Horizon Europe “Africa Initiative IV” Info Session at Debre Berhan University, alongside the 5th International Research Conference and the CSESE Congress

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Horizon Europe “Africa Initiative IV” Event at Debre Berhan University (DBU), alongside the 5th International Research Conference and the CSESE Congress. 

Introduction: 

The Horizon Europe “Africa Initiative IV” Workshop, to be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Debre Berhan University (Ethiopia), will bring together members of the science, technology, and innovation community from Ethiopia and beyond. The workshop will introduce and discuss funding opportunities under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026–2027, with particular attention to the Africa Initiative IV, which aims to strengthen research and innovation partnerships between Europe and Africa. 

The initiative includes 25 research topics with an indicative total budget of approximately €500 million, supporting collaborative projects across key priority areas, including Public Health, Green Transition, Innovation and Technology, Capacity Building for Science, and other cross-cutting themes. The workshop will provide a platform for researchers, policymakers, and institutional stakeholders to explore potential collaborations, develop joint research ideas, and exchange knowledge on participation in Horizon Europe programs. 

The event will be organized alongside the 5th International Research Conference of Debre Berhan University (DBU)and the 5th Annual Congress of the Computational Sciences and Engineering Society of Ethiopia (CSESE). Together, these events will create a vibrant forum for national and international researchers to present findings, share ideas, and engage in discussions that advance solution-oriented research. 

The workshop will begin with opening remarks from H.E. Dr. Asmare Melese, President of Debre Berhan University, Prof. Ahmed Mustefa, Vice President of the Computational Science and Engineering Society of Ethiopia (CSESE), and Dr. Yedilfana Setarge Mekonnen, regional representative for EURAXESS Africa and Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University. 

It also brings together scholars, industry representatives, and policymakers. The conference aims to highlight emerging research priorities, encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, and strengthen academic networking and collaboration across institutions and sectors. 

Conference Vision: 

The conference is designed to serve as a global platform connecting academia, industry, policymakers, and research scholars. It will highlight high-quality, peer-reviewed research that addresses real-world challenges and advances knowledge across interdisciplinary fields. As an applied university, Debre Berhan University (DBU) places strong emphasis on practical research, industry collaboration, technological advancement, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Conference Scope: 

The conference provides a comprehensive and application-oriented platform for knowledge exchange, innovation dissemination, and collaborative research development. It reflects DBU’s commitment to industry-relevant research and technological progress. 

Research contributions are invited in areas including, but not limited to:

• Applied Sciences and Emerging Technologies
• Engineering and Smart Systems
• Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Digital Transformation
• Sustainable Development and Green Technologies
• Healthcare Innovation and Applied Biomedical Research
• Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Management
• Industry and Advanced Manufacturing

Interdisciplinary research that integrates multiple fields to address complex real-world challenges is particularly encouraged.

Event format: Online and at Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

For international participants, please contact the organizers at researchaffairs@dbu.edu.et and csese252021@gmail.com.

Event Dates: May 8–9, 2026

• May 8: Opening ceremony, keynotes, and plenaries (morning), and research presentations (afternoon)
• May 9: Morning session (9:00–12:30) – Horizon Europe-Africa Initiative IV and grant writing session; Afternoon – research presentations continue.

Participation and Support

International researchers are encouraged to submit abstracts and participate in the conference.

• Registration: Free of charge
• Support for selected participants: Accommodation and local living expenses will be covered for 10 selected international scientists
• International travel: Participants are responsible for their own airfare