The University of Aberdeen has appointed Dr Wolde Bori Mekuria as an Honorary Professor, recognising more than a decade of exceptional collaboration, high quality science, and global impact delivered in partnership with colleagues in Ethiopia.
Over the past ten years, Dr Mekuria, a Senior Researcher at the International Water Management Institute in Addis Ababa, has played a central role in major collaborative research projects between the University and Ethiopian partners, helping to secure over £3.5 million in funding.
His leadership in co-developing research with smallholder farmers has produced tangible benefits, including new income streams for landless youth and women, community led soil restoration, and improved sustainable use of organic resources.
Dr Mekuria’s expertise has made a significant contribution to the University’s REF impact portfolio, including his role in REF2021 UoA7 Impact Case Study “Decision support tools to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions”. Current joint projects, including DEFRA GCBC CROSSROADS and the UK International Development/IIED land degradation programme, are already generating high quality outputs and are expected to underpin future REF impact.
He has also strengthened the University’s educational mission through PhD supervision, including leading research support for a University of Aberdeen doctoral student who graduated in 2024, and through providing materials and upcoming guest lectures that will enrich student learning.
With more than 75 peer reviewed publications, alongside influential technical and policy reports, Dr Mekuria is internationally recognised for advancing land resources management and improving livelihoods for some of the world’s most vulnerable farming communities.
His appointment as Honorary Professor celebrates a decade of impactful partnership and reinforces the University of Aberdeen’s commitment to global sustainability and equitable research collaboration.
Professor Jo Smith in the School of Biological Sciences and the Principal Investigator of much of the collaboration said: “This Honorary Professorship is a fitting recognition of Professor Wolde’s outstanding scientific contributions. His work to improve soils and farming systems across Sub-Saharan Africa extends far beyond his excellent research publications; it has delivered meaningful, lasting benefits to farmers and communities throughout the region. We are honoured to welcome him as part of the University of Aberdeen.” Prof. Wolde Bori said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this Honorary Professorship from the University of Aberdeen. This recognition reflects not only my individual scientific contributions but, more importantly, the strength, trust, and longevity of the partnership between IWMI and the University of Aberdeen. Over many years, this collaboration has enabled impactful research, shared learning, and capacity strengthening, addressing complex environmental and development challenges. I see this honour as a collective achievement and a renewed commitment to sustaining and expanding our joint efforts for science that delivers real world impact.”