10 November, 2021
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) hosted a workshop to introduce the skills of publishing scientific research in reputable high quality international journals. The workshop was held in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and in cooperation with Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST), and hosted at the campus of UCAS Technology Incubator at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza and via Zoom as well for participants outside Gaza Strip.
The workshop was delivered by Dr. Mohammed Zedan Salem, an associate professor at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza. He explained the importance of publishing scientific research internationally, and then introduced general information needed to be taken into consideration when publishing in prestigious international journals. Both PYA Executive members Dr. Hazem Elbaz and Dr. Shadi Abudalfa organized and attended the event in Gaza in person, while the rest of executive members participated via online.
For detailed information about the meeting: Click Here
10 October, 2021
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) participated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony that took place via videoconference between Palestine Academy for Science & Technology (PALAST) and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), for Scientific Collaboration in Research on fostering the STI collaboration between the two academies.
The agreement was signed by the president of PALAST, HE Minister Prof. Marwan Awartani, and the president of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia ASM, Prof. ASMA Ismail, in the presence of HE. Mr. Walid Abu Ali, The Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Malaysia, Brunei & Maldives, and scientific experts and directors from the two Academies, in addition to the Palestine Young Academy and Young Scientists Network - Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM).
For further information about the event:
The Academy and Academy of Sciences Malaysia ASM Sign MoU in Research and Science | PALAST
1 October, 2021
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) participated in the second online meeting of Young Academies from around the world took place on 30 September 2021. The meeting was organized by Global young Academy (GYA) and is the largest gathering of young academies so far, with more than 70 representatives from 50 young academies and initiatives.
PYA was represented by both Dr. Sandy Lama, PYA Chairwoman, and Dr. Hazem Elbaz, Co-founder of PYA. The meeting offered a great opportunity for young academy representatives to exchange experiences as well as to discuss successful young academy activities and common challenges.
For further information about the meeting:
Largest-ever online meeting of Young Academies | Global Young Academy
14 September, 2021
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) held a second session of its webinar series title"building bridges and new connections with Arab and International Scientific Institutions" with its guest of honor Prof. Dr. Ghaleb Natour director in the research center Jülich, and a full Prof. in RWTH-Aachen University in Germany for engineering, electronics, Analytical engineering and Technology.
The webinar was opened by Dr. Sandy Lama, PYA Chairwoman, who started by welcoming the guests and participants and provided the agenda of the webinar session, then followed that with presenting detailed introduction about PYA. Then, Prof. Dr. Ghaleb Natour presented and his talk included topics related to "Building Capabilities Upon Individuals for the Benefit of the Home Country - Experiences and Vision"
1 July, 2021
Dr Sandy Lama, chairwoman of PYA, participated in the opening session of the training course in writing grant proposals for young Palestinian researchers (GRYPS). This training course aimed to introduce participants to the methodological steps and skills needed to prepare research proposals for projects that need funding, and to enable them to develop and submit their own project proposals to different funding organizations at the end of the training course.
Dr Omar Abu Abed, a member of PYA, joined the team responsible for organizing the training course as a distinguished expert trainer.
Dr. Suha Al-Madbouh, a member of the Executive Committee of PYA, was invited as a keynote speaker during the training session. She gave a presentation on: Recognizing Acceptance of Grant Proposals: What Really Matters! She explained some issues that must be evaluated first before starting to write and submitting the proposal, in order to get a proposal that can compete with other proposals submitted for the desired grant.
Dr Shadi Abudalfa and Dr Hazem Elbaz, both members of PYA, attended the course as participants as well.
PYA was happy to participate in this training course and provide support for Palestinian researchers. In the opening speech, the chairwoman of PYA clarified the role of the Academy which was established by Palestinian young academics in Europe and Palestine in December 2019 as an initiative operating under the umbrella of PALAST. She emphasized that PYA aims to stimulate ideas that connect Palestinian scholars and enhance the capabilities of the academic community and young academics in Palestine and abroad.
The PYA operates independently in a democratic manner whereby an elected Executive Committee and a Chairwoman of the Executive Committee manage the activities and develop plans for cooperation. The Academy aspires to achieve a balanced and proper representation of the Palestinian scientific community in the world.
9 June, 2021
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) with the support of PALAST Academy have hosted its first webinar focused on the importance of the scientific cooperation with Europe & the east. The webinar session included the PYA sharing its aims to provide a platform for young Palestinian researchers to build new bridges and relationships with Arab and international scientific institutions, by encouraging them to engage in multidisciplinary research projects, and avenues for cooperation and participation in future projects. In that regard, AGYA has discussed its scientific programs & workshops implemented and offered by Arab German Young Academy AGYA and the possible collaborations.
The webinar was opened by Dr. Sandy Lama, PYA Chairwoman, who started by welcoming the guests and participants and provided the agenda of the webinar session, then followed that with presenting detailed introduction about Palestine Young Academy (PYA) . Interesting to mention that the establishment of Palestine Young Academy was in December 2019 as an independent initiative with the support of PALAST in order to stimulate ideas that connect Palestinian scientists and enhance the capabilities of the academic community and young academics in Palestine and abroad. Dr. Lama stressed that the missions of PYA are to provide a voice for young Palestinian researchers in Palestine and the diaspora and to building bridges between policy-makers, academics and the rest of the Palestinians through initiating a policy-dialogue strategy. She also illustrated the objectives and visions of the academy.
Then the session was opened for the keynote guest speaker by Arab German Young Academy AGYA Co-chair, Dr. Maha Nasr. The presentation was enriching and useful for researchers. In which she informed the audience about AGYA's Academy and its activities with various Arab countries and Germany, how to join the Academy, the projects performed by the Arab-German Young Academy, the support/ funding available to it and its cooperation with the universities and institutions from various fields.
In the end, the presentation was followed by a Q&A session, which was supervised by Dr. Thabat Khatib, one of the members of the Executive Committee & co-founders of PYA.
22 April, 2021
The participation of Dr. Hazem Al-Baz, Dr. Shadi Abu Dalfa and Dr. Sandy Lama from the Palestine Young Academy (PYA) in the international scientific conference “Young Scientists Network - Malaysian Science Academy (YSN-ASM) International Virtual Scientific Conference (ISVC) 2021” at the invitation of the Malaysian Academy of Sciences.
The objective of the ISVC 2021 conference is to bring together researchers, industrialists, policy makers and graduate students to enhance interdisciplinary knowledge sharing, learning and collaboration between local scientists in Malaysia and from around the world; and to identify emerging research niches/areas that the global research community should champion to address local needs and global challenges; and to develop strategies to enhance the capacity and access to resources to harness the potential of the global research community; and to promote sustainable research leadership amongst emerging researchers in Malaysia and the participating countries.
The conference included interventions from international speakers from academia and industry to exchange knowledge and ideas that meet global needs and challenges. PYA thanks the Palestine Academy for Science and Technology for its cooperation in providing seats to be present and participate with the Malaysian Young Scientists Network. Thanks are also extended to the conference organizers for their cooperation and participation in the conference. The participants also received a certificate of appreciation for participating in the conference
5 March, 2021
The Palestine Young Academy (PYA) is happy to announce that Dr. Sandy Lama will be the new Chair of PYA, after Dr. Thabat Khatib apologized for completing her duties as First Chair of PYA due to personal circumstances. Dr. Thabat Khatib will be joining the Executive Committee as a regular member instead.
Furthermore, Dr. Adeem Massarwi resigned from PYA due to personal reasons. Therefore, Dr. Mohammad Adam joined the Executive Committee as he is the member who took the sixth highest votes during last Executive Committee elections.
19 January, 2021
The Palestine Young Academy (PYA) was pleased with the invitation it received to participate in the meeting held between a high-ranking delegation from the Palestinian Ministry of Education in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Marwan Awartani and the various Palestinian scientific gatherings in order to activate means of cooperation between the different scientific gatherings and national initiatives in Palestine and to discuss methods of training school students in scientific research and critical thinking and their inclusion in the STEM programme.
PYA was represented by Dr. Thabat Khatib (PYA Chair and co-founder) and Dr. Abdalhadi Alijla (PYA co-founder). A communication channel will be opened between PYA and the Ministry aimed at enhancing people's confidence in science and linking them to research, and cooperation in strengthening the role of students in the local community through the working groups formed by the Academy.
16 January, 2021
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the health situation all around the world, the Palestine Young Academy (PYA) decided to hold its first virtual General Assembly and Inauguration Meeting and nomination of the new Members with the presence of PYA Advisory Board, PYA Selection Committee and attended by many academics from Palestine and the world including Palestinian in Diaspora. The meeting included several sessions scattered on 2 days from January 15 to 16 2021.
The PALAST President HE Minister Dr. Marwan Awartani opened the General Assembly by thanking the entire PYA family for keeping the energy of their initiative, continuing to develop the PYA goals and getting prepared for all the events planned in the future. He emphasized, within the scope and outlook of the Academy as it matures, is an addition of a Young Academy under its auspices. The rationale behind the Young Academy is two-fold: To early-on promote and give visibility to promising Palestinian scholars at home and abroad; while providing an intellectual “home” for the next generation of scientists from the diaspora to engage with Palestine in the Arts, Science and Technology.
Afterwards, Dr. Thabat Khatib, a co-founder of PYA, presented Palestine Young Academy (PYA) in a more detailed manner. According to Dr. Khatib, Palestine Young Academy was established in December 2019 as an independent initiative with the support of PALAST in order to stimulate ideas that connect Palestinian scientists and enhance the capabilities of the academic community and young academics in Palestine and abroad. She stressed that the missions of PYA are providing a voice for young Palestinian researchers in Palestine and the diaspora and building a bridge between policymakers, academics and the rest of the Palestinians through initiating a policy-dialogue strategy. She also illustrated the objectives and visions of the academy as well as explained that the logo of PYA was inspired by the Palestine sunbird. Lastly, she emphasized on the hierarchy of PYA.
The meeting included keynote Speaker Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh, addressed his speech on the importance and role of international academies around the world, as well as he clarified the current situation of a group of diverse research and their difficulties they faced, and stressed that Palestinian researchers are interested to have a collaborative cooperation at home and with various partners around the world aiming to raise scientific research and Palestinian researchers at home and abroad.
Following that, Dr. Abdalhadi Alijla, PYA Co-founder, welcomed 9 new members, and thanked the selection Committee for their efforts in nominating them according to criteria, taking in consideration their research record and diversity.
At the end of the first day, Dr. Shadi Albarqouni, PYA Co-founder, announced the results of PYA President and Executive Committee election. PYA members also elected a new Executive Committee (EC), including the first PYA Chair, using the online voting programme “Election Buddy”. The Chair elected for 2021 is a member of the founding committee. The new Chair is Dr. Thabat Khatib, and the EC included the following: Dr. Abdalhadi Alijla, Dr. Adeem Masarweh, Dr. Shadi Abudalfa, Dr. Suha Almadbouh and Dr. Sandy Lama.
On two consecutive days, the General Assembly Meetings were held to address PYA activities, especially the three working groups that were established during the discussions; namely: Health and Society, Education, Digitalization and Innovation
Also a Task Force Meetings were held to nominate PYA members in three Committees: Nomination Committee, Fundraising Committee, Publicity Committee
The meeting also included an orientation session for Writing a Research Grant Proposal, presented by Dr. Samer Raddad, that will take in PYA consideration to strengthen the research infrastructure at Palestinian institutions.
11 January, 2021
Who will be the First Chair of PYA?
We have 4 candidates from the Founding members.
The results of PYA Chair elections will be announced during General Assembly Meeting by the end of the first day.
Stay Tuned with us on Friday 15 January 2021.
10 January, 2021
The Executive Committees of PYA will consist of five members. We have 10 candidates for the Executive Committee among PYA members.
Who will be the winners of the first executive committee of the Palestinian Youth Academy (PYA)?
Be with us on Friday, January 15, three o'clock Palestine time.
15 December, 2020
Founding Committe of Palestine Young Academy (PYA) and Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST) had their first introductory meeting with the new nine members of PYA.
14 November, 2020
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) and Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST) hosted their second virtual meeting with the Advisory Board of PYA on Saturday 14 November 2020.
The meeting was inaugurated by PYA Founding Members, who welcomed the Advisory Board members, and provided general information about PYA, its goals, memberships conditions and provided a general background on the methodology of selections of the new members, inspired by the GYA and AGYA, and adopted in the evaluation process of the new PYA members, including the criteria aiming the diversity in the membership of the PYA (regions, disciplines and gender), which were implemented by the evaluation committee compromised from the deans of scientific research in Palestinian universities, members from the Global Young Academy GYA and the Arab-German Young Academy AGYA.
Finally, the PYA Advisory Board approved the newly selected members for this year, and they will support the PYA founding members in exerting more efforts in the next call to attract more applications from abroad.
22 September, 2020
Dr Hazem Elbaz, co-founder of Palestine Young Academy (PYA), participated in the online meeting of Young Academies organized by Global Young Academy (GYA). Many issues were raised, especially the mechanisms used to establish a new young academy, and the challenges it faces such as:
•Funding issues for young academies.
• The relationship with other scientific academies in the country.
• Engaging current members with the alumni.
• Ensuring that members are diverse academically and geographically.
• Organizing training programmes for members (such as scientific advice skills, and promoting writing of research proposals).
• Registration of young academies officially within the country.
The meeting also addressed opportunities available to young academies:
• The necessity of cooperation in young academies in projects and joint work groups.
• Attending regional meetings and cooperation (Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas) by engaging in science diplomacy between countries.
• Encouraging online meetings to share best practices.
•Young Academies’ response to COVID-19.
The meeting concluded with several recommendations, the most important is setting up a specific mechanism to evaluate members of the Young Academies, strengthening means of cooperation between international institutions, supporting new young academies and emerging initiatives from young people aspiring to establish a young academy that represents their country.
"The PYA received applications from the Palestinian scholars around the world coming from different fields of science and humanities"
13 September, 2020
The founding members of the Palestine Young Academy (PYA) are pleased to announce that they received an adequate number of applications for the PYA membership from 13 different countries around the world. This goes in line with the vision and objectives of PYA in seeking to reach experienced and qualified scholars to leave a positive and great impact on our community. Female researchers were fairly represented (i.e. 22% of the total number of applicants). The applications were received from Palestinians in each of: West Bank, Gaza Strip, Palestine 48, Palestinian Refugee Camps and Diaspora.
The PYA founding members are in the process of consulting the Advisory Board of the Academy to have their valuable advice on the progress so far, and the selection process of the new members.
The results are expected to be announced around mid-November 2020 which will be followed by the General Assembly meeting and the election of the PYA Chair and Executive Committee of PYA.
7 September, 2020
The founding committee of Palestine Young Academy (PYA) meets after the deadline for applying for PYA membership. PYA’s 2020 Open Call for Applications closed as of 31 August 2020 23:59 Palestine time. If you submitted an application – thank you! We look forward to reviewing your application.
The advisory council will be contacted to inform it of developments, and to begin reviewing applications according to the international standards followed. An Evaluation Committee will be formed, which will include some of the deans of scientific research in Palestinian universities, external members and members of the Arab German Young Academy (AGYA) and Global Young Academy (GYA).
4 July, 2020
Type: Call for new members
Date: July 1, 2020, to August 31, 2020
Research Fields: All fields
We are very delighted to announce that we have started accepting applications for the membership of Palestine Young Academy starting from July 1, 2020.
PYA is looking for members who can actively contribute to the academy's projects and activities, and also lead a national, inter-disciplinary, and inter-generational dialogue with the goal to make decision-making evidence-based and inclusive. Members are selected for a four-year term based on a proven track record for outstanding contributions to science and their commitment to applying science for the benefit of Palestinian society. We strive for the highest level of excellence and impact in our activities.
We are hoping to receive strong applicants who can leave a positive impact on the Palestinian research community!
Further details can be found on our website, under membership section.
27 June, 2020
Dr. Thabat Khatib, co-founder of Palestine Young Academy (PYA), was invited by TEDx to participate in the organisation’s virtual event titled “TEDxAlSaaSquare”. The theme of the event was open waves and it included creative ideas, challenges and achievements from all over Palestine. During her speech, Thabat talked about the idea behind the establishment of Palestine Young Academy. Watch her for further information about the academy and how you can join it.
Thabat Khatib is a neuroscientist keen on studying diseases (mainly neurodegenerative ones), different neural circuitry and molecular pathways in the body, understanding how our brains function, and working on projects with therapeutic translation to improve lives. Thabat and her team in the UK have two patents on drugs they developed that could be beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease. She is one of the founding members of “Palestine Young Academy” that aims to give a voice to young Palestinians and empower them in different life aspects.
TEDxAlSaaSquare is an inspiring event that concentrates on the theme of OPEN WAVES, in which revolves around exchanging knowledge and information between outstanding individual as senders and outstanding audience as receivers in order to create the connection channel for new achievements and impacts in the local community.
23 June, 2020
A special interview with Dr Thabat Khatib, one of the founders of Palestine Young Academy, on AjyaL Radio Network.
During the interview, she briefly talked about the first virtual meeting with the Advisory Board Members of Palestine Young Academy (PYA) that was hosted by PYA and Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST) on Zoom. She also talked about PYA in a more detailed manner. She illustrated the missions & visions and objectives of PYA. She explained as well the expected reflection of the national academy on young Palestinian researchers whether they are inside Palestine or abroad in the diaspora. She emphasized that PYA will be a home to all young Palestinian researchers from all disciplines. Finally, She mentioned that the first call for application for PYA membership will open on the 1st of July 2020.
20 June, 2020
Palestine Young Academy (PYA) and Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST) hosted their first virtual meeting with the Advisory Board Members of PYA on Wednesday 17 June 2020. The meeting was opened by Dr. Ayman Al Haj Daoud, the Director of Publication and R&D Affairs at PALAST, who welcomed the Advisory Board members. Following that, a brief history about Young Academies was presented by Dr. Abdalhadi Alijla, who is one of the PYA founders. Afterwards, Dr. Thabat Khatib, a co-founder of PYA, illustrated the missions, visions, objectives, logo concept & hierarchy of PYA. Then, Dr. Mohammed Adam, a co-founder of PYA, presented what PYA expects from its Advisory Board. Dr. Shadi Albarqouni, a co-founder of PYA, moderated the discussion with the Advisory Board regarding the business model and the call for applications for the PYA membership. Lastly, both of Dr. Hazem El-baz, a co-founder of PYA, and Dr. Thabat Khatib illustrated the eligibility criteria for PYA membership At the end of the meeting, PYA founders and the members of the Advisory Board announced the establishment of PYA.
Thabat Khatib, co-founder of Palestine Young Academy (PYA), was invited by TEDx to participate in the organisation’s virtual event titled “TEDxAlSaaSquare”. The theme of the event is open waves and it will include creative ideas, challenges and achievements from all over Palestine. During her participation, Thabat will be talking about the establishment of Palestine Young Academy that aims to stimulate ideas and initiatives to connect Palestinian scientists and enhance the capabilities of the academic community and young academics in Palestine and abroad.
Event Date: June 27, 2020 between 10:00 am and 3:20 pm EEST
Register and attend the event online using the following link in order to learn more about the initiative and how you can join it and be part of the academy: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/37349
The Academy hosted from September 2019 to March 2020 several meetings of the founding committee from Palestinian researchers in Palestine and the diaspora online, in preparation for the launching of Palestine Young Academy.
The founding Committee of Palestine Young Academy includes:
Abdalhadi Alijla – Orient Institute Beirut , Lebanon
Shadi Albarqouni – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland
Mohammad Al Adam- Palestine Polytechnic University, Palestine
Thabat Khatib – University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Hazem Al Baz – Al Aqsa University, Palestine
Ayman Al Haj Daoud - Representative of the PALAST Academy
Several meetings were devoted to discuss and approve the PYA basic bylaws, The vision of the Palestinian Young Academy is to found a strong voice for young Palestinian researchers in Palestine and the diaspora, being a bridge between policy-makers, academics and the rest of the Palestinians, through initiating a policy-dialogue strategy.
The PYA will work under the Academy Umbrella with full support from HE Minister Dr. Marwan Awartani, in which advice and assistance in preparing funding proposals or other related matters will be provided, in addition to the support and assistant from Global Young Academy. The Academy very much look forward to working with PYA and fostering the objectives of its through our vision and through our combined efforts on a national, regional and international level.
Our hope Palestine Young Academy will fly toward a new vision and windows of scientific life in Palestine like the Palestine Sunbird (its Logo), and thanks for Global Young Academy and Interacademy Panel for their moral support. After Launching, the PYA will start its role in promoting and organizing activities on a national and regional level and identifying potential funders of regional activities.