Debre Berhan University February 2026- Debre Berhan University recently hosted an academic exchange visit by a senior scholars from the University of Pisa, Italy, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international collaboration and promote partnerships. 

The visit was initiated through an invitation of the visiting scholars, Prof. Giulio Petroni and Tianshi Li (PhD candidate, University of Pisa), by Solomon Melaku (PhD candidate, AAU), a staff member of Debre Berhan University, and a participant of the “NGTax” H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 project coordinated by the University of Pisa. The visit was coordinated by the University’s Directorate of International Relations and Partnerships, which organized a one-day structured discussion platform bringing together staff members, directorates, and researchers from various units of the University.

 The session was opened with a welcoming remark by Bethel Geremew (PhD), Director for International Relations and Partnerships, highlighting the long-standing academic legacy of the University of Pisa – a home to renowned scientist Galileo Galilei, and underscoring the importance of building partnerships with globally recognized institutions. An overview of Debre Berhan University’s institutional organization, campuses, and strategic focus areas was also presented. 

During the program, the visiting scholar, Prof. Giulio Petroni from the University of Pisa, shared a brief professional biography and presented a selected International collaborative project experience on “NGTax”: Next Generation Taxonomy: Ciliophora and their bacterial symbionts as a proof of concept, H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019 project. The presentation served to illustrate a practical model for joint research initiatives and future collaborations involving several institutions from various geographical locations. 

The discussion further featured presentations from key research centers within Debre Berhan University. Fresew Belete (PhD), Coordinator, Shewa Robit Fruit and Vegetable Research and Extension Center, highlighted ongoing work in aquaculture, particularly in fingerlings production of Nile tilapia and African catfish to supply the growing demand in North Shoa Zone, Amhara region. Similarly, Amare Ayalew (PhD) from Ankober Indigenous Knowledge Development and Enrichment Botanical Garden Center presented the progress of the center in medicinal plant research, indigenous knowledge development, and the production of plant-based health products. 

In addition, Beimnet Abegaz (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Science, gave a speech on the college’s academic programs and emphasized opportunities for collaboration through joint MSc and PhD programs. Her speech underscored the University's distinct focus as an applied University, prioritizing practical and industry-oriented research activities. 

The visit continued with an open discussion, during which participants explored broader areas of potential collaboration. Subsequently, Prof. Giulio Petroni, visiting scholar, reflected on the discussions by suggesting that multidisciplinary research projects could be developed through continued dialogue, and expressed his commitment to bring forward such partnerships at the University of Pisa. 

In his closing remarks, the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer of Debre Berhan University reaffirms the institution's strong commitment to internationalization and its intention to establish sustainable collaboration with the University of Pisa and other Universities in Italy. The visit marks an important step towards building meaningful academic partnerships and advancing Debre Berhan University’s vision of becoming research driven and internationally engaged institution.