Ethiopian Delegation Visits KIT – Exchange on Centers of Excellence and International Research Partnerships

On Friday, May 16, 2025, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) welcomed a high-ranking delegation from Ethiopia. The group consisted of three vice presidents of leading Ethiopian universities and representatives of the Ministry of Education. The focus of the visit was the desire to exchange ideas about the diverse research and teaching activities at KIT and to identify points of contact for the further development of the Ethiopian Centers of Excellence. 

The guests were welcomed by the Vice President for Teaching and Academic Affairs, Prof. Alexander Wanner. Project manager Andreas Fink then presented the strategy fund project FA(ST)²Africa, which aims to raise awareness of and expand Africa-related research and science activities at KIT and to develop an Africa strategy for KIT. Key topics include energy, water, climate, and raw materials. 

Afterwards, the guests received practical insights into current research projects: At the Light Technology Institute, Prof. Alexander Colsmann presented developments in the field of organic photovoltaics. At the Institute for Water and Environment, Prof. Olivier Eiff, Prof. Erwin Zehe, and Dr.-Ing. Frank Seidel provided information on ongoing work on hydrological issues. The morning concluded with a presentation of the latest technologies in the field of membrane processes. 

In the afternoon, Prof. Andrea Iris Schäfer presented the work at the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology, located on Campus North. Afterwards, Prof. Wilhelm Stork and Markus Lehner provided insights into current projects on embedded systems and sensor technology at the FZI. 

The delegation was impressed by KIT's innovative potential and interdisciplinary approach. The open dialogue and commitment to sustainable partnerships were particularly emphasized.