Biology and Technology: Ethiopian Biologists and Research Notes

Biology is the study of life and living organisms, examining both their outer appearance and internal workings. Biologists investigate organism interactions and the place of humans in the living world.
Biological knowledge advances through the work of biologists who conduct experiments and publish their research in journals, and undergoes peer review to ensure high standards.
Ethiopia boasts renowned biologists whose work is recognized globally.

Dr. Aklilu Lemma researched schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a parasitic disease prevalent in Africa, South America, and Asia, caused by flatworms that mature in the body and produce eggs, leading to immune reactions. It affects 200-300 million people in Africa (including Ethiopia), South America, Asia and parts of the Caribbean.
He discovered that Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra), a local soapberry, could kill freshwater snails that carry the parasite. His finding led to trials showing a significant reduction in infection rates among children after water treatment with Endod.
Dr. Aklilu Lemma advocated for the use of Endod-based molluscicides as a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical molluscicides.

Dr. Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher, an ardent lover of nature, was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2000 for safeguarding biodiversity and the traditional rights of farmers to their genetic resources.
He played a key role in international negotiations, promoting unified policies for Africa, including community rights, and opposing patents on living materials.
He also won the United Nations Champions of the Earth prize in 2006.

Professor Tilahun Yilma is known for his work on developing a vaccine against rinderpest, a devastating cattle disease. Rinderpest arrived in Ethiopia in 1888, carried by three infected cattle brought into the country by Italian soldiers. Within a year 90% of the domestic cattle plus many wild animals such as buffalo, giraffe and antelope died. As a result 30–60% of the people starved.
His genetically engineered vaccine doesn't need refrigeration, is easy to administer, and is cheap to produce.
He is now working on an HIV/AIDS vaccine and actively supports young scientists and research establishments in Africa.

Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen specializes in human physiology and researches the impact of chemical pesticide hazards on humans and the use of plants as medicine.
She also served as Head of the Department of Biology from 1993 to 1995 and as the Director of the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology from February 2003 to October 2007.
She held leadership positions in national and international research networks and is a member of esteemed professional societies.

Dr. Melaku Worede preserved Ethiopia's plant genetic diversity and developed sustainable farming methods that produce high yields without commercial fertilizers.
He has been recognized with the Right Livelihood Award and the Outstanding International Contribution Award for his vision and work.

Dr. Gebissa Ejeta specializes in plant breeding and genetics, developing hybrid strains of sorghum that are drought-resistant and high-yielding.
His work has significantly improved food availability in Ethiopia and other African countries, earning him the World Food Prize and the National Hero award of Ethiopia.

Professor Beyene Petros: A biomedical scientist and professor at Addis Ababa University, with numerous publications and awards.
Professor Sebsebe Demissew: A plant taxonomist and Director of the National Herbarium, leading the Ethiopian Flora Project.
Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged: Discovered a 3.3 million-year-old hominoid child fossil in 2006.
Dr. Tsehaynesh Meselle: Director General of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, leading research in human health.
Dr. Berhane Asfaw: Discovered 160,000-year-old human skulls, impacting the study of human evolution.
Professor Legesse Negash: A Professor of Plant Physiology and a pioneer in indigenous trees propagation.
Professor Mogessie Ashenafi: Leads international research in food microbiology at the University of Addis Ababa.
Professor Ensermu Kelbessa: A leading systematic botanist who has discovered and named many new plants.

Biological research requires equipment, laboratories, and collaboration with other biologists. Ethiopian biologists have international reputations in various fields, and knowledge sharing is an important aspect of science.
Ethiopia invests in biological research institutions, including universities and research institutes.

AAU's Biology Department is a major center for biological research with modern equipment. Other renowned universities in Ethiopia with active biology departments include Haramaya University, Mekelle University, Jimma University, Hawassa University, Gonder University, and Bahir Dar University.

AHRI, initially focused on leprosy research, has expanded to include tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

ALIPB conducts research in microbiology, vector control, human parasitic diseases, animal health, and medicinal plants.

EHNRI conducts research into health and nutrition, focusing on HIV/AIDS, TB, and maternal and infant nutritional states.

EIAR focuses on improving agriculture through crop technology, livestock management, soil and water research, forestry, and mechanization.

The IBC conserves plant, animal, and micro-organism genetic resources, managing ecosystems and conducting research in forest aquatic plants, medicinal plants, and animal genetic resources.