From January to March 2026, Dr Yared Abera, Senior Research Engineer at CRSES working under the ARUA portfolio, participated in a series of workshops that contributed to advancing knowledge in research, innovation, and sustainable development. These engagements provided valuable insights into interdisciplinary collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable industrial practices.
Advancing Collaboration in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus
On 2 March 2026, Dr Abera attended the HyREC2A 2nd Innovation Workshop held at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. The workshop focused on strengthening collaboration and advancing strategic research directions within the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus.
The programme was structured around key elements including strategic visioning for integrated resource management, expert-led panel discussions on innovation pathways, and the identification of collaborative research pillars. Interactive breakout sessions further enabled participants to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for joint initiatives.
Key thematic areas included WEF nexus integration, hybrid renewable energy systems, research collaboration, and joint funding opportunities. The workshop underscored the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships in developing scalable and sustainable solutions.
Enhancing Data Visualisation and Analytics Skills
On 25 February 2026, Dr Abera participated in an online workshop on Microsoft Power BI for Data Visualisation, conducted via Microsoft Teams. The training focused on strengthening data analysis and visualisation capabilities, which are essential for research and reporting.
The workshop covered practical aspects such as integrating Excel with Power BI, connecting to databases, transforming data, and developing interactive dashboards. These skills are particularly valuable for managing large datasets and presenting research findings in a clear and impactful manner.
Exploring Sustainable Manufacturing in Africa
Earlier, on 12 February 2026, Dr Abera attended a panel discussion on Sustainable Manufacturing in Africa, held at Octoco in Stellenbosch. The session brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, startups, and innovation ecosystems.
Discussions centred on improving resource efficiency, applying circular economy principles, and leveraging deep technologies to support industrial sustainability. The panel also highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between research and industry to ensure practical implementation of innovative solutions.
