The signing ceremony on Clusters of Excellence for Research and Innovation between the African Research University Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities was held in Brussels, Belgium on the 8th of June 2023.
Ambassador Shamebo Fitamo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels attended and witnessed the ceremony. At the event, 17 approved Clusters of Excellence for Research and Innovation were announced. Out of these clusters, Addis Ababa University is involved in leadership and membership of the nine clusters. The university was represented by its president Professor Tassew Weldehana during the review and approval of the proposals.
Professor Ernest Aryeetey, Secretary-General of ARUA, and Professor Jan Palmowski, Secretary–General of The Guild put their signature on behalf of the alliance and The Guild. The AU-EU, whose draft Innovation Agenda was accepted at the 2022’s EU-AU Summit, set up a clear vision for using science and innovation to address societal challenges in new and sustainable ways. In this regard, ARUA and The Guild announced 17 approved Clusters of Excellence for Research and Innovation after a thorough review of proposals that will be supported by the European Union.
In his remark, Ambassador Shamebo appreciated the importance of such collaboration and thanked the EU for its initiative. He also underlined the government of Ethiopia’s commitment to support research and innovation.
The signing ceremony was also witnessed by the Director–General of the INTPA, the Ambassador of Norway, and other Ambassadors of Africa countries whose universities are involved in the clusters.
