The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation for Scientific Research, Prof. Adnan Badran, stated that to achieve the vision of economic modernization, scientific research directed towards effective development, based on national needs, is of utmost importance and necessity to contribute to finding developmental solutions. Badran made these remarks during the launch of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation's National Strategy for Scientific Research Development in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
The launch event was presided over by the Minister of Education and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Azmi Mahafzah. It was attended by the President of University of Petra, Prof. Rami Abdel-Rahem, and the Director of the Quality Assurance Unit at University of Petra, Dr. Ahmed Qasim, and the President's Assistant for Global Partnerships & Relations, Dr. Kenza Mansoor. Also in attendance were members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as university presidents and relevant authorities.
Badran added that despite the valuable efforts to increase the momentum of scientific research, as evidenced by Scopus statistics and publications in peer-reviewed journals by universities and research institutions, these efforts are scattered and do not constitute a comprehensive strategy involving government sectors, universities, and scientific research centers. Such a strategy should focus on national priorities, with its outcomes contributing to the development of the Jordanian economy and self-reliance.
He stated, "Today, we celebrate the launch of the National Strategy for Scientific Research Development in the fields of social sciences and humanities, which is a sincere effort by Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the social responsibility arm of Arab Bank. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to the national team responsible for developing the strategy and our partners from educational institutions over the past months. There is now a pressing need to establish a monitoring team, as this effort should not end with a sincere addition to the Arabic library alone but should also have an annual follow-up implementation plan."
Dr. Wafa'a Al-Khaddra, a member of the Scientific Committee of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation for Scientific Research Support, emphasized that universities are among the most important engines for transferring knowledge and development, providing essential solutions to risks and challenges. Encouraging communities to generate their intellectual and scientific economies is a fundamental necessity for these societies, and this is what institutions of higher education are supposed to do.
She said, "Research is no longer assessed solely based on its scientific significance but also on the value it can add to society."
Yassin Al-Husban highlighted the importance of scientific research in the development and progress of nations, providing developmental solutions. He pointed out Jordan's regional and global standing in terms of scientific research and expenditure on it.
Ala'a Abu Al-Lail, Director of the Scientific Research Department, stated that the strategy stems from the Foundation's interest in scientific research that relies on the systematic analysis of societal problems, basic needs, economic, social, educational, cultural, environmental, and health aspirations, and reinforces the institution's objectives within the framework of leadership thinking.
Abu Al-Lail detailed the strategy's themes, work plan, methodology, priorities, and outcomes.
The development of the strategy involved working with a "national team" consisting of the best researchers from Jordan, selected based on direct recommendations from members of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation's Scientific Research Management Committee, or elected through research development workshops. The national team was formed after conducting four workshops in the north, central, and southern regions of the Kingdom.
Dr. Azmi Mahafzah commended the continuous efforts of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation in enriching the cultural and social landscape in Jordan through its qualitative activities. He also thanked those responsible for this strategy for their tremendous efforts to advance it.