1. Background of the Textile Science and Engineering Research Center

The Textile Science and Engineering Research Center stands at the forefront of innovation in textile Science and technology, dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding and engineering applications within the textile industry and other advanced industrial sectors. The center is established in response to the rapid evolution of global textile markets and the increasing demand for high-performance, sustainable, and smart textile materials, the center integrates multidisciplinary research approaches to address complex challenges across the textile value chain. Textiles, as one of the oldest and most versatile materials, have undergone profound transformations driven by developments in fiber chemistry and physics, materials science, nanotechnology, digital manufacturing, and other sustainable textile products. The center leverages these advancements by focusing on core research domains including fiber engineering, textile chemistry, yarn and fabric production, functional finishing, various technical textiles, and textile sustainability. This multidisciplinary approach ensures the creation of next-generation textile products that meet advanced performance, environmental, and societal demands.

The center’s research framework emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as nanofibers, advanced textile materials, Yarn and fabric production, Eco-friendly dyeing and finishing, Eco-friendly textile wet processing, technical textiles and advanced composite textiles, along with process optimization through computational modeling and automation. This synergy not only boosts the performance characteristics of textiles but also promotes eco-friendly production methodologies, aligned with global sustainability goals. Collaboration is pivotal to the center’s mission, fostering partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and governmental bodies to bridge the gap between fundamental research and industrial application. This collaborative ecosystem facilitates technology transfer, workforce development, and the commercialization of innovative textile solutions that provide to diverse sectors including industrial, automotive, medical textiles, aerospace, and smart wearable devices.

Through its commitment to excellence in research, education, and innovation, the Textile Science and Engineering Research Center plays a critical role in positioning the textile industry to adapt to future challenges and opportunities, driving economic growth and contributing to societal well-being.

ü Polymer Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering

ü Polymer science and Engineering

ü Fiber formation processes and Engineering

ü Fiber materials (Natural, Synthetic, Composite)

ü Yarn spinning technology and innovations

ü Sustainable dyeing and textile finishing

ü Fabric manufacturing techniques

ü Eco-friendly wet processing

ü Medical textiles

ü Textile testing and quality control

ü Technical textiles for specific applications

ü High-Performance and smart fibers

ü Sustainable and biodegradable materials

ü Functional Textile materials

ü Nanomaterials and advanced coatings

ü Composite and multifunctional textiles

Textile Science and Engineering professionals integrate expertise in physical sciences, materials science, and engineering to drive innovation in the textile sector. Their skills encompass polymer and fiber science, nanomaterials, fabric characterization, and advanced textile processing. This multidisciplinary foundation supports the development of functional, high-performance, and sustainable textile materials for applications in high-tech, technical textiles, medical textiles, and industrial products. In response to the growing demand for advanced textile solutions, the Textile Science and Engineering Research Center (TSERC) was established. The center aligns with the university’s global vision and Ethiopia’s national development priorities, focusing on high-level research, innovative material development, and outreach activities to support the textile and allied industries.

In alignment with the university’s global vision and national development priorities, the TSERC was established to excel in cutting-edge research and outreach activities aimed at strengthening the textile and allied industries. The center provides a team of highly skilled researchers and well-trained academicians in textile science and engineering, supported by cutting-edge facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration, to address the needs of high-value textile manufacturing industries. With advanced laboratories and a diverse team of experts, TSERC plays a vital role in advancing national development goals and supporting the university’s vision. On the ground, the center actively engages in advanced education, applied problem-solving research, and technology transfer. Its outcomes are disseminated through scientific publications, academic seminars, symposiums, conferences, and research-oriented workshops, ensuring the translation of research into impactful solutions for the textile sector and beyond.

2. Vision 

ü To become the leading research center in Textile Science and Engineering in Africa by 2030, driving sustainable innovation, research excellence, and industry collaboration.

3. Mission 

ü Conduct advanced, demand-driven research in textile science and engineering to address national development priorities

ü Generate innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance the global competitiveness of Ethiopia’s textile industry

ü Build capacity by training skilled professionals and researchers in cutting-edge textile technologies;

ü Strengthen partnerships with industry, academia, and communities to facilitate effective technology transfer and impactful engagement.

4. Rationale 

The initiative seeks to establish EiTEX as a prominent institution in conventional and technical textiles as well as, actively promoting advanced education, problem-solving research, and skills development. Textile Science and Engineering (TSE) is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles of science, engineering, and design to study, develop, and optimize textiles, fabrics, and their associated processes. By establishing a dedicated center within the Textile process Engineering; and Technical Textile Research discipline, EiTEX enhances academic offerings, fosters groundbreaking research, and prepares students with vital skills. This strategic initiative strengthens the institution’s role as a leader in technical textiles, driving innovation and economic growth both nationally and globally.

5. Research Units under the center

The Textile Science and Engineering Research Center comprises two main research units: the Textile Process Engineering Research Group (TPERG) and the Technical Textiles Research Group (TTRG). These units focus on advancing knowledge and innovation in textile processing techniques and the development of specialized technical textiles. Through cutting-edge research and engineering solutions, including the incorporation of advanced nanotechnologies, they aim to solve problems related to textile science and engineering. The center also emphasizes reducing waste throughout the textile industry, thereby addressing the needs of both industry and society by enhancing the quality, functionality, and sustainability of textile products.

6. Accredited laboratories 

The Textile Science and Engineering Research Center Laboratory is proudly accredited under the internationally recognized ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, a testament to our commitment to delivering testing services that meet rigorous global quality benchmarks. This accreditation ensures that researchers receive reliable, precise, and reproducible results, which are essential for driving innovation and progress in textile science. Our accredited facilities consist of two specialized laboratories. The Textile Production Physical Laboratory focuses on evaluating the physical properties of textile materials, providing critical insights into fabric durability, comfort, and performance. 

Complementing this, the Textile chemistry laboratory offers comprehensive analysis of chemical properties, including color fastness, chemical stability, and fiber identification key factors that determine fabric safety, longevity, and functionality. Together, these laboratories enable researchers to verify compliance with industry standards and confidently advance their work in textile science.

7. Potential collaborations

The Textile Science and Engineering Research Center, operating under EiTEX at Bahir Dar University, is a key driver in realizing the university’s vision of becoming a leading research-intensive institution. The Center actively engages in strong collaborative relationships with internal research units and both national and international organizations focused on research and development. These partnerships are rooted in shared goals, mutual growth, and long-term impact.

In addition to its existing collaborations, the center is actively pursuing new partnerships with universities, industries, and research institutions. These future collaborations aim to foster joint research initiatives, establish shared laboratories, promote technology transfer, and support industry-oriented innovation. Current Key Partners:

ü KFW (Germany)

ü Ministry of Education (MoE), Ethiopia

ü NIRAS (Germany)

The Center remains committed to expanding its network and creating platforms that bridge academia and industry for sustainable development and innovation.

8. Organogram and Member

Contact Information:

  Bantamlak Birlie (Lecturer and researcher)

  Coordinator of Textile Science and Engineering Research Center 

  Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

  Mobile number: +251 9 18 56 02 46

  Email: bantamlakbirlie@gmail.com

  P.O.Box: 1037

                       Fax: +251 582 26 62 46