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The first day activities of the Second Graduate Research Conference at Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie just began today, Sunday, October 21, 2024, under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Amjad Barham.
The conference comes at a time when the importance of academic research is growing in addressing the current challenges facing the Palestinian society.
Its primary goal is to enhance the role of graduate studies in producing outstanding scientific research that contributes to comprehensive development.
Attendees included Dr. Amjad Barham, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Suleiman Al-Zuhairi, Vice Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Hussein Shanak, PTUK President, Prof. Marwan Awartani, ISESCO Advisor, Mr. Faisal Salama, Deputy Governor of Tulkarem, along with presidents of Palestinian universities, senior academics and researchers, university students, and representatives of official, security, and civil society institutions.
Minister Barham praised the university's efforts and its commitment to fostering scientific research, particularly through this distinguished conference, emphasizing the importance of focusing on productive scientific research and maximizing the benefit of graduate students' research output.
He also discussed the current state of higher education in Palestine and the challenges it faces, particularly in light of the oppressive policies of the Israeli occupation, which targets higher education in both Gaza and the West Bank. “The occupation always seeks to extinguish hope and the future in the hearts of our youth,” Barham noted. “But we send a message from Palestine Technical University that we remain steadfast on this land, fully capable of bearing responsibility and working together as a unified team to protect and advance education.”
Minister Barham added: “Today, we are in Palestine Technical University - Kadoorie witnessing the achievements and innovations of our students. I commend Kadoorie and its accomplishments, and I stress the ministry's dedication to supporting this university, despite the ongoing violations by the occupation. Our greatest challenge is to remain present at Kadoorie and to continue fostering creativity, excellence, and leadership.”
He concluded by reaffirming that “the motto for the next phase is innovation and distinction. With knowledge, we will build the State of Palestine and honor our martyrs, detainees, and the wounded.”
In his opening remarks, Prof. Hussein Shanak, the University President welcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of the conference in promoting scientific research.
He stated: “We gather today under sensitive and exceptional circumstances to renew hope and give life for one of the most important components of university life: scientific research and graduate studies.”
Shanak noted that “this conference is organized in response to current challenges and to strengthen rigorous academic activities for graduate students, aiming to reduce the gap between research output and labor market needs.”
Speaking on the role of the university in higher education, he emphasized that "Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, as a state university, is committed to providing a comprehensive academic environment that fosters innovation and advances technical and vocational education."
He further explained that “the university's current strategy focuses on preparing young leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the challenges of the future, particularly in the age of technology and information.”
In conclusion, Shanak reiterated that “the university remains faithful to its historical role in serving Palestinian society, and it will continue on this path to strengthen its status as a beacon of knowledge. Our commitment to providing high-quality education and advancing scientific research is part of our national and academic responsibility."
In his speech, Prof. Marwan Awartani highlighted the importance of academic quality in research, pointing out that the Israeli academic blockade imposed on Palestinian universities is among the most severe challenges, as it isolates Palestinian universities from their global counterparts and geographically separates universities within Palestine. This, he warned, could eventually turn universities in Palestine into mere schools.
Awartani called for collective efforts on various fronts to break this blockade by enhancing international cooperation with universities around the world, promoting exchange programs, and increasing the academic supervision of theses. He also stressed the need to exert more effort in improving academic quality across universities.
Awartani concluded by commending the Ministry of Higher Education's efforts to rationalize graduate programs and emphasized the significance of joint programs to increase academic quality and international collaboration.
Deputy Governor of Tulkarem, Mr. Faisal Salama, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of organizing the Second Graduate Research Conference.
He conveyed the greetings of Governor Mustafa Tkatka and stressed the importance of education in building societies and contributing to the national struggle to end the occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Salama also highlighted the university's academic and societal role in enhancing both resistance and development, despite the occupation’s attempts to undermine Palestinian efforts, emphasizing President Mahmoud Abbas's directives to support the resilience of citizens and noted the efforts of the Palestinian Liberation Organization to confront the occupation's crimes and achieve victory despite international challenges.
Dr. Samer Arqawi, President of the Conference, remarked that “the conference provides a scientific platform for exchanging ideas and experiences and reflects the university’s commitment to promoting scientific research and supporting innovation."
Dr. Arqawi highlighted the central role played by the Graduate Studies College in organizing this academic event, which enhances the university's standing as a leading academic center.
He expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, including the Arab Bank and the Sila Al-Dhahr Company, as well as the administrative and academic staff who contributed to the conference's success.
Session One
The first panel session, moderated by Dr. Ahmed Ammar, Dean of the College of Arts at Kadoorie University, brought together university presidents, including Prof. Dawood Zaatari, President of Al-Zaytouna University, Prof. Nour Al-Din Abu Al-Rob, President of Al-Istiqlal University, Prof. Mustafa Abu Al-Safa, President of the Polytechnic University, and Prof. Hussein Shanak, President of Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie.
The discussion focused on the reality of graduate studies in Palestinian universities and the challenges facing higher education in Palestine, with particular attention to the role of universities in promoting scientific research and linking graduate studies to social and economic issues.
The session witnessed wide participation, with attendees offering insights into the development of academic programs to foster innovation in universities.
Session on Artificial Intelligence
The first day of the conference also included a specialized session on “Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Scientific Research and their Impact on Industry in Palestine,” presented by Dr. Islam Amr from the Arab American University.
The session was followed by presentations of research findings, allowing researchers to engage in fruitful discussions with the audience, enriching knowledge and expanding opportunities for scientific cooperation.
