Professor Binyam Chakilu Tilahun is a distinguished academic and leader in digital health and implementation science, recognized for his pioneering contributions to health systems strengthening in Ethiopia and beyond. He currently serves as Founding Director of the Center for Digital Health and Implementation Science (CDHi) and National Director of the Capacity Building and Mentorship Program (CBMP), and is a Professor of Digital Health and Implementation Sciences at the Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar.

He holds a PhD in Medical Informatics from the University of Münster, Germany, a Master of Science in Health Informatics through the Erasmus Mundus Program (jointly offered by the University of Jaume I in Spain, the University of Lisbon in Portugal, and the University of Münster in Germany), and an MPH in Health Informatics from the University of Gondar. He further advanced his expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia, Canada, where he contributed to a major global implementation science research initiative focused on digital health interventions across Africa and North America.

Professor Binyam’s career began in public health service and health information systems, where he developed a deep understanding of the gaps between data generation and decision-making in resource-limited settings. This experience shaped his long-term focus on digital transformation and implementation science as key drivers of sustainable health system improvement. Over the years, he has worked across Africa, Europe, and North America, contributing to global health informatics initiatives supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and the European Union.

He has led numerous transformative initiatives, including the establishment of Ethiopia’s first undergraduate and PhD programs in Health Informatics and Public Health Informatics, and the expansion of CBMP, which strengthens health information systems and data use in more than 100 districts. Through CDHi, he has built a leading center for research, training, and innovation in digital health, fostering strong national and international collaborations.

His leadership is defined by a commitment to capacity building, local ownership, and evidence-driven innovation. Professor Binyam envisions a resilient, data-driven, and equitable health system where digital solutions are fully integrated into care delivery and decision-making processes. He continues to mentor emerging professionals while advancing sustainable digital health ecosystems that bridge research, policy, and practice.