The office of the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer (VPRTT) directs research, community services, collaborative projects, technology transfer, and University-industry linking activities. This office of the VPRTT serves the community by supporting various research activities. The office funds three types of research within Hawassa University, namely disciplinary, thematic, and women’s research. The VPRTT works to advance the research through collaboration and partnership with all Hawassa University colleges and institutes.

Disciplinary research is a type of research within a single discipline aimed at a specific goal. It is a type of research that can usually be completed within a year, and that can be conducted by a single researcher or by more than one researcher. Disciplinary research started many years ago and has long been the main type of research at Hawassa University.