Beirut:The American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in scientific research, policy studies, and publication. This partnership will involve the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship and the Nature Conservation Center (AUB-NCC) at the university. The meeting was led by AUB Provost Professor Zaher Dawy and ACRPS Director Dr. Nasser Yassin, with attendance from various directors, professors, and researchers from both institutions.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Dr. Nasser Yassin opened the event by emphasizing the MoU's aim to foster collaboration in developing and implementing joint research projects. The agreement focuses on addressing humanitarian, social, human rights, development, governance, civil society, environmental, and climate issues. He highlighted plans for enhancing joint research, publishing in Arabic, organizing events such as conferences and workshops, and establishing fellowship and postdoctoral programs.
Professor Zaher Dawy highlighted AUB's significant role in the Arab world and welcomed the collaboration with ACRPS, seeing it as an opportunity to broaden the impact of their work. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Yaser Abunnasr, director of AUB-NCC, mentioned the center's initiatives addressing climate change and expressed the importance of the partnership with ACRPS, particularly in facilitating access to publications through Arabic.
Lina Abu Habib, director of the Asfari Institute, noted the discussion on a joint fellowship program and the development of regional research proposals focusing on social movements, civil society, and citizenship, with a particular emphasis on gender issues. She stressed the importance of expanding the translation of publications into Arabic as part of their collaborative efforts.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the MoU and an agreement to develop a master plan to commence work in the coming weeks.