During the welcome address, Dr. Betel Geremew, Director of International Relation& Partnership Directorate  at Debre Berhan University, announced that university researchers collaborated with peers from Aarhus University (Denmark), the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Jomo Kenyatta and Muni University (Uganda) to design the project proposal.

​The project has secured funding from the DANIDA Fellowship Centre, supported by the Danish government. Dr. Betel extended special thanks to Dr. Girum Gebreyesus for his significant contribution to the project's success.

​Objectives and Implementation

​The program aimed to:

​Introduce  the project to the University Senate and stakeholders.

​Select officials to lead work across five thematic areas.

Outline the 2026 action plan, specifically focusing on Animal Science within the College of Agriculture and financial procedures.

​Discuss implementation strategies with selected executing bodies.

​Leadership Remarks

​Dr. Asmare Melese, President of Debre Berhan University, expressed his delight at the project’s realization, calling it a "major opportunity" for the institution. He emphasized the need for:​Integrating this initiative with existing projects.​Selecting highly qualified personnel capable of meeting the project's standards.

​Fostering an environment that encourages the creation of more international projects.​ He thanked the Lead Researcher: Dr. Girum Gebreyesus              

​Dr. Girum Gebreyesus, who presented the next steps of the project, shared his professional journey. A native of Dire Dawa, he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Haramaya University. He served as a lecturer and Dean of the Graduate Faculty at Jigjiga University until 2020, worked at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa for two years, and later moved to Denmark on a scholarship. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics at Aarhus University.

​The "ASAP-Bio" Initiative

​The project is titled "ASAP-Bio: Advancing Sustainable Animal Production Biodiversity through Equitable Danish-African University Partnerships." Dr. Girum briefed the Senate on the seven-year plan starting in 2026. Following the presentation, a discussion session was held where Dr. Asmare Melese and Dr. Girum Gebreyesus addressed questions and comments regarding the project's execution.                                                 

​In his closing remarks, President of Debre Berhan University Dr. Asmare Melese reiterated that the project is vital for the university but requires intense effort and focus. He urged careful recruitment of experts to ensure success. He concluded by thanking Dr. Girum and all participating stakeholders for their commitment to the university's growth.ity's growth.