Al-Ahliyya Amman University Signs Two Research Agreements with the Higher Council for Science and Technology to Support the Agricultural and Environmental Sectors in Jordan

Al-Ahliyya Amman University, represented by its President, Professor Sari Hamdan, signed two research cooperation agreements with the Higher Council for Science and Technology, in the presence of the Dean of Scientific Research, Professor Ahmad Abu Orabi Al Adwan. The agreements aim to implement two pioneering research projects designed to support and develop the agricultural and environmental sectors in Jordan, in partnership with the PAS- Plant Abiotic Stress Research Group. These agreements reflect the university’s commitment to promoting applied scientific research that contributes to sustainable development and aligns with national priorities in food and environmental security. Professor Sari Hamdan emphasized that signing these research agreements is consistent with the university’s vision of supporting high-quality scientific research that transforms knowledge into practical solutions serving society and contributing to national development. He noted that Al-Ahliyya Amman University continuously seeks to strengthen local and international partnerships in applied research, reinforcing its position as a leading and innovative institution addressing vital national issues such as sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. The first project, led by Dr Lana Waleed Al Qudumi from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, is titled: "Selection of Watermelon Hybrids from Introgression with Hanthal Citrullus Colocynthis and Productivity Assessment under Water Stress Conditions." The project aims to develop new drought-resistant watermelon strains that can withstand water scarcity, thereby supporting food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate challenges. Dr Al Qudumi explained that this project represents a significant applied scientific step toward producing new plant varieties capable of resisting harsh environmental conditions. She highlighted that Al-Ahliyya Amman University is the first private university in Jordan to launch a specialized project for developing new plant varieties in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jordan and international companies, enhancing its standing in advanced applied agricultural research. The second project, led by Professor Ali Al Qutaishat from the Faculty of Law, is titled: "Classification and Analysis of the Legislative Frameworks Regulating the Protection of Biodiversity in Jordan and Their Compatibility with International and Regional Environmental Agreements through the Creation and Development of a Digital Legal Database." This project comes in response to rising environmental challenges, recognizing biodiversity as a cornerstone of environmental security and sustainable development. It aims to analyze and evaluate the legislative and institutional frameworks responsible for protecting biodiversity in Jordan, assessing their effectiveness in addressing climate change and limiting the depletion of natural resources. The project aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which emphasizes the green economy and responsible resource management. It also seeks to develop an integrated digital platform that links environmental legislation with national data, offering a reference tool for decision-makers and researchers in formulating national policies to protect biodiversity. Researchers from the faculties of Law, Information Technology, and Engineering are participating in the project, reflecting the university’s interdisciplinary approach to research with societal impact and strengthening Jordan’s role in meeting environmental and scientific commitments at regional and international levels. At the conclusion of the event, Professor Ahmad Abu Orabi Al Adwan noted that these research projects extend the university’s strategy to build national research partnerships and support applied scientific innovation that serves both the local community and the wider academic field. He emphasized that such initiatives reflect Al-Ahliyya Amman University’s vision of being a national scientific beacon that provides practical and sustainable solutions to challenges in agriculture, the environment, and smart legislation.