Scientific Research Outlook
Advancing Arab Scientific Research for Regional Development
A premier biennial conference bringing together the Arab scientific community to collaborate on research priorities, bridge science and technology, and strengthen regional cooperation for sustainable development.
5 Conferences
Biennial Since 2000
|
4,470+ Participants |
2,800+ Research Papers |
Conference Overview
The Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) organizes the Scientific Research Outlook (SRO) biennial conference to bring together the Arab scientific community. Held once every two years, this premier gathering bridges scientific research and technological advancement throughout the Arab region.
The conference facilitates collaboration aimed at regional development, bringing together Arab and foreign scientists representing diverse sectors including academia, research institutions, and business organizations.
Primary Objectives
Foster Collaboration
Support and promote cooperation between scientists, researchers, inventors, businessmen and companies across the Arab region and internationally.
Enhance Quality
Recognize that cooperation in the process of scientific research delivers high quality and less cost products through shared expertise and resources.
Bridge Sectors
Emphasize cooperation between scientific research and technological development to ensure research translates into practical applications and innovations.
Conference History
The Scientific Research Outlook has been held in five rounds since its inception, occurring biennially in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008, demonstrating sustained commitment to advancing Arab scientific research:
1st Conference - SRO 2000
April 24-26, 2000University of Sharjah, UAE
Theme: "Scientific Research Outlook in the Arab World and the New Millennium: Science and Technology"
Participation:
425 Arab scientists from worldwide locations participated, including leading figures in the scientific community at the Arab and international levels.
Conference Structure:
- Day 1-2: Parallel sessions with 140 research papers presented across 30 sessions
- Day 3: Plenary discussion focused on addressing technological underdevelopment challenges in the Arab region
Two Primary Topic Groups:
- Group 1: Identifying weaknesses in Arab scientific research and promoting it through economic development and institutional support
- Group 2: Specifying research orientations expected to impact science and technology advancement in the new millennium
Historic Outcome: This symposium catalyzed the establishment of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), headquartered in Sharjah. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi provided one million dollars in initial funding.
2nd Conference - SRO 2002
2002Abu Dhabi, UAE
Participation:
675 participants with 400 research papers presented.
Organization:
Organized by Arab Science and Technology Foundation in collaboration with 18 scientific organizations. The symposium coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Arab Strategy for Science and Technology established by ALECSO.
Primary Focus:
The conference addressed "the preconditions of an effective and efficient Arab contribution in the current revolution in science and technology."
Four Core Scientific Themes:
Energy and Water
Information and Communications Technology
Biotechnology
Materials Sciences
Key Objectives:
- Revise and update the Arab Strategy for Science and Technology
- Establish the concept of an Arab scientific community
- Set realistic objectives for research projects with international specialist participation
- Identify research capabilities within Arab universities and institutions for forming scientific networks
Key Outcome: The symposium resulted in a preliminary plan for collaborative Arab scientific projects designed to attract ASTF funding and strengthen regional research networks.
3rd Conference - SRO 2004
April 7-10, 2004Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Theme: "Science & Technology is the Key to Achieve the Arab Human Development"
Organized by King Abdel Aziz City for Science and Technology and the Arab Foundation for Science and Technology.
Participation:
970 participants with 470 research papers presented.
Key Objectives:
- Enhance scientific research's role in addressing knowledge gaps in the Arab region
- Develop comprehensive assessment of the Arab scientific community's current state
- Promote science and technology investment
- Recognize and nurture excellence among Arab scientists and researchers
4th Conference - SRO 2006
2006Damascus, Syria
Participation:
1,100 participants with 683 research papers presented.
The fourth Scientific Research Outlook conference focused on examining how Arab countries utilize science and technology innovation for sustainable development.
Three Main Scopes:
1. Science & Technology Performance
Examining how Arab countries utilize S&T innovation for sustainable development, including performance in science, and development in social and economic aspects.
2. Arab Science Community Economics
Addressing scientific networks, cooperation, research commercialization, and techno-entrepreneurship and its role in sustainable development.
3. Research Priorities
Collaborative projects in priority areas including Energy, Water, Information and Communication Technology, Biotechnologies, and New Materials, plus specialized fields like Medicine, Engineering, and Agriculture.
Conference Objectives:
- Enhance scientific research's role in development
- Assess Arab scientific performance
- Encourage science and technology investment
- Harness specialized expertise in priority research areas
5th Conference - SRO 2008
October 25-30, 2008Fez, Morocco
Theme: "Scientific Innovation and Sustained Development"
Main Scientific Day: October 28, 2008
Participation:
1,300 participants with 1,189 research papers presented.
Congress Structure:
The 5th Congress consisted of 16 satellite conferences featuring:
- 50 invited sessions
- 20 workshops and tutorials
- 1,189 scientific papers and posters
- Duration: 1-3 days per satellite conference
Main Objectives:
- Strengthen scientific research's role in narrowing the knowledge gap across Arab nations
- Identify development priorities for the region
- Foster pan-Arab and international cooperation in science and technology
16 Satellite Conference Topics:
eLearning
Science Journalism
Nanotechnology
Biotechnology
Energy
ICT
Medicine
Agriculture
Environmental Science
Mathematics
History of Science
And More...
Corporate Panel - SRO 2008
Senior officials from major international companies presented their social responsibility initiatives during the 2008 conference:
Les Janka
President
Raytheon
Herv? Streichenberger
Director General
L'Oreal
Samir Elbahaie
Senior Official
Intel
Fouad Jellal
Senior Official
HP
Ahmed Lotfy
Senior Official
Halliburton
Dr. Hazem El Tahawy
Senior Official
Mentor Graphics
Dr. Kamel Bennaceur
Senior Official
Schlumberger
Dr. Ahmed Tantawy
Senior Official
IBM
Impact & Achievements
Foundation Establishment
The first SRO conference in 2000 directly led to the establishment of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), creating a lasting institutional framework for regional scientific cooperation.
Regional Collaboration
Fostered cooperation among 18+ scientific organizations and facilitated the development of collaborative Arab scientific projects with clear funding pathways.
Research Output
Over 2,800 scientific papers and posters presented across five conferences, advancing knowledge in energy, water, biotechnology, ICT, materials science, and more.
Industry Engagement
Engaged major multinational corporations including Intel, IBM, HP, Raytheon, and Schlumberger in supporting Arab scientific development through social responsibility initiatives.
Learn More
Interested in participating in future Scientific Research Outlook conferences or learning more about Arab scientific research collaboration?