St.Mary’s University’s Research and Knowledge Management Office (RaKMO) held its Annual Research Review on March 1, 2025 in the Syndicate Room at the Main Campus. Misganaw Solomon (PhD), Vice President for Research and International Relation welcomed all the research paper presenters and participants, emphasizing the importance of the review session. He noted that the session is one of the five key research events annually organized exclusively for the University’s academic staff. The session aimed to evaluate the research proposals submitted by St. Mary’s University’s (SMU) staff and to fund those who meet the criteria .
Matheas Shemelis, Assistant Professor , Director of RaKMO, highlighted the aims of the review in maintaining the quality of the University’s research efforts. He noted that RaKMO has been providing comprehensive support to SMU’s staff, facilitating research activities of institutional and national importance. However, he pointed out several challenges, including a limited number of research initiatives, low publication rates, poor staff engagement and insufficient funding. To address the stated snags, he recommended that the staff had better secure research grants, recognize research as a fundamental duty of instructors, build research capacity within the University, and increase funding for research projects.
During the event, five papers were presented, including one previously funded research project and four new proposals. The research topics ranged from urban agriculture to social and educational issues. Following the presentations, the research proposals were reviewed, and the presenters defended their works. This was followed by the discussion session where the participants shared their questions, suggestions, and comments on the research papers.
The half-day session which included the 2016 E.C outstanding researcher award ceremony was conducted although no one met the criteria for the award this year.
Finally, Wondwosen Tamrat, (PhD, Asso. Prof.) founder and President of SMU, delivered a commendation for the diligent efforts of RaKMO. He highlighted the critical role that research and publication play in the academic and developmental trajectories of the University. He also emphasized the need for continuous support and encouragement for faculty and department members to actively engage in the research activities.
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