Phi Science Institute prepares for expanded youth conference at Dead Sea

AMMAN — Jordan spends 0.4 per cent of its GDP on scientific research, at an average of $1 per individual compared with $700 in the US, the Phi Science Institute said on Sunday. 

During a press conference, attended by Minster of Culture and Youth Mohammad Abu Rumman, to announce Phi’s Research and Innovation Summit (PRIS) 2019, the institute’s founder and CEO Ahmad Jadallah said he expects 1,200 young people from across the region to attend. 

PRIS will be held on August 5 and 6 at the Conference Palace in the Dead Sea area, under the patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya, president of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) and chair of the Phi Science Institute Board of Trustees.

The RSS and the Youth Ministry, along with the Dutch embassy in Amman and the EU, are partnering with the institute to hold the conference.  

"The summit will host 53 scientists... from around the world, who will deliver scientific sessions and converse with young people," Jadallah said, adding that there will be panel discussions tackling issues facing young people and supporting scientific research. 

The aim of the summit is to connect young people with researchers and scientists as well as with investors in order to help them manifest their work into successful business models, Jadallah said. 

Jadallah told The Jordan Times that this is the first time the institute will expand the conference to host regional attendees. 

Minister Abu Rumman said that a knowledge commission was established at the ministry as part of a partnership with Phi Science Institute and with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation in order to improve the scientific capabilities of young people. 

In order to involve young people in scientific research, the summit will host 120 youth from all 12 governorates, the minister added. 

The young people were selected based on their performance in interviews and competitions held by the Phi institute at youth centres across the Kingdom. 

Jadallah concluded the press conference by saying that PRIS "will not be a mere fleeting event" but will rather help turn young people's work into patents as well as support them in earning their master's or PhDs.