ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Mekelle University (MU) took a significant step today in bolstering its research capabilities with the opening of a high-level, international workshop focused on Research Data Management. The three-day event, titled “Regional Workshop on Policy, Implementation, and Training for Research Data Management and Open & Responsible Research,” is currently underway at the Addissinia Hotel.
The workshop, organized under the VLIR-UOS project “Accelerating (Open) Education in Research Data Management to Accelerate Open and Responsible Science Policy and Implementation (OERDPI),” brings together over ten international universities and dozens of researchers. Participating countries include South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, and Belgium, alongside Ethiopian national higher education institutions such as Gondar, Jimma, and Arsi universities.
Dr. Eyasu Yazew, MU's Vice President for Research and Community Service, delivered the opening remarks. After welcoming the international and local attendees, he highlighted the growing importance of Research Data Management (RDM) for MU. "We have worked tirelessly with multiple partners to develop a culture of open science and responsible research," he said. He emphasized that the workshop's goal is to strengthen MU's collaborative framework with global institutions and to implement a sustainable RDM policy for the university, pledging MU's commitment to this endeavor. He also expressed deep gratitude to the core organizing committee members for their dedication in preparing such a successful event.
Dr. Tesfaalem Gebreyowhans, a key organizing member, added his voice to the appreciation, acknowledging the hard work and tireless efforts of the global team. "This has been a massive undertaking, and we are incredibly thankful to all the researchers and partner universities worldwide who have made this project a reality."
The workshop will feature extensive training, strategy sessions, and discussions aimed at creating a robust roadmap for the future of research data sharing in the region.
