Arsi University recently attended the 2nd Joint Steering Committee meeting of the MAINSTREAM Project, held from November 23 to December 8, 2025, at the University of the Free State in South Africa. This event brought together representatives from seven partner universities across Africa and Germany, highlighting a drive for academic mobility and support for thematic resilience in agriculture. Notable attendees included Dr. Mustefa Bati Geda, the Academic Vice President, and project coordinator Mr. Sisay Yefru Derbe and project team member Mr. Degefu Kebede Bayecha
Key outcomes from the meeting included the selection of scholarship beneficiaries for short-term mobility programs beginning in January 2026, preparation of joint proposals for future projects, and strengthened collaborations among partner institutions. The meeting also saw the designation of Arsi University as the host for the 3rd Joint Steering Committee meeting scheduled for October 2026.
In terms of outgoing mobility, Arsi University reported that seven PhD students, all academic staff, participated across the first and second cohorts, along with four MSc students also benefiting from the program. On the incoming side, the university welcomed multiple MSc and BSc students for internships and research, enriching its academic environment with diverse international experiences.
Through these mobility placements, participants benefit from research support and access to facilities at partner universities, while gaining international exposure and developing skills in agriculture, intercultural communication, and digital and green technologies. Arsi University team warmly acknowledged University of the Free State (South Africa) for hosting such successful and productive 15-day MAINSTREAM project staff and partners mobility. Dr. Mustefa Bati, Academic Affairs Vice President, with his team also engaged in fruitful discussions with University of the Free State Officials, opening doors for expanded cooperation in research, teaching, and capacity building.
