Al Quds Academy for Scientific Research opens first call for research applications

AMMAN — Al Quds Academy for Scientific Research (QASR) on Tuesday announced its first call for scientific research in three top-priority fields for the Arab region.

The first highlighted field is stem cell research and genetic engineering, the second field is water, food and energy, while the third one is economic applications, humanitarian research and social sciences, QASR Chairman of the Board of Directors Khleif Tarawneh said.

The academy decided to finance research in these three fields after it asked scientific researchers in Jordan and Palestine to identify the Arab region’s main research priorities and needs, Tarawneh told reporters at a press conference announcing the first call for scientific research proposals.

The academy allocated JD200,000 for research in the field of stem cell research and genetic engineering, and JD150,000 for research in water, food and energy, Tarawneh explained, adding that a total of JD25,000 had been allocated for research in economic applications, humanitarian research and social sciences.

“Interested researchers or research centres in Jordan and Palestine can visit our website to fill out the application form to apply for research support,” Tarawneh said, noting that the application deadline is July 3.

The proposed scientific research will undergo several stages of assessment by different independent committees, according to Tarawneh, who added that successful scientific research projects would be announced in November this year.

Tarawneh said that QASR plans to announce similar calls for scientific research proposals annually, calling on researchers to visit the academy’s website for the terms and regulations.

A not-for-profit institution, QASR is a partnership between the Munib R. Masri Development Foundation, the University of Jordan, and Al Quds University. It seeks to develop scientific research and the quality of education in Jordan and Palestine as well as provide support to inventors from both countries.

“The reality of scientific research in the Arab countries is painful…  It is weak. World Bank figures indicate that the number of research centres in the Arab world doesn’t exceed 600, while in France alone the number stands at 1,500 centres,” Tarawneh pointed out.

During the past year, Arab countries spent $150 billion on buying weapons, but they only spent $2 billion on scientific research and its applications, he said, citing the World Bank’s figures.

The same figures show that the Arab world’s 55,000 researchers produce only 0.3 per cent of the world’s scientific research and contribute only 0.1 per cent to the world’s total patents.

Tarawneh stressed that the academy seeks to support scientific research in the Arab world, noting that the academy is funding the construction of a scientific research building at the University of Jordan.