Dr Alemseged Abdissa

Ethiopia (Vice-Chair)

Dr Alemseged Abdissa has served as the Deputy Director General of the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) in Ethiopia since 2018. Concurrently, he holds the position of Associate Professor of Microbiology at Jimma University, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Biomedical Engineering programme. Dr Abdissa brings extensive expertise in research, innovation, institutional leadership, and capacity strengthening.

Dr Abdissa has authored more than 137 scientific publications and currently serves as Director of the South and Eastern Africa TB Programs Network. His passion for advancing research and innovation capacity in Africa is reflected in his leadership in developing a practical guide for the institutionalisation of research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries, in collaboration with WHO/TDR and global partners.

He also directs the Pan-African Bioethics Initiative (PABIN) and leads a global working group focused on developing a practical guide on AI ethics for health innovators. Through these roles, Dr Abdissa continues to contribute significantly to strengthening ethical, innovative, and impactful health research ecosystems across Africa and beyond.