
Research
Dilla University is one of the leading higher learning institutions working vigorously towards tackling community problems through research and innovation. With an ambitious goal of becoming the leading public premier in the country, renowned in Africa and recognized globally, the university is integrating teaching, research, and community services/technology transfer.
With a fundamental vision and mission, Dilla University, particularly its Research and Community Services wing, upholds core values of quality and excellence in research. This commitment ensures innovative approaches in community service and technology transfer, honesty, respect, fairness, integrity in intellectual endeavors, community engagement, acceptability, and equity and gender balance in research and technology transfer. The university also emphasizes fidelity to the law, observing all statutory obligations in conducting research and community service, encouraging innovativeness to inculcate competitiveness and improvement, and building a culture of evidence-based conclusions through a scientific approach.
DU has already established different research facilities, including a research institute and seven research centers, in addition to strengthening existing services at different colleges/institutes. Moreover, to address the research priority of the country, in general, and the local community, in particular, the university has adopted a thematic research approach. Areas of research and relevant topics are identified in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders/sectors that play a pivotal role in meeting regional and national priority needs and relevant international trends.
Research outputs are communicated to the end users through different routes (means), including annual research conferences held every year, university-hosted journals, publication in national and international peer-reviewed journals, and policy briefs. The Publication and Extension Office of the university is mandated to coordinate and support the dissemination aspect. In addition, some of the research findings are transferred into community service projects/technological products to solve a pressing community problem practically. These activities are coordinated by Community Services & Engagement, University-Industry Linkage (UIL), and Technology Transfer directorate offices, respectively.
DU’s research is conducted based on the prioritized thematic research areas. The thematic areas identified are based on national, regional, and local developmental needs. The identification and revision of the themes are always done in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.