Mekelle University College of Natural and Computational Sciences (CNCS), Department of Chemistry, Launches Kick-Off Workshop
Mekelle University, January 3, 2026
The Department of Chemistry at the College of Natural and Computational Sciences (CNCS), Mekelle University, in collaboration with KU Leuven, Belgium, has officially launched a kick-off workshop for a new research project entitled “Filtration Technologies to Provide Safe Drinking Water: Development of Low-Cost Defluoridation Methods.”
The project seeks to address the critical challenge of unsafe drinking water by developing and evaluating affordable and effective filtration and defluoridation technologies, with particular emphasis on communities affected by high fluoride levels in groundwater.
The kick-off workshop brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, and key stakeholders to:
Introduce the project objectives and implementation plan
Discuss current challenges related to fluoride contamination in drinking water
Share insights on low-cost filtration and defluoridation technologies
Foster collaboration among institutions and development partners

In his official opening speech, Dr. Eyasu Yazew, Vice President for Research and Community Engagement at Mekelle University, emphasized the university’s strong commitment to research for impact—research that directly addresses pressing societal challenges and delivers practical, sustainable solutions.

Professor Abreha G/kidan, Dean of CNCS and Project Coordinator, highlighted the core objectives of the workshop: to share knowledge, develop strategic and sustainable low-cost implementation plans at both household and community levels, and strengthen collaborative synergies among academia, government institutions, NGOs, and local communities. He underscored that such partnerships are essential to ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of defluoridation interventions.

We really care.