Placing research in the proper perspective

The Arab Science and Technology Foundation's second meeting was inaugurated in Sharjah last week by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Hundreds of Arab scientists have gathered at this meeting to review areas where research projects need to be carried out in the Arab world. They have also discussed forming a strategy for the advancement of science and technology in the Arab world.

At his inaugural speech, Dr Sheikh Sultan said the gathering of the best Arab minds in the field of science is evidence of a determination to follow up scientific advances as well as an ability to compete and excel in the different fields of science.

Projects

The foundation was established following recommendations reached at the symposium "Scientific Research Outlook in the Arab World and the New Millennium: Science and Technology" held at the University of Sharjah a couple of years ago.

Dr Sheikh Sultan donated $1 million to the foundation, which aims to collect a total of $200 million so as to fund its projects over the next five to 10 years.

Working as a non-governmental and non-profit entity, the foundation aims to support scientists, their research as well as providing aid to research centres throughout the Arab world.

One of the foundation's goals is to establish a communication link between Arab scientists and researchers living and working outside the Arab world and make use of their expertise and knowledge.

The issue of Arab scientists conducting research in countries other than their home is not new.

Favourable environment

For decades, Arab scientists have migrated to environments that are capable of enhancing their talents.

This is especially evident in the number of Arab scientists who live in countries other than their country of origin, particularly in the West, where they work for research centres or academic institutions.

Examples of such cases are aplenty. Dr Shadya Rifa'ee Habaal holds the Chair of Astro Physics at the University of Wales. She is of Syrian origin and pursued her studies in Lebanon and the U.S. Another example is Dr Fakhri Al Bazzaz, Professor of Biology at Harvard University.

Dr Al Bazzaz, who is also a member of the American Academy for Arts and Sciences, received his education in Germany. He is considered to be an expert in the study of the increase of carbon dioxide and its effects on the environment.

Perhaps, one of the names that is more known worldwide is Dr Farouk El-Baz. He is Research Professor and Director of the Centre for Remote Sensing at Boston University and Member of the Board of Trustees of the America Foundation in Colorado.

The Egyptian born scientist has played a crucial role with the team of scientists that worked on the Apollo Programme. For years, Dr El-Baz has worked closely with NASA.

One of Dr El-Baz's areas of specialisation is the study of the origin and evolution of arid landscapes. Scientists around the world follow his methods of his research because of his 25 years of experience in desert research.

To honour his work, the Geological Society of America established the Farouk El-Baz Award for Desert Research as an annual award in 1999. One of the most acclaimed scientists, though, is Ahmed Zuwail, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry and Magdi Yaqoob, the world renowned heart surgeon.

There are countless Arab scientists who have also contributed to the field, whether it is science or social sciences. What one cannot overlook is the fact that the environment they work in enhances their capabilities. Without the appropriate atmosphere it would be fruitless to sail into the unknown field of discovery.

Support

More than the financial support for scientific endeavours, scientists need mainly support and belief in what they do, regardless of the area they chose to experiment with.

Without this backing, whether it comes from governments or other institutions and organisations, appreciation and respect for their efforts would be unrecognised. Hence, their efforts would be meaningless and frivolous.

Perhaps, this is what helped Arab scientists working outside the Arab world to shine brilliantly. If such elements constantly and forcefully exist in their own country of origin, they would not have been forced to live and work abroad.

According to Antwan Zahlaan, a Lebanese scientist who has written extensively on the issue, there are about 100,000 researchers in the Arab world today, whose specialisations cover a wide range of sciences and fields. But the issue here, believes Zahlaan, is not the need to increase their numbers, rather the question is how to make use and take advantage of their knowledge.

Indeed, the Arab world is rich in its human resources, says Zahlaan. For over the past 50 years, more than 50 million Arabs have received a university degree and over 200 universities have opened its doors for enrolment. This of course has lead to a rise in the number of educated individuals.

As the world has entered an 'age of knowledge' where an individual's knowledge has turned to become the most valued commodity, it is only imminent that the Arab world should also follow this route if it is to advance and compete in a world of global changes. Hence, it has to become a part of these changes rather than remain a spectator indefinitely.

The Arab world has once been at the forefront. But will the Arab world be able to reclaim a lead, for it once reigned in the area of science, technology and knowledge in general? Will it be able to stand against the challenges that are constantly posed by a rapid movement especially in the field of technology? Will it be able to survive through a time when the meaning and implications of the word ignorance has taken on a different connotation?

Moving ahead

These are questions that are constantly raised by Arab experts, researchers, and scientists of different fields. Many agree that support, both financial and moral, are of great importance for such changes to occur.

Though they have disagreed as to what is the main cause as to why Arab countries are lagging behind in the field of research, science and technology, all of them agree on one thing: that in order to advance, one has to constantly move, and in order to be able to move, one has to be practical, take action and always aim to stride forward.