Technology Transfer and Community Engagement Directorate

Mattu University was established as one of the third-generation public institutions of higher education in Ethiopia with the primary mandate of delivering quality education, providing problem-solving services, and supporting the community through multi-dimensional engagements. Among these, community engagement and technology transfer are central pillars, encompassing educational, cultural, economic, environmental, and social activities that directly address community needs.

The University recognizes community engagement as a key responsibility sharing expertise with the community, transferring appropriate technologies, and implementing projects that contribute to solving societal problems. This aligns with the Ethiopian government’s priority of enhancing teaching, learning, and community engagement in higher education institutions, as mandated in the Higher Education Proclamation No. 1152/2019.

 Accordingly, the Technology Transfer and Community Engagement Directorate (TTCE) was established under the Office of the Vice President for Academic, Research, Technology Transfer and Community Engagement (VPARTTC/Engagement). The Directorate coordinates and supervises the provision of quality trainings, consultancy, outreach programs, technology transfer, and demand-driven community development projects.

Major Focus Areas

• Community Engagement Services
• Consultancy Services
• Training Programs
• Outreach Activities
• Technology Transfer
• Problem-Solving and Demand-Driven Projects

Mission

The Directorate is committed to providing need-based, problem-solving, and demand-driven services that enhance the social, cultural, environmental, and economic development of communities and the country.

Vision

Mattu University aspires to be among the top ten problem-solving universities in Ethiopia by 2031 G.C. through excellence in technology transfer and community engagement.

General Objective

To assist communities through capacity building, problem-solving projects, outreach programs, and consultancy services, while fostering strong partnerships that promote sustainable development.

Specific Objectives

• Deliver trainings and consultancy services tailored to community needs.
• Implement demand-driven outreach and development projects that improve livelihoods.
• Strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
• Facilitate technology transfer to support local innovation and development.
• Promote indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and cultural values.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee all technology transfer and community engagement activities across the University’s colleges, schools, and campuses.

• Periodically conduct needs assessments to identify community priorities and demand-driven interventions.
• Plan, guide, and supervise outreach programs, trainings, and consultancy services.
• Develop procedures, formats, and guidelines for effective project implementation.
• Ensure transparency and consistency in engagement practices across the University.
• Mobilize resources for staff and student-led community initiatives.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the impact of community engagement and technology transfer activities.

Community Engagement Thematic Areas

Technology transfer and community engagement at Mattu University are designed to be problem-solving and demand-driven, relying on community-identified priorities rather than assumptions. Accordingly, the identified Technology Transfer and Community Service Directorate Thematic Areas include:  

1.       Health Sciences

• Maternal, child and reproductive health
• Diarrheal diseases, neglected and tropical infections disease 
• Drug use and integration of traditional and modern medicines
• Nutrition and food security
• Mental disorders, substance use disorders, addiction and epilepsy 
• Communicable and non-communicable disease 
• Health information system applications

2.        Agricultural Sciences 

• Agricultural production, productivity and postharvest handling 
• Sustainable Natural resource Management
• Empowering gender in nutrition sensitive Agriculture
• Urban Agriculture and forestry
• Organic farming and municipal waste management 
• Fishery, aquaculture, livestock production and Management 

3.        Natural Sciences 

• Biodiversity, fishery and aquaculture 
• Sport Science in Community and its application 
• Statistical tools and its application 
• Environmental change and toxicology 
• Space Science and Nuclear radiation 

4.       Engineering and Technology 

• Construction contract administration, optimization of construction materials and methods
• Industrial automation and Energy 
• Sustainable energy, agricultural machinery and industrial equipment design 
• Disposal and treatment of hazardous chemicals and environmental protection 
• Web development, computer applications and networking, Artificial Intelligence,

5.        Social Sciences 

• Natural resource management & Climate change 
• Sociological views and youth behavior
• Language related issues 
• Good governance & human rights 
• Culture and tourism 
• Gender issues 

6.        Business and Economics 

• Information system, data base development and knowledge management 
• Marketing, Entrepreneurship and enterprises development 
• Leadership and good governance 
• Tax collection system and administration
• Bookkeeping and saving 

7.       Law 

• Legal and para-legal services 
• Laws and justice 
• Prisoners’ related issues
• Human Rights of vulnerable persons 

8.     Education and Behavioral Sciences 

• Quality Education and education related issues 
• Special Needs and Cross-cutting issues 
• Pedagogy and andragogy