The Forum for Social Studies (FSS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Tegegne Gebre-Egziabher as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026.

Prof. Tegegne succeeds Dr. Yeraswork Admassie, who led FSS for the past eight years.

Prof. Tegegne is a distinguished Ethiopian academic and Professor of Urban and Regional Development and Planning in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Addis Ababa University. He holds a PhD from The Ohio State University and has many years of experience in teaching, research, and academic advising at both master’s and doctoral levels.

Throughout his academic and professional career, Prof. Tegegne has led and contributed to numerous competitive research projects supported by national, regional, and international organizations. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, book chapters, and research reports.

His areas of expertise include urbanization and urban policy, urban poverty, rural–urban linkages, institutions and governance, decentralization, regional development, micro and small enterprises, local economic development, population, migration, and development.

Prof. Tegegne also brings extensive experience in research management and institutional leadership. He previously served as Director of the Institute of Development Research (1997–2000) and Director of the Institute of Development and Policy Research (2014–2016) at Addis Ababa University.

With his extensive experience in research, policy engagement, institutional leadership, and development studies, Prof. Tegegne brings valuable expertise to FSS at an important time as the organization continues to advance evidence-based research, public dialogue, and policy engagement on key social and development issues in Ethiopia.

The Forum for Social Studies warmly welcomes Prof. Tegegne Gebre-Egziabher as Executive Director and looks forward to his leadership and contribution to the organization’s continued growth, relevance, and impact.

FSS wishes Prof. Tegegne every success in his new role.