Message from the Research and Extension Director, Salale University

Dear Visitors, Welcome to the Research and Extension Directorate at Salale University (SlU). It is my pleasure to share with you a brief overview of our research and extension efforts and the progress we are making toward establishing a strong foundation for research excellence at our university. First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation to the university’s leadership for their continued support, particularly in the development of this website. Special thanks go to our former president, Dr. Genanew Gofe, for his commitment, integrity, and strong work ethic in advancing institutional growth. I also acknowledge the dedication of the IT team, whose work is crucial as we strive to keep up with the fast-evolving digital landscape of research and publication. This platform will serve as a comprehensive hub to highlight Salale University’s growing research portfolio. It will feature staff research outputs, institutional guidelines, project updates, and other key activities under the Research and Extension Directorate. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all staff members for their invaluable contributions over the years—particularly during times of limited resources and the challenges of launching a new academic year.

Background of Research and Extension Director

Research is crucial for economic development, fueling innovation, productivity, and technological progress. It underpins new products, industries, and efficient processes, boosting growth and national welfare. By creating new technologies and solutions, research increases competitiveness across sectors. It helps optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve quality, leading to higher productivity and wealth. Research often spurs new industries like the internet, biotech, and renewable energy, creating jobs and diversifying the economy. It also tackles social and environmental challenges, advancing healthcare, education, and sustainability for a better society. Moreover, research informs public policy, enabling targeted interventions. Overall, investing in research drives innovation, growth, and prosperity, serving as a key driver for a sustainable future.

Research is vital for SlU's mission, with the university leading in research degrees, publishing, and community transfer. Its culture aims for national and international recognition, focusing on partnerships in sectors like agro-industry, tourism, health, and nutrition. The Research and Extension Directorate (RED) manages research goals, training, grants, partnerships, and reporting. The university has completed over 555 projects and published 350+ papers. It plans to establish four research centers across disciplines, including centers for Equine, Coffee, and Fruits, as well as cultural, business, and science labs. New laboratories in health, engineering, and natural sciences support research and training. Additionally, three academic journals promote scholarly work in health, social sciences, and business. These efforts are key to achieving the university's strategic goals.

Recently, SlU has begun implementing a thematic research approach to speed up demand-driven research outcomes according to the Ministry of Education. The University adopts this approach to address local and national community priorities, developing research themes through stakeholder consultation, focusing on prioritized areas while considering national and international trends. The University works with determination, perseverance, and diligence to achieve its goals in collaboration with relevant stakeholders despite challenges.

Vision

• Contributing to the research and extension initiatives that advance our University’s vision, achieving a leading comprehensive university in Ethiopia by 2030.

Mission

• To conduct research that solves societal problems, enhancing its relevance and impact in order to achieve both local and national development priorities.

Roles and Responsibilities of Research and Extension Director

• Coordinate institutional research activities
• Promote demand-driven and thematic research
• Manage research grants and funding
• Support scholarly publishing and dissemination
• Establish and oversee research centers and laboratories
• Build research capacity through training and mentorship
• Foster national and international research partnerships
• Facilitate community-based research and extension services
• Monitor, evaluate, and report research performance
• Contribute to policy development and institutional planning
• Organic Fertilizer via Vermicomposting