Dr Tigestu Alemu Desse obtained his PhD from Deakin University, Australia in 2023. Prior to pursuing his PhD, he served as a lecturer, researcher and mentor at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.

Tigestu’s expertise lies in the field of implementation and health services and health systems research, including global health research. His prior work and interest rests on exploring the impact of consumer behavior, health system dynamics, and policy-related factors on the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. His work emphasised on co-design, testing, and implementation of tailored and patient-centred care models customised for these ailments. Moreover, he holds a keen interest in crafting targeted interventions aimed at integrating the management of noncommunicable and infectious diseases, like diabetes and tuberculosis, within low- and middle-income countries.

Tigestu has collaborated with diverse multidisciplinary teams, including the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia throughout his career. He has led research initiatives, employing a wide range of methodologies, including, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, mixed methods, observational studies, qualitative studies, co-design methodologies, and the design and implementation of effective strategies for prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases. He authored over 15 peer-reviewed full-length articles and four conference abstracts in reputable journals. He has given 13 research presentations at top-ranking international conferences. His research findings have made considerable impact on the field of non-communicable diseases, particularly on diabetes and hypertension, to further understanding of health systems and facilitating the improvement of healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings. Moreover, Tigestu has been involved in supervision, teaching, and leadership roles. He mentored honours students at Deakin University and supervised undergraduate and Master’s students. He directed and taught several courses at Addis Ababa University and Jimma University in Ethiopia from 2014 to 2018. Notably, he held the position of Associate Dean of School of Pharmacy at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia between 2017 and 2018, and chaired several universitywide and national academic committees.