Nation Strives to Expand Space Science Education

Addis Ababa July 5/2019 Ethiopia is striving to promote space science education in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute disclosed. 

The Institute has been providing education on the field of astronomy, astrophysics, space application, geodesy and geodynamics and among others.

Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics Division at the institute, Marijane Povic, told ENA that though Ethiopia is familiar with the idea of astronomy, space science policy and strategy was established only last year.

This show that there is much to be done in the field especially in higher education as there are many new universities having only few qualified professionals in space science.

Taking cognizance of the challenges in the field, the institute is working vigorously on producing highly qualified expertise in space science as part of developing the field, she stated.

“In order to get more qualified people it takes time so I think in the future we will definitely have at all universities people with their master and PhD that do have much more experience in teaching and in research as well so that they can give better and quality education to all the students,” She added.

Marijane Povic stated that over the past three years remarkable progress has been registered in training experts in various fields of space science including geodesy and geodynamics.

She indicated that the institute also coordinated and organizing various workshops and symposiums to introduce Ethiopia in the space science field both at continental and international level.

 “We are working with various institutes in collaborations with Spain, Italy, U.S.A, Russia, South Africa and among others to get more training, funds and experiences on the field beside doing many research outputs,” she added.

Similarly, Ethiopia Space Science and Technology Institute is working in close collaboration with East African countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya through sharing experience in lecture, research, and student supervision.

Doctoral student in the field of astronomy at the institute, Zeleke Beyenew, said the edifying system has a well-organized and supported with an up-to-date scientific data which can help to produce qualified experts in the field.

“It is evident that the country lacks professionals in the field, but there are efforts to produce expertise in space science. This would contribute to improve the quality of education beyond inspiring youths and young children to that would help to build the country that we really aspire tomorrow; and space science is flourishing,” he said.  

The institute teaches about 58 students in post graduate programs of which 19 in masters and 39 in PhD level.