Jimma University’s Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC) , in collaboration with the University of Molise, Italy, successfully hosted a high-level international seminar at the BRICS Hall on the Main Campus. The event brought together scholars, researchers, and students for a day of insightful presentations and academic exchange, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two institutions.
The seminar served as a platform for six distinguished professors from the University of Molise to showcase their cutting-edge research, spanning topics from microbiology and nutrition to sustainable pest management.
The morning session, expertly moderated by Professor Delenasaw Yewhalaw, featured three presentations focusing on biomedical sciences and nutrition. Professor Roberto Maria Di Marco opened the seminar with a deep dive into microbiology, presenting on “Updates on microbial extracellular vesicles: just tools for intercellular communication and virulence factors or also potential innovative therapeutic targets?” Following this, Professor Giulio Petronio Petronio explored the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science in his talk, “Bridging Traditional Botanicals and Modern Microbiology: Laboratory Standards and the Galleria mellonella In Vivo Pre-Screening Model.” The morning session was concluded by Professor Giovanni Scapagnini, who addressed a topic of global relevance with his presentation on “Nutrition, immunity and healthy ageing.”
Following a brief intermission, the afternoon session shifted focus to entomological innovation and pest control. Moderated by Professor Ahmed Zeinudin, three professors delivered high-standard research on sustainable approaches to pest management. Professor Marco Colacci presented on “The Sterile Insect Technique: a sustainable approach to pest management and quality assessment of released insects.” Professor Andrea Sciarretta followed with a forward-thinking presentation on “Developing new paradigms for Integrated Pest Management to replace pest treatments with sustainable control tools.” The final presentation of the day was delivered by Professor Antonio De Cristofaro, who shared applied research on “Some experiences in pest control using entomopathogenic fungi.” 
Each presentation was followed by a very interactive discussion session, with attendees engaging the speakers on methodologies, applications, and potential for local collaboration.
Bringing the day to a close, Dr. Jemal Abafita delivered the closing remarks. He began by acknowledging the immense value of the knowledge shared and extended the university’s profound gratitude to the six professors who traveled the long distance from Italy to Jimma.
Dr. Jemal emphasized the strategic importance of such international engagements, stating that this kind of high-level academic exchange is exactly what Jimma University needs to pave its road toward becoming a premier research university. He concluded by formally thanking the organizers at JU TIDRC for their efforts in coordinating the event and facilitating a dialogue that promises to open new avenues for future collaboration between the two universities. 
The event underscored the commitment of both Jimma University and the University of Molise to fostering global academic partnerships and advancing research that addresses real-world challenges.