Arab Researchers Award - Abdulhameed Shoman Foundation

 Under the patronage of HRH Princess Ghida Talal, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation honored the winners of the 44th Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers and the 20th Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children’s Literature.

During the ceremony, Her Royal Highness presented the awards and plaques to the winners. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees Sabih Masri; Chief Executive Officer Valentina Kassisieh; Haifa Al-Najjar, Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children’s Literature; Dr. Labib Khadra, Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers; as well as senators, members of parliament, government officials, ambassadors, academics, researchers, and representatives of local and Arab media.

In her remarks, Princess Ghida stated: “Scientists need an environment that believes in their potential, provides the resources they need, and gives them the time and space to pursue research. They also need strong partnerships across the region and around the world. Institutions such as the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation have an important role to play in making all of this possible.”

Her Royal Highness added: “Forty-four years ago, when scientific research was not a priority for many in our region, this Foundation believed that Arab talent was worth investing in and began honoring generations of Arab researchers. Our ambition is for the success of Arab scientists to no longer be an exception we celebrate, but the norm.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Kassisieh said: “Many achievements that have changed people’s lives began with a question asked by someone who refused to settle for a ready-made answer. It is this spirit of curiosity and discovery that has driven so much of human progress.”

Kassisieh noted that curiosity alone is not enough. Researchers and creators also need opportunities and support to experiment, persevere, and develop their ideas. She said the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation seeks to provide such opportunities while strengthening the role of science and creativity in Arab societies.

“Arab scientists, researchers, and writers have demonstrated their ability to contribute to human knowledge, both within our region and beyond,” she said. “Yet this contribution has not, so far, closed the gap between the talent we possess and the opportunities we provide.”

Narrowing that gap, she added, is a shared responsibility. It begins with education that fosters curiosity and critical thinking and extends to universities and research centers that create an environment for inquiry, as well as institutions that invest in ideas and help turn them into achievements that improve people’s lives.

Kassisieh said the Foundation views investment in knowledge as a long-term, cumulative process whose results may take years to emerge, while the impact of a single idea can extend to people and generations yet to come.

“Today, after 44 years, we are opening a new chapter by launching the Abdul Hameed Shoman International Award for Scientific Excellence,” she said. “The award recognizes Arab scientific achievements with global impact that have contributed to the advancement of human knowledge and aims to inspire new generations of researchers.”

Dr. Labib Khadra, Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers, announced the inaugural winner of the Abdul Hameed Shoman International Award for Scientific Excellence for 2026: Lebanese scientist Dr. Huda Zoghbi, a leading international scientist in neuroscience and genetics.

Her scientific discoveries, particularly identifying the genetic cause of Rett syndrome, has transformed understanding of neurological disorders and opened new avenues for research into their causes and potential treatments.

“Honoring Dr. Huda Zoghbi today is a celebration of an exceptional scientific achievement and recognition of a research career whose impact has reached scientists and researchers around the world,” Khadra said.

“We want this award to send a message to every Arab researcher: science knows no geographical boundaries, and a discovery that begins with a question in a laboratory can change humanity’s understanding of the world.”

Children’s Literature Award

Haifa Al-Najjar and Dr. Labib Khadra announced the winners of the two awards.

The 2026 Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children’s Literature focused on short stories under the theme “Childhood: A World of Challenges,” aimed at children aged six and above.

First place went to Mirna Alloush of Syria for “My Cake Is Crooked... But It’s Tall”. Haneen Abu Taleb of Jordan won second place for “My White & Golden Scarf”, while Menatallah Al-Sayed of Egypt took third place for “Concern for the Planet Roqan”.

 

Arab Researchers Award

Twelve researchers from across the Arab world won the 44th Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers, covering 12 topics across six scientific fields. The winners hailed from Palestine (five), Egypt (four), Jordan (two), and Tunisia (one).

In Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Mowafa Househ of Jordan won in Telemedicine and Digital Health, while Professor Ahmad Abou Tayoun of Palestine won in Genomic and Precision Medicine.

In Engineering and Technological Sciences, Dr. Enas El-Sayed Ali of Egypt won in Applications of Green Hydrogen and Its Derivatives, while Professor Haitham Abu-Rub of Palestine won in Smart Electrical Grid Technologies.

In Water, Energy and Food Sciences, Professor Dr. Khaoula Khawaldia of Tunisia won in Circular Economy and Energy Efficiency in Sustainable Agriculture, while Professor Mamdouh Issa of Egypt won in Soil Health and Fertility Management.

In Basic Sciences, Professor Basem Shehadeh of Palestine won in Intelligent Mathematical Modeling and Its Applications, while Dr. Mohammad Mohammad of Egypt won in Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Earth Monitoring.

In Economic and Administrative Sciences, Dr. Mohammad Alghababsheh of Jordan won in Supply Chain Management, while Dr. Muez Abu Alia of Palestine won in Financial and Administrative Disclosure.

In Humanities, Social and Educational Sciences, Dr. Ahmad Qabaha of Palestine won in Memory Studies, while Dr. AlaaEldin Ayoub of Egypt won in Emotional and Social Intelligence in Education.

Kassisieh noted that since its establishment by Arab Bank in 1978, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has put people and knowledge at the heart of its mission. Its awards, launched in 1982, have since recognized Arab achievements in science and creativity and promoted excellence.

The Foundation is continuing that mission with the launch of the Abdul Hameed Shoman International Award for Scientific Excellence, which recognizes Arab scientific achievements with global impact and aims to inspire new generations of researchers.