Dr. Hawi Negusse Tuji

My name is Hawi Negusse Tuji, and I am a researcher at the Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETin) in Ethiopia, within the Plant Biotechnology Directorate. I hold a PhD in Biotechnology, and my work focuses on applying genomics and breeding approaches to address major agricultural challenges, particularly abiotic stresses such as drought, soil acidity, and aluminum toxicity. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Ethiopian economy, with nearly 80% of the population relying on it directly or indirectly. Despite its importance, the sector continues to face significant challenges, including biotic and abiotic stresses that limit productivity and sustainability. My long-term goal is to contribute, through scientific research and innovation, to the development of practical solutions that can help overcome these constraints and improve farmers’ livelihoods. In particular, I am interested in integrating genomics and breeding approaches to address major abiotic stresses such as soil acidity, aluminum toxicity, and drought, which significantly affect crop production in Ethiopia.

From February to May 2026, I conducted a short research stay at the Plant Systems Biotechnology center of VIB in Ghent, Belgium. During my research stay at VIB, at the Plant Growth Dynamics, led by Prof. Dr. Hilde Nelissen's Lab, I worked within the CROPeth project on understanding gene expression differences between drought-tolerant and drought-susceptible sorghum varieties using RNA sequencing. Through this work, I contributed to identifying potential candidate genes linked to drought tolerance, which can eventually support breeding programs for more resilient crops. Alongside this, I gained hands-on experience in RNA extraction, sample preparation, and sequencing workflows, while also strengthening my bioinformatics skills through training in RNA-seq data analysis. What was particularly valuable about this experience has been the opportunity to apply new techniques directly to a real research question. This practical exposure, combined with the efficient research environment at VIB allowed me to work in a more continuous and focused way. It also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enabling high-quality research, especially for institutions with limited resources.

Looking ahead, I plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained during this stay to ongoing research at BETin. I am equally committed to sharing what I have learned, through training sessions, mentoring, and student supervision. I believe that experiences like this are essential not only for individual development but also for strengthening research capacity more broadly. Ultimately, they play a key role in advancing solutions to challenges such as food security and climate change.