20/10/2026
MWU Strengthens Geodesy and GNSS Expertise through Capacity-Building Workshop
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(19 October 2026)
Madda Walabu University (MWU) has hosted a two-day capacity-building workshop and training on Geodesy and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), aimed at enhancing participantsβ theoretical knowledge and practical skills in geospatial technologies, surveying, and scientific research. The initiative is expected to strengthen the universityβs capacity in geodesy and promote the application of modern positioning technologies in teaching, research, and practical fieldwork.
Opening the workshop, Dr. Bezabih Wondimu, Vice President for Academic, Research, Technology Transfer and Community Service at MWU, delivered opening remarks highlighting the importance of strengthening academic and research capacity through specialized training and institutional collaboration. The workshop is sponsored by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) and brings together three trainers from Addis Ababa University, led by Dr. Andinet Ashagrie, to provide technical guidance and practical training.
Speaking about the workshop's objectives, Principal Investigator Dr. Abdisa Kawo Koji explained that the training focuses on strengthening participantsβ competencies in geodesy, GNSS technologies, coordinate reference systems, geodetic datumβs, field surveying, and GNSS data processing. Participants include instructors from diverse disciplines, such as Physics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Surveying, Water Resources, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences, alongside PhD candidates and undergraduate students. The multidisciplinary approach is expected to encourage knowledge-sharing and expand the application of GNSS technologies across academic and research fields.
The workshop marks an important milestone toward establishing a sustainable GNSS-based geodesy capacity-building hub at MWU. Future priorities include expanding hands-on training, ensuring the routine use and maintenance of GNSS equipment, integrating GNSS applications into teaching and research, supporting student research initiatives, and strengthening collaboration among academic institutions.
