The President of Yarmouk University, Dr. Islam Massad, affirmed the University's strong belief that knowledge is no longer a choice but a necessity. He emphasized that scientific research is the most reliable path toward sustainable development, knowledge sovereignty, and a better future.
Speaking at the opening of the Scientific Day, organized by the Deanship of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies under the title "New Horizons in Scientific Research and Graduate Studies: Innovation and Challenges", Dr. Massad added that scientific research is the key to national progress and to finding effective solutions to the various challenges facing societies.
Dr. Massad stressed Yarmouk University’s commitment to translating the Royal directives that prioritize education, youth empowerment, and the development of scientific research as a fundamental pillar of national progress. Accordingly, the University has developed a vision with clear steps and quality initiatives that have led to notable achievements on both local and regional levels.
He added: "Today, Yarmouk University proudly honors a group of distinguished researchers, faculty members, and graduate students whose innovative ideas and promising scientific efforts reflect the bright image of the University and contribute to building a Jordan defined by excellence and ambition."
For her part, the Dean of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Wissal Al-Omari, noted that this Scientific Day marks the culmination of the University's ambitious strategic vision. The aim is to promote a culture of productive scientific research and foster an academic environment that encourages creativity, adapts to change, and responds thoughtfully to challenges through sound scientific methodology and responsible critical thinking.
She confirmed that scientific research and graduate studies are essential pillars of academic institutions’ progress and excellence. Graduate programs, she explained, are no longer merely advanced stages of education; they have become platforms for creative thinking, hubs for knowledge generation, and incubators for intellectual leadership capable of making a meaningful impact and shaping the future.
As part of the Scientific Day activities, Dr. Tareq Maghtash, Secretary General of the National Center for Epidemics and Disease Control, spoke about the importance of scientific research and its role in the development of societies. He described it as the key to the future and at the heart of every positive change we aspire to for our country. He stressed the need for countries to give special attention to scientific research due to its critical role in boosting national economic output.
He called for unified efforts to make scientific research a true national priority, to develop policies that support research, and to align academic studies with national and societal needs. He also emphasized the importance of creating national funding programs in cooperation with the industrial sector and giving youth the opportunity to lead.
The opening ceremony also included the honoring of distinguished university researchers for the year 2025 across engineering, scientific, medical, and humanities faculties.
- At the level of engineering and scientific faculties, Dr. Massad honored Dr. Haitham Bani Salameh (Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology), Dr. Eyad Abu Doush (Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Sciences), and Dr. Ali Shehadeh (Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology).
- In the medical and health faculties, Dr. Massad honored Dr. Omar Qamouh, Dr. Mirvat Al-Sous, and Dr. Haneen Amawi from the Faculty of Pharmacy.
- In the humanities faculties, he honored Dr. Khalaf Al-Tahat (Faculty of Media), Dr. Khaled Al-Bashayrah (Faculty of Archaeology and Anthropology), and Dr. Sahm Al-Nawafleh (Faculty of Business).
The Scientific Day also featured a student research poster exhibition and two lectures. The first, delivered by Eng. Mohammad Diab, Head of the Intellectual Property and External Licensing Department at the Intellectual Property Commercialization Office, was titled “Protecting the Outcomes of Innovative Scientific Research.” The second lecture, given by Dr. Rami Nassar from the group of multinational pharmaceutical companies, was titled “How Can Jordan’s Healthcare System Prepare for Tomorrow?”
The event also included a panel discussion with several Deans of Scientific Research titled "Opportunities and Challenges for Scientific Research in Jordanian Universities," and a 5-Minute Thesis (5MT) competition where graduate students presented their theses and dissertations in just five minutes. The day concluded with the honoring of the winners of the Best Poster Competition and the 5MT Competition.
