Meet Dr. Goitom Gebreyohannes Berhe, a National Scholarship Programme (NSP) holder from Ethiopia. Dr. Berhe is an associate professor and visiting university teacher currently conducting research in Slovakia. His academic expertise spans multiple disciplines, including metallurgical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering.

Dr. Berhe earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from Jimma University and holds a Master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry from Addis Ababa University. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to academia, developing undergraduate and postgraduate programs, supervising doctoral and master’s students, and publishing over forty research articles in peer-reviewed international journals. His research interests include extractive and hydrometallurgy, mineral processing, inorganic and analytical chemistry, chemical engineering and biochemistry, energy and the environment, advanced materials, and separation processes.

Now, let’s dive into his academic journey, experiences, and insights about conducting research in Slovakia.

Goitom and His SupervisorsHow do you perceive your scholarship stay in Slovakia?
It was one of my best academic decisions and my first time applying for a national scholarship in Slovakia. It gave me access to new academic opportunities. In 2024, I received a 10-month Slovak National Scholarship to work as a researcher at the Advanced Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology in Trnava, Slovak University of Technology on a project titled "Assessments on Extraction and Refining of Lithium, Niobium, Tantalum, and Uranium from Ethiopian Kenticha Spodumene Ore, as well as Ethiopian Gold and Copper Sulfide and Oxide Ores" in the field of mineral processing and engineering.

My research focuses on the extraction of Li, Au, Cu, Nb, Ta, Th, and U metals from Ethiopian mineral ores, including pegmatite-spodumene, gold, and copper sulfide and oxide ores. The project is overseen by Ing. Pavol Noga, PhD, and Ing. Jozef Dobrovodský, CSc., at ATRI, MTF-STU, Slovakia. My research was funded by SAIA, and I am grateful for the experience I have gained in Slovakia, especially in the Trnava Region, which has been very helpful and fulfilling.

The First Snow In Goitom´s LifeI traveled to Nové Zámky, Vráble, Nitra, Bratislava, and the stunning city of Trnava. Slovakians, in my experience, are incredibly amiable and always eager to assist. Slovakia's natural beauty and historic structures are simply breathtaking! They remind me of the Kingdom of Aksum and the historical Orthodox buildings in my Tigray region of Ethiopia. Foreign scholars are well-supported by SAIA and the Slovak government. Emerging scholars greatly benefit from the exchange of knowledge and research within the NSP framework. I have to say that the NSP has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to network with leading academics, professionals, institutions, and organizations. In addition, I had the exceptional chance to learn about Slovak hospitality and culture. Slovakia is, in my opinion, a fantastic center for education in Central Europe.

What differences have you noticed between Slovakia and your home country?
Ethiopia and Slovakia differ greatly, and the language barrier can be one of the challenges. On the positive side, Slovakia has a fascinating culture, climate, and environment. People are generally very nice, the country is much safer and more peaceful than Ethiopia, essential services are functional, and the workplace is inspiring.

At His Hosting University in TrnavaWhat resources or support have you found particularly helpful for your research in Slovakia?
I had access to the latest spectroscopy techniques across the EU, such as ToF-ERDA, PIXE, EDS, and XRD, which were well-suited for my research. This helped me study and extract Li₂CO₃ and Nb₂O₅ from Ethiopian Kenticha pegmatite-spodumene ore, which is essential for battery applications.

What have been the biggest challenges for your career while working here?
I had to cover many expenses for my visa, transportation, and processing in a third country (Kenya, Nairobi) for two weeks, as well as travel costs from Ethiopia to Slovakia. Unfortunately, these costs were difficult to manage within the awarded scholarship funds.

Would you recommend the National Scholarship Programme (or other programme) to other researchers?
Yes, I recommended it and shared the opportunity to encourage mutual projects and research collaborations between Mekelle University and MTF-STU Trnava.