Tafesse Matewos (PhD) Vice President for Research & Collaborations

Welcome to the official website of Hawassa University! Hawassa University (HU) is a well-established public university in Ethiopia, engaged in teaching, research, and community service for the past 50 years. It was founded in 1976 as Awassa Junior College of Agriculture, initially enrolling 217 students. In 2000, it transitioned into a comprehensive university by merging three colleges. Currently, HU ranks among the top universities in Ethiopia, with seven campuses, over 25,000 students, and over 9,600 staff members. The university aspires to be one of the top ten research universities in East Africa by 2030.

Research and Technology Transfer (RTT) are core missions of Ethiopian higher education institutions. In alignment with this mission, HU has identified nine research thematic areas and has conducted numerous research projects over the past two decades. Through these efforts, HU has contributed to the overall development of the country by disseminating research outputs and technological innovations that benefit both the surrounding community and the nation as a whole.

In the last four years (2020-2025), HU has invested over 200 million birrs in research and community activities. During this period, Hawassa University researchers have published more than 2,000 articles in international peer-reviewed journals across various disciplines, significantly contributing to the generation of new knowledge. Additionally, the university has invented and adapted 23 technologies in the past five years, of which ten have been granted intellectual property rights. These technologies have been transferred to different industries, helping them address specific challenges.

Community service is another key focus area for the university. HU provides community services to seven technology villages, concentrating on four main issues: agriculture and natural resource management, health and nutrition, education and training, and free legal services.

Due to its outstanding performance in research, technology transfer, and community service, Hawassa University has garnered the attention of several international institutions and organizations for collaborative engagements. Furthermore, the university has an excellent track record in administering and managing collaborative projects. Currently, HU is running more than 100 collaborative projects with various international and national partners.

We welcome researchers, universities, and organizations interested in collaborating with us in the areas of research, technological innovation, and community service. Our experienced professors and dedicated young staff members are committed to working with our esteemed partners.

Sincerely, 

Tafesse Matewos (PhD)

Vice President for Research & Collaborations

Assocate Professor of Environment & Development

Contact details:

• Hawassa University, Main Campus President Office Building, Fourth Floor, Room No. 401
• Email rttvp@hu.edu.et /tafessem@hu.edu.et/tafessemk@gmail.com
• P.O.Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
• Office Tel +251462214210
• Fax: +251 46 2206517