Mr. Ayalew Gebremariam | Smart Textiles Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ayalew Gebremariam, Lodz University of Technology, Poland

Ayalew Gebremariam is a dedicated Ethiopian textile engineering professional and Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Architecture of Textiles, Faculty of Material Technologies and Textile Design at Lodz University of Technology, Poland. With a strong academic and industrial background, he specializes in sustainable leather product design, advanced material development, and computational tools for textile optimization. Ayalew holds an M.Sc. in Leather Product Design and Engineering and a B.Sc. in Garment Engineering from the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology at Bahir Dar University. His extensive teaching and leadership experience includes serving as Head of Higher Education Institutions at Bahir Dar University, where he coordinated postgraduate programs and led curriculum development. He has delivered university-level instruction in CAD-based fashion design, quality management, and lean manufacturing, and has mentored numerous students in smart textiles and biocomposites. Proficient in tools like Python, SPSS, AutoCAD, and Lectra, Ayalew bridges academic research with real-world applications, focusing on circular economy strategies, Industry 4.0 integration, and capacity building through industry-academia collaboration across Europe and Africa.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability Summary for the Best Researcher Award: Ayalew Gebremariam

Ayalew Gebremariam is a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Architecture of Textiles, Lodz University of Technology, Poland, with a solid foundation in textile and leather product engineering. His work bridges advanced materials development, sustainable manufacturing, and digital design tools, offering innovative solutions to environmental and efficiency challenges in the global textile industry. His research integrates statistical quality control, lean manufacturing, and circular economy practices, highlighting his commitment to impactful, sustainable innovation.

🎓 Education

📍 Ph.D. Candidate
Institute of Architecture of Textiles, Faculty of Material Technologies and Textile Design, Lodz University of Technology, Poland
📅 Since 13/12/2022 – Present
📍 Lodz, Poland

📍 Master of Science in Leather Product Design and Engineering
Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University
📅 22/09/2016 – 24/07/2018
📍 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
🎖️ EQF Level 7

📍 Bachelor of Science in Garment Engineering
Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University
📅 08/09/2011 – 16/07/2015
📍 Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
🎖️ EQF Level 6

💼 Work Experience

🧑‍🏫 Head of Higher Education Institutions
Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University
📅 21/03/2020 – 06/06/2022

Managed Master’s and Ph.D. programs
Oversaw postgraduate staff and curriculum development
Represented postgraduate office in academic committees

👨‍🏫 Engineering Lecturer
📅 26/07/2018 – 12/12/2022

Taught CAD, quality control, work-study, and sustainable design
Conducted research in sustainable textiles and process optimization
Engaged community through industry workshops and local SME support

👨‍🔬 Assistant Lecturer
📅 07/08/2015 – 25/07/2018

Delivered courses in pattern making, garment construction, and quality control
Conducted textile lab supervision and student mentorship

🏆 Achievements & Awards

🌍 Spearheaded sustainable fashion projects and circular economy applications in Ethiopia
🧪 Developed evidence-based textile waste reduction solutions using CAD and predictive analytics
👩‍🎓 Supervised multiple graduate research projects on smart textiles and biocomposites
🧵 Pioneered industry-academia collaborations to modernize leather and fabric design in Ethiopia
📚 Published research and led technical training programs across institutions