Research in Wollega University is expected to meet the objectives of contributing to developmental needs of the country by supporting and conducting applied research, and by making the teaching and learning process problem-solving and conducive to the expansion of knowledge. According to Article 113 of Wollega University legislation, the setting of research priorities shall be the responsibility of each department and faculties and each year the university will set guidelines for research priorities.

The Publication and Dissemination Office of Wollega University used to manage one journal, Science, Technology, and Arts Research Journal from 2012 up to 2023. In the middle of 2023, the journal was divided into six journals based on the demand of the research community. Now each journal has its respective editor-in-chief and editorial board members.  The journals are:   

The Need for University Research Policy

This document summarizes the Wollega University Research Policy, arising from the need to have a policy document to help spearhead research at the University. The need for a dynamic University Research Policy arises from a number of factors: lack of University Research Policy at present, to create an enabling environment for research network, to create the necessary internal capacity for making research as an integral part of the learning-teaching process, to develop flexible and feasible working guidelines for research proposal preparation ,review and approval, develop mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of research processes, stiff competition for staff seeking research funds . Therefore, the need to have a consistent policy is desired to motivate staff, sustain, and improve research productivity and competitiveness at national and international levels. 

Since the purpose of research is to generate new knowledge, and communicate the findings through publications, the freedom to publish must be vigorously guarded.  The findings of the researches carried out by the University should be published in the shortest time possible.  The funding organization may review the results and materials resulting from the research.  Such reviews should not delay publication for more than 30 days from the date they are asked to review for publication.  Where the research findings may lead to patentable rights, the University and the private sector funding the research will pursue the patents and the University policy on patent rights will apply thereafter.

Research thematic and priority setting is a vital activity in research undertaking since it greatly assists in identifying and implementing research programs that address critical problems of both science and society, and that are attractive to those who fund and support research. In order to focus and give direction to the range of research activities undertaken within the University community, Office of Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer identified 44 key research thematic areas through analysis of problems with key stakeholders of the University and supported by the national development agenda of the country that seek to address the needs of our society.

The VDI Project has been inaugurated at the presence of His Excellency honorable Dr.Nagari Lencho, EFDR, Meber of Parliament, Chairperson of a Standing Committee for Human Resource Development,, Employment, and Technoligy Transfer Affairs.

A two-days (20 & 21 February, 2025) Annual International Research Conference hosted by Wallaga University under the theme: ''Getting Research into Practice and Policy (#GRIPP): Innovations and Technologies in Fostering a Health System'' successfully completed.

The workshop, organized and supported by the INDMET Project Office, is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College teachers and industry engineers. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the INDMET Project, which aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of partners in the south to improve the quality of engineering education, as well as technical and vocational training.