About the Department Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology, under the College of Natural and Computational Sciences (CNCS) at Wolaita Sodo University (WSU), was established in 2008 E.C. (2015 G.C.) as part of the Department of Biology. It began with 4 academic staff members and 42 students. In 2011 E.C. (2018 G.C.), the department became independent, officially separating from the Department of Biology. Since then, it has grown significantly and now comprises 22 academic staff members and 6 laboratory technicians as indicated on the table below.

Table 1: Profile of the Department of Biotechnology, 2017 E.C ( 2024/2025)

Basic parameter	Quantity	Academic Rank		Remarks
		PhD	MSC
Number of academic staff on duty	14	2	12
Number of technical staff on duty	2	-	2
Academic staff on study leave	8	3	5
Technical staff on study leave	4	-	4
Total	28	5	23
Number of undergraduate programmes	3
Total number of undergraduate students	107

The Department of Biotechnology at Wolaita Sodo University is dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology. This cross-cutting discipline integrates scientific and technological advancements in health, agriculture, industry, environmental management, and food processing. Central to the field are recombinant DNA technologies, which enable genetic modifications to enhance crop productivity, improve disease management, support environmental conservation, and boost industrial efficiency.

Currently, the department offers an undergraduate program designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in molecular biology, genetic engineering, plant and microbial biotechnology, and bioinformatics. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the department actively collaborates with research institutions and industries to enhance student training and contribute to sustainable national development.

The department is firmly committed to addressing Ethiopia’s pressing challenges—including food insecurity, public health concerns, and environmental degradation—through applied biotechnology research. By producing competent professionals, conducting need-driven research, and providing community services, WSU’s Biotechnology Department aims to be a key contributor to Ethiopia’s socio-economic transformation.

To support its academic and research missions, the department is equipped with molecular biotechnology laboratories housing essential instruments such as gel documentation and imaging systems, PCR and qPCR machines, refrigerators, incubators, shaking machines, Ice maker, autoclaves, and deep freezers. However, due to the shortage of certain supplementary equipment and reagents, the laboratories are not yet functioning at full capacity. The department urgently seeks support from relevant stakeholders to fully equip its labs and realize their full potential.

Best regards!

Ashebir Gogile Zengele (PhD),

Biotechnology (Agricultural Biotechnology stream)

Head department of Biotechnology

Email: ashebir.gogile@wsu.edu.et;  ashegogle@gmail.com,

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0620-1132

Phone: +251-911335471