Masters Thesis Support Fund, under the Tigray HeritageScapes Initiative Project funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation.

Are you currently enrolled in a Master's degree program at Mekelle University in the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Palaeoanthropology and Heritage Studies, Anthropology, History, or Theatrical and Film Arts or other related fields? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to cultural heritage research! Applications are now open for the MSc Thesis Support Fund, a part of the Tigray Heritage Scapes Restoration Initiative.

Project Overview: (More detail in about section of this website)

Our project aims to preserve and restore significant cultural sites in Tigray, Ethiopia. We invite Masters program students to participate in this essential endeavor through their thesis research.

Eligible Research Sites:

• Nejashi town and surrounding cluster (Mosque, Amanuel Church and Community Settlements)

• Agula Town: Emperor Yohannes Palace, Kidane Mihret Church, Archaeological sites etc.

• Cheleqot Village: Cheleqot Sillasie Church, Raesi WoldeSillasie Palace, and surroundings vernacular settlements

• Khuien Village: Estifanos Church and Vernacular Hidmo Houses

Thematic Areas for Research: We welcome applications focusing on key areas, tailored to address the challenges and goals of our project:

• Document architectural, urban, and rural heritage using traditional methods and advanced technologies like photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and drone surveys.

• Capture stories of heritage scapes through oral histories and narratives to preserve cultural memory.

• Produce video content documenting heritage sites and conservation processes for education, awareness, and archival purposes.

• Study effective methods for involving local communities in heritage preservation.

• Explore the role of cultural narratives in fostering community participation and ownership.

• Experimenting with engaging digital content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to promote cultural heritage conservation.

• Assess the impact of manmade and natural hazards on heritage sites. Develop strategies for risk mitigation and post-disaster resilience.

• Analyze and present heritage conservation data using advanced tools to inform decision-making and restoration planning.

• Use GIS tools to map, monitor, and plan the conservation of heritage clusters and scapes effectively.

• Investigate the integration of traditional and modern techniques for sustainable restoration of heritage structures.

• Develop strategies for material conservation, structural stabilization, and climate adaptation.

• Utilize documentation and research findings to design educational materials for local communities, schools, and stakeholders.

• Explore the role of heritage restoration in sustainable tourism, community development, and economic growth.

Funding and Support: 

Selected students will receive appx. 10,000 Birr/month for research semester period.   They'll also benefit from:

• Working closely with experienced researchers and conservation professionals.

• Access to workshops, training sessions, and digital platforms.

• Supervision and mentorship from project-affiliated researchers and Mekelle University.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter detailing their research interest and alignment with project goals.

• A detailed research proposal including thematic area, methodology, and expected outcomes.

• Curriculum Vitae highlighting academic and research experience.

• A consent letter from an academic advisor. (To be submitted later after primary acceptance)

Deadline: Open between Dec. 2024 to Nov. 2025

Submission: Email applications to heritage.scapes@mu.edu.et with the subject "Tigray HeritageScape Initiatives– MSc/MA Thesis Support Fund Application [your name]."

Contact Information: For more details, reach out to

Project Academic Assistant:

Binyam Fitsum, Lecturer, Mekelle University.

Heritage.scapes@mu.edu.et

📱 +251 91 483 7562

Contacts for respective fields in offices:
 

Alula Tesfay Asfha, Ph.D. Project Lead. School of Architecture & Urban Planning MU/ Goethe University of Frankfurt. 

Binyam Fitsum Arefayne. Project Academic Assistant. School of Architecture and Urban Planning. MU. 

Gebremeskel  Teweldemedhin. School of Architecture and Urban Planning. MU.  

Selemun Kahsay. PG program coordinator, Architectural Design Technologies program. MU.  

Berhane Aregawi. School of Civil Engineering. MU. 

Yirga Asefa. Tigray Bureau of Culture and Tourism. MU. 

Haftom Teklay. Dean of Institute of Paleoenvironment and Heritage Studies. MU