Wollega University is one of the second generation public higher education institutions established in 2007. Recently the University is categorized among the fifteen Ethiopian universities differentiated as University of Applied Sciences (UAS). This designation marks a significant milestone in its journey toward excellence in applied research and innovation. The Research and Technology Transfer Office of the university is currently working at vice president position. The office is recently restructured into five directorates and three coordinators all of which focus on research, community engagement, industry linkage and STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Office of the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer aspires to excel in knowledge, Innovation, Technology to enable Wollega University to be one of the top Universities of Applied Sciences in Africa by 2034. The university strides to generate and transfer new knowledge, innovation and technology that can transform the livelihood of the community via producing competent and creative researchers. The Research and Technology Transfer office of the university values creativity and innovation, excellence, quality, ethics, team work, commitment, partnership and accountability.
The university has implemented the research reform agenda initiated by Ethiopian Ministry of Education, of which thematic approach of research projects and differentiating as mainly applied research was practiced. Accordingly, there were eight research thematic agenda identified by the university based on the national research priorities. These include agricultural productivity, agro-processing and agribusiness; manufacturing, mining & digitalization; health, nutrition and wellbeing; energy, environment and development; education quality; natural and computational sciences; institutions, governance and the rule of law; society, art and culture.
Research outputs are disseminated to end-users through various platforms, including university-hosted symposia, conferences, field days, publications in academic journals, and outreach activities utilizing media channels such as the university’s FM radio station and social media platforms. The university is also devoted in community engagement activities with the main focus on knowledge and technology transfer. To achieve this, there is partnership and collaboration bridged at all levels such as local, national and international scopes in order to strengthen academics, research and community engagement endeavors.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing future innovators, the university also engages in STEM-focused programs aimed at encouraging talented high school students from the East Wollega, Horro Guduru Wollega, and West Wollega zones. These initiatives are designed to unleash young students' creative potential, fostering a new generation of problem-solvers and innovators. Wollega University remains steadfast in its mission to be a beacon of applied knowledge, innovation, and community transformation.
Diriba Diba (PhD)
Vice president for Research and Technology Transfer, Wollega University
Email: