Science the winner in first Qatar research awards

The Qatar Foundation has unveiled the recipients of its US$25 million research awards.

Energy initiative proposes desert power plan

A desert solar power plan, to meet Europe and North Africa's energy needs and tackle climate change, has been presented.

Tunisia opens bank of genetic resources

A national gene bank inaugurated in Tunis this month holds promise for agriculture and conservation — as well as international cooperation.

Cutting-edge materials centre to open in Middle East

A new research centre for Advanced Materials will be built in Ras Al Kaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

Algeria and China forge scientific partnership

Algeria and China signed an agreement last week to collaborate in agricultural science and desertification.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen agree science cooperation

Recent talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen have yielded a variety of science and technology cooperation plans.

Pakistani scientist win 2007 TWAS prize in Agricultural Sciences

Muhammad Arshad has been announced as the Winner of the 2007 TWAS Prize in Agricultural Sciences by the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World.

US$750 million for new Arab climate change fund

Four Arab Gulf states have pledged a total of US$750 million to a new fund for tackling climate change.

Arab science expenditure ‘disappointing’, Forum hears

Arab scientists and decision makers expressed their disappointment at expenditure on research and development (R&D) in the Arab world, which averages only 0.2 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared to the world average of 1.7 percent.

Eid Mubarak

Oil spill from Israeli attacks on Lebanon wins international award

A documentary about the impacts of the oil spill caused by Israeli strikes on Lebanon in the summer of 2006 has won an international award in a film festival in Italy.

Simple, rapid and cost-effective Chlamydia diagnostic test

Scientists have developed rapid, cheap and simple diagnostic test for detecting of bacterial infection of Chlamydia trachomatis that could be used for identifying infected individuals and promote early treatment efforts which have been hindered in developing countries by the lack of simple and inexpensive diagnostic tests to be used at first-level health facilities.

Rapid and cheap field diagnostic test for Ebola virus infection developed

Ebola virus (EBOV) has caused outbreaks of severe viral hemorrhagic fever in regions of Central Africa where medical facilities are ill equipped and diagnostic capabilities are limited.

What we need is education, education, education? Expert says

Debating on 'What is the Arab World's Strategy for the future', on the Al Rouad round table.

AAFAQ - A Future Plan for University Education in Saudi Arabi

Climate change and development

It covers aspects of climate change - from cities to drylands, from water to journalism, from avoided deforestation to community based adaptation.

Most Islamic states are vulnerable to climate change

31 countries out of 57 OIC member countries are among the 100 countries most vulnerable to climate change.

Grand challenges in chronic non-communicable diseases

It identifies the 20 most important research and policy measures needed to prevent and treat chronic non-communicable diseases that are responsible for 60 % of death worldwide with 80% occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Intellectual Property Gaining Protection in the Muslim World

Intellectual property (IP) is currently the subject of much attention in the business world. The recent ongoing patent infringement case involving Research in Motion (RIM), the makers of the Blackberry mobile e-mail device, is one example of the impact that IP can have on businesses worldwide.

How research can boost poor economies?

Oscar Aries, President of Costa Rica and winner of the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize, argues that investing in education and following the scientific research path makes even the poorest or smallest of countries to reach the stars.