Fifty-six books, one gathering, and a legacy that keeps teaching.
In loving memory of the late Dr. Eshetu Girma Kidane, founder of BIRD Lab.
The BIRD Lab community gathered at the School of Public Health to remember Dr. Eshetu Girma Kidane, founder of BIRD Lab.
This week, the BIRD Lab community came together to remember and honour the late Dr. Eshetu Girma Kidane, founder of BIRD Lab, and to reflect on the vision that guided his work.
Dr. Eshetu had a profound passion for behavioural science and a clear ambition for what BIRD Lab could become. His journey ended earlier than any of us wished. But the vision he began continues through his family, his colleagues, his students, and the growing BIRD Lab community.
“Our fourth child”
One of the most moving moments of the gathering came from Dr. Tizita Tihanu, Dr. Eshetu’s wife, who described BIRD Lab as their “fourth child.”Her words captured something everyone in the room recognised: how completely the Lab was woven into his life, his ambitions, and his family.
Dr. Tizita Tihanu shares her reflections, describing BIRD Lab as the family’s “fourth child.”
Dr. Eshetu was an enthusiastic reader and a lifelong learner. He collected books on behavioural science and his other professional interests, often buying them during his travels carrying ideas home from wherever he went.In a beautiful gesture to continue his legacy, Dr. Tizita donated 56 books from Dr. Eshetu’s personal collection to BIRD Lab. They are now available for students, researchers, staff, and anyone interested in behavioural science to read and use.
56 books from Dr. Eshetu’s personal library, now part of the BIRD Lab collection.
The donation is far more than a collection of books. It is the continuation of what Dr. Eshetu believed in: learning, knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of behavioural scientists.
Remembering, together
The gathering brought together colleagues and academic leaders Dr. Mulugeta Tamire Vice Executive Dean for Seferselam campus and Dean of School of Public Health, research leadership Prof Wakgari Deressa from Aklilu Lemma Institute, Director of the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Health Research (ALIHR) at AAU, BIRD Lab members, researchers, and staff.
Participants reflected on Dr. Eshetu’s contributions and discussed ways his vision could continue to be honoured, both within the School and through BIRD Lab.
Colleagues, academic leaders, and BIRD Lab members reflect on Dr. Eshetu’s contribution and discuss how to carry his vision forward.
The conversation was a reminder that a legacy lives in three places: in the people someone inspires, in the knowledge they leave behind, and in the institutions and ideas they help build.
BIRD Lab extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tizita Tihanu, Dr. Amanuel, Dr. Eshetu’s brothers and sister, and his entire family and circle of friends for their thoughtful contribution and continued encouragement. We are also grateful to the leadership of the School of Public Health, and to the colleagues, researchers, and staff who joined this moment of remembrance and shared their ideas for honouring Dr. Eshetu through our work.
Carrying the work forward
As BIRD Lab grows, we remain committed to the vision Dr. Eshetu helped establish: strengthening behavioural science, generating meaningful evidence, supporting researchers and students, and using behavioural insights to build healthier individuals, communities, and societies.
The 56 books that now have a home at BIRD Lab will stand as a lasting reminder of his curiosity, his love of learning, and his dedication to the field.
His vision continues. His books will continue to teach. And his contribution to BIRD Lab will always be remembered.
In loving memory of the late Dr. Eshetu Girma Kidane, founder of BIRD Lab.
The Dr. Eshetu Girma Kidane collection is available at BIRD Lab for students, researchers, and staff .
