Biology and Technology: Ethiopian Biologists
Biology and Technology
Renowned Ethiopian Biologists
Dr. Aklilu Lemma and the Battle Against Bilharzia
Schistosomiasis, affecting 200–300 million people in Africa, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean, is caused by parasitic flatworms. Dr. Aklilu Lemma researched Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra), a soapberry, discovering its molluscicide properties in 1964. He found that Endod suds killed freshwater snails, which carry the schistosomiasis parasite. Endod is cheap, locally known, and environmentally friendly, breaking down naturally in about two days. Trials showed a significant decrease in infection rates among children after Endod treatment. Dr. Aklilu Lemma's work led to the adoption of Endod-based molluscicides in Africa and beyond.
Dr. Tewolde Berhan Gebre Egziabher
Born in 1940, Dr. Tewolde Berhan won the Right Livelihood Award in 2000 for safeguarding biodiversity and farmers’ rights to genetic resources. He negotiated biodiversity-related policies, advocating for community rights and opposing patents on living materials. Dr. Tewolde Berhan helped draft the OAU model legislation for community rights and played a pivotal role in protecting biosafety and biodiversity in Montreal.
Professor Tilahun Yilma and His Vaccines
Professor Tilahun Yilma is known for developing a vaccine against rinderpest, a cattle disease. Rinderpest caused massive cattle deaths and starvation in Ethiopia in the late 19th century. Using genetic engineering, Professor Tilahun created a vaccine that did not need refrigeration and could be easily administered. The vaccine was ready for use across Africa by 1997. He is currently working on an HIV/AIDS vaccine.
Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen
Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen is the first female professor from Addis Ababa University. She specializes in human physiology, researching the impact of chemical pesticide hazards on humans and the use of medicinal plants. Professor Yalemtsehay Mekonnen served as Head of the Department of Biology and Director of the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology. She is a member of several professional societies and has been awarded research grants and fellowships both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Melaku Worede
Born in 1936, Dr. Melaku Worede has worked to preserve the genetic diversity of Ethiopian domestic plants. He established the Plant Genetic Resources Center in Addis Ababa, preserving traditional crop varieties. Dr. Worede developed farming methods that produce high yields without commercial fertilizers. His methods are now widely used in Africa and Asia. He has received the Right Livelihood Award and the Outstanding International Contribution Award.
Dr. Gebissa Ejeta
Dr. Gebissa Ejeta specializes in plant breeding and genetics. He developed Africa’s first commercial hybrid strain of sorghum, which is drought-resistant and yields more grain. His sorghum strains are also resistant to the parasitic Striga weed. Dr. Gebissa Ejeta’s work has significantly improved food availability in Ethiopia and other African countries. He was awarded the World Food Prize in 2009 and the National Hero award of Ethiopia.
Other Renowned Ethiopian Biologists
- Professor Beyene Petros: Biomedical scientist at Addis Ababa University, known for health research and development.
- Professor Sebsebe Demissew: Plant taxonomist and Director of the National Herbarium.
- Dr. Zeresenay Alemseged: Discovered a 3.3 million-year-old humanoid child fossil.
- Dr. Tsehaynesh Meselle: Director General of the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI).
- Dr. Berhane Asfaw: Discovered 160,000-year-old human skulls, impacting the study of human evolution.
- Professor Legesse Negash: Pioneer in propagating Ethiopia’s indigenous trees.
- Professor Mogessie Ashenafi: Leads international research into food microbiology.
- Professor Ensermu Kelbessa: Leading systematic botanist, discovering and naming new plants.
Biological Research in Ethiopia
Biology requires equipment, labs, and collaboration to advance knowledge. Biologists work in diverse fields, contributing to international scientific progress. Ethiopia invests in and develops biological research institutions.
Addis Ababa University (AAU) Biology Department
The Biology Department at AAU is a major center for biological research in Ethiopia and hosts the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology. AAU's Biology Department features modern equipment for biological research. Other universities with active biology departments include Haramaya, Mekelle, Jimma, Hawassa, Gonder, and Bahir Dar Universities.
Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI)
Established in 1969, AHRI initially focused on leprosy research but has expanded to include tuberculosis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS research.
Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology (ALIPB)
ALIPB, honoring Professor Aklilu Lemma, focuses on biomedical research and training. Its research areas include microbiology, disease vectors, human parasitic diseases, animal health, and Endod research. The institute trains Ethiopian pathobiologists through a Masters program in tropical and infectious diseases.
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI)
EHNRI carries out research on health and nutrition issues affecting public health. It identifies problems and raises awareness to improve nutrition and health. EHNRI conducts research into immunology, viral diseases and HIV/AIDS. It also houses the National TB Reference Laboratory and researches maternal and infant nutrition.
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
EIAR focuses on improving agriculture through research in crop technology, livestock management, soil and water fertility, forestry, and farming mechanization. It aims to enhance food security and nutritional quality.
The Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC)
IBC conserves plant, animal, and micro-organism genetic material. Its gene bank is one of the leading in Africa. Research areas include forest and aquatic plants, medicinal plants, animal genetic resources, biotechnology, safety, and ecosystem conservation.