Cooperation and Internationalization
The PhD program in Plant Breeding at Jimma University has very good record in international and local collaborations that enhance the academic experience and expand research opportunities.
- International collaboration:
The program has an active continental student exchange program with the University of Abomey-Calavi (Benin Republic), Ebonyi State University (Nigeria), University of Yaounde I (Cameroon), University of KwaZulu-Natal and North-West Universities (South Africa), Egerton University (Kenya), University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe) and European partners of Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands and Institute Agro Montpellier in France. These partnerships enable joint supervision of both PhD and Master students and facilitate short- and long-term training programs for students to access capacity-building and advanced research facilities in both African and European countries. Over the past nine years, more than nearly 20 PhD and Masters students were hosted by our department from five African countries and the same number of students were also got opportunity to puruse Msc and PhD programs in different African countries benefiting from these collaborations, gaining exposure to academics and culture.
- Local Expertise and Co-Supervision:
The program engages specialists in Plant Breeding from various Ethiopian universities, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, and the Ethiopian Institute of Biodiversity as co-supervisors and guest lecturers, thereby providing students with a well-rounded and extensive education. This partnership also enhances the connections between Jimma University and other educational institutions in Ethiopia, promoting a cooperative research atmosphere.
- International Student Support:
Comprehensive support systems have been established to aid international students, facilitating their seamless integration into both the academic and social environments at Jimma University. This encompasses personalized academic guidance, cultural orientation programs, and access to research facilities at both local and international levels.
The program’s dedication to offering a comprehensive, globally acknowledged education is underscored by these international partnerships and collaborative initiatives, which equip students for leadership positions within the worldwide scientific community.