Activities and scientific achievements

32 news found

© Elke Stinnig

activities of scholarship holders Appear Veranstaltungsdokumentation ...

Alumni Talk Fernando Ruiz Peyré: The Power of Exchange - From Scholar to Global Research Networks

On 23 April 2026, the OeAD Alumni Talk in Vienna welcomed Fernando Ruiz Peyré, who offered an inspiring account of his personal and professional journey—from an exchange student to an internationally connected researcher in interdisciplinary mountain studies. Now affiliated with the Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the University of Innsbruck, he reflected on how academic mobility and international cooperation have shaped his career and research perspective.

4 min read · 07. May 2026
© Reinfried Mansberger

activities of scholarship holders Appear Scholars ...

PhD Research: Unlocking Informal Settlements in Ethiopia

Mulugeta Tenaw Assaye, APPEAR scholar and PhD candidate at BOKU University, explores how informal settlements in Addis Ababa are shaped by deeply intertwined social, economic, political, and environmental “lock-ins.” Drawing on his recent publication in Cities, he identifies pathways toward inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development that empower marginalized communities while protecting the environment.

2 min read · 30. April 2026
© Bernhard Kling

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung ...

Shaping Urban Futures: PhD Research on Housing and Urbanization in Ethiopia

Moges Wubet Shita, a PhD researcher and APPEAR scholar at Vienna University of Technology, explores the complex link between urbanization and housing in Ethiopia. His work combines spatial analysis, machine learning, and field research to uncover the drivers of urban expansion and housing affordability. Recently presented at the REAL CORP Conference 2026 and published in leading journals, his research provides valuable insights to support sustainable urban development and informed policymaking in rapidly growing cities.

4 min read · 31. March 2026
© Reinhard Neugschwandtner

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung

PhD Research on Irrigation Effects on Yield and Nitrogen Dynamics in Grain Legumes

Mariam Mardanyan from Armenia is a PhD researcher at BOKU University, Vienna. Her work focuses on identifying crop strategies suited to both irrigated and low-input farming systems. In the long term, her research aims to advance climate-resilient agriculture, enhance soil health, and strengthen global food security. The results are highly relevant for Armenia, Austria, and the global agricultural community.

3 min read · 12. March 2026
© Gearld Kwikiriza

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung ...

Gerald Kwikiriza completes his PhD at BOKU University, Austria

In January 2026, Gerald Kwikiriza successfully defended his PhD with distinction at BOKU University. His research explored how fish translocations and aquaculture practices shape genetic diversity and hybridization. The work has already resulted in five publications in peer-reviewed journals and is generating important insights to strengthen Nile tilapia breeding programs while supporting the conservation of endangered species across East Africa.

3 min read · 11. March 2026
© Yekunoamlak Alemu Woldeyohani

activities of scholarship holders Alumni Entwicklungsforschung

Yekunoamlak Alemu: Green Skills for TVET Trainers in Ethiopian Polytechnics

Yekunoamlak Alemu is an OeAD alumnus, a senior staff member at Addis Ababa University, and a visiting scholar at the University of Klagenfurt. He was successful in the latest APPEAR Call and, since March 2025, has been implementing the project "Capacity Development of Trainers on Greening TVET in the Polytechnic Colleges of Ethiopia".

4 min read · 22. December 2025
© Elke Stinnig

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung

Workshop Recap: Project Work in Conflict-Affected Countries

On 22 November 2025, OeAD hosted the workshop ‘Project Work in Conflict-Affected Contexts’ as part of the 9th Austrian Development Conference in Innsbruck, Austria. Caroline Paparu and Hafte Tesfay shared insights from their project work in Uganda and Ethiopia that were followed by interactive discussions. Overall, the workshop underscored that successful cooperation in conflict-affected contexts requires flexibility, ethical sensitivity, transparent communication, and long-term, trust-based partnerships rooted in local realities.

7 min read · 01. December 2025
© Frew Fentahun Enyew

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung

Agroforestry Systems and Multipurpose Trees in Southern and Southwestern Ethiopia

Abera Tilahun Abdi studies how agroforestry and multipurpose tree species enhance climate resilience and biodiversity in southern and southwestern Ethiopia.

3 min read · 27. November 2025
© Locabreed

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Alumni ...

Summer Course at Université Nazi BONI explores innovations in animal breeding and genetics

In July 2025, Université Nazi BONI (UNB) in Burkina Faso hosted an international summer course titled 'Animal Breeding and Genetics: New Approaches in Europe and Africa‘, financed through the LoCaBreed2.0 project. The course aimed to strengthen local capacities in animal breeding research and practice, while also highlighting the urgent need for sustainable genetic improvement that is tailored to local contexts.

2 min read · 22. September 2025
© Fathi Alfinur Rizq

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung

Melsew Amsalu Wubneh presents research at summer school in Kiel, Germany

The 2025 SWAMP summer school and workshop took place in Kiel, Germany, from August 5 to 14 in a hybrid form.

2 min read · 19. September 2025
© Gerald Kwikiriza

activities of scholarship holders Scholars Entwicklungsforschung

APPEAR scholars and alumni strengthen research networks for aquatic ecology

In May 2025, the FRESH NET workshop at BOKU University in Vienna brought together 40 representatives from over 15 institutions in Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya and Austria to establish partnerships for the sustainable management of Uganda's freshwater ecosystems. APPEAR scholars and alumni played an important role in leading sessions, presenting research and shaping new joint initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration, academic networks and leadership in aquatic ecology across East Africa.

3 min read · 19. September 2025
© P.Yillia

activities of scholarship holders Appear Entwicklungsforschung

From Global Expert to Local Champion: Paul T. Yillia’s Energy Ecosystem Vision for Sierra Leone

Dr. Paul Yillia is turning global experience into local impact—electrifying rural clinics, powering sustainable businesses, and building strong ecosystems for decentralized energy in Sierra Leone. Through TENN and national leadership roles, he’s driving climate-smart innovation at the energy–livelihood–healthcare nexus.

2 min read · 01. September 2025