Department of Biotechnology

Biotechnology Department Overview
Established in 2020, the Biotechnology Department at Bule Hora University is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in agriculture, health, industry, and environmental sustainability through advanced biotechnological education and research. The department offers a 4-year BSc in Biotechnology (187 ECTS), covering Medical, Industrial, Environmental, and Agricultural Biotechnology, alongside specialized fields like Bioinformatics, Genetic Engineering, and Biosafety. With strong collaborations with Bio & Emerging Technology Institute (BETin), National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center (NABRC), and other research institutions, the department fosters innovation through applied research in rhizobia symbiosis, climate-resilient crops, and antimicrobial phytochemicals.
Vision, Mission, and Core Values
  • Vision:
    To become Ethiopia’s leading hub for biotechnology education and innovation, driving sustainable development through scientific advancements.
  • Mission:
    To deliver high-quality education, pioneer applied research and promote biotechnological solutions that enhance societal well-being and environmental resilience.
  • Core Values:
    • Excellence – Maintaining high academic and research standards.
    • Innovation – Encouraging interdisciplinary and cutting-edge solutions.
    • Collaboration – Partnering with industry and global institutions.
    • Ethics – Upholding integrity in scientific research and entrepreneurship.
Affiliated Programs
  • Undergraduate Program:
    • BSc in Biotechnology (4 years, 187 ECTS
  • Graduate Programs:
    • Planned expansions (currently undergraduate only).
Admission Requirements
  • Preparatory School: Science background with biology/chemistry focus.
  • Diploma Holders: Biological sciences, agriculture, health, or related fields.
Staff Profile
Name
Position
Qualification
Research Focus
Publications
Contact
Wondi Haso Kabato
HoD, Lecturer
MSc (Biotech)
Molecular Genetics, Genetic Engineering
1
wondihaso@gmail.com, +251928852411
Nuguse Hotesa
Lecturer
MSc (General Biotech)
Food & Microbial Biotechnology
5
Mekdes Tadesse
Lecturer
MSc (Plant Biotech)
Orchid Technology
1
Adam Mengistu
Lecturer
MSc (Biotech)
Pharmaceutical Biotech, Bioinformatics
1
Abenezer Tamirat
Lecturer
MSc (Biotech)
Agricultural/Microbial Biotech
1
Hawi Mohammed
Lecturer
MSc (Medical Biotech)
Medicinal Plants, Molecular Biology
1
Biniam Yeshitila
Lecturer
MSc (Industrial/Env’t Biotech)
Waste Management, Biofuels
2 (Under Review)
Facilities & Collaborations
  • Laboratories: Research conducted at NABRC Holeta (in-house facilities under development).
  • Key Partners: BETin, AHRI, Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, ICL, EIAR.
  • Student Support: Career guidance, internships, IT-enabled learning.
Contact Information
  • Phone: +251916227649 / 0468430049
  • Office: Bule Hora University, P.O. Box 144.
The Biotechnology Department is committed to producing entrepreneurial graduates equipped for research, industry, and advanced studies, contributing to Ethiopia’s scientific and economic development.