Binyam Afewerk Demena holds the Assistant Professor of Development Economics position at the International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, in The Netherlands. His research, deeply rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), centres on international economics, environmental impacts, development, and health. Guided by three pillars - academic excellence, interdisciplinary research approaches, and societal relevance - his work aims to make creative and novel contributions through cutting-edge econometrics, with the goal of publication in top-tier field journals and research that contributes to solving societal challenges.

His research approach is characterized by a firm commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, as evidenced by the diverse array of projects he has undertaken. Binyam is dedicated to creating societal impact by addressing and solving challenges through his research initiatives. His extensive research portfolio encompasses systematic research synthesis and meta-analysis, along with active involvement in impact evaluation projects covering a wide spectrum of topics. These include the uptake of solar energy systems, environmental emissions, international trade, foreign direct investment, economic sanctions, information and communications technology for development (ICT4D), public health, public governance, rural infrastructure programs, and formalization of informal firms. Utilizing observational, experimental, and quasi-experimental evaluation techniques, he has made notable contributions to esteemed scientific journals. His work has been featured in publications such as World Development, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Land Use Policy, Environmental Resource and Economics, Energy Economics, Energy Policy, Labour Economics, Journal of Economic Surveys, AIDS Patient Care and STDs, Applied Economics, and Third World Quarterly.

With a solid background in field research in low- and middle-income countries, Binyam recently served as the co-coordinator and principal investigator for a targeted EU/ACP-financed research project to enhance the capacity of policymakers, exporters, and trade associations in Tanzania. The project adopts a multi-dimensional approach involving knowledge generation, capacity building, and value chain development, funded by the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP).

In addition to his research endeavours, Binyam has substantial experience as a teacher, primarily in Economics, research methodology, and critical assessment of scientific literature. He holds a University Teaching Qualification (Basis Kwalificatie Onderwijs, BKO). Notably, he has recently developed a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on trade and investment: evidence-based policies for development, funded by the EUR’s Centre for Learning and Innovation (CLI).

Binyam holds a PhD and MA in Development Studies (with a focus on Development Economics) from the ISS, Erasmus University Rotterdam in The Netherlands, and a BA in Economics from the University of Asmara. Furthermore, he holds Cisco Networking Academy Certifications for IT Essentials.