Jimma University Celebrates Closing of ASSURE SI Project

Jimma University recently hosted a closing seminar for the ASSURE SI Project (A Sustainable Construction for Ethiopia: Integrating Local Resources for Affordable, Resilient and Sustainable Housing) marking the successful end of a two-year initiative focused on promoting eco-friendly and resilient building practices across the country.

The project received support from the Belgian Directorate-General for Development (DGD) through the Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad-Universitaire Ontwikkelingssamenwerking (VLIR-UOS).

The event, themed “Concrete Ideas, Lasting Impact,” highlighted the project’s extensive research outputs, knowledge sharing, and strong engagement with various stakeholders. A key focus was on innovative approaches to utilizing local resources and transforming industrial and agricultural waste into affordable, durable, and sustainable construction materials.

The seminar attracted a distinguished audience from academia, government, and industry. Project leaders from Jimma University, along with collaborators from Hasselt University in Belgium, provided a detailed overview of ASSURE SI’s accomplishments across its three main areas: Education, Research, and Dissemination.

Key Achievements of the Project Included:

Human Capacity Building: Direct support for 11 emerging researchers, including 2 PhD candidates, 6 MSc students, and 3 BSc students, whose work underpins the project’s technical findings.
Advanced Training: Implementation of two intensive short courses and seminars aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals and academics.
Widespread Dissemination: Publication of eight project newsletters and features in four major local newspapers, including Addis Zemen and Ethiopian Herald.
Academic Excellence: Submission of multiple publications to reputable international scientific journals to share insights with the global community.
Global Exchange: Facilitation of two international mobilities for MSc students and three for international staff and pre-doctoral researchers, promoting valuable knowledge exchange with Hasselt University.

The ASSURE SI Project concludes with a strong foundation of knowledge, partnerships, and sustainable solutions designed to influence the future of Ethiopia’s construction sector.