other higher education institutions in different disciplines aiming to address some of the challenges of the community. 44 research works presented orally and 6 researches presented in postal presentation.
Participants of the symposium suggest that researches shall be Department wise, shall have proper time allotment, quality research papers shall be selected, stakeholders shall participate the presentations, Amhara Region sister Universities shall have research forum, the University management shall allocate enough budget for research, senior researchers shall be invited, Vice presidents of respective university shall participate in the forum, research papers shall be selected, in accordance to their disciplines, only best research papers shall be presented for the symposium and others shall be for the internal community, Researchers shall focus on national and regional cross-cutting issues, researches shall also be changed to projects, researches shall be available on websites and be secured.
Finally, participates of the 8th annual national Research symposium pay visit on Debre Markos University new Health campus which is being under construction. It is noted that the construction progress reached to 70%. Participants were explained about what they observed in the New Health Campus construction project activities. They realized that the university is in the right track and appreciated the designs of the buildings they saw there.