Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Arab Researchers Award - Applications are Now Closed

As the first Arab award concerned with scientific research and celebrating Arab researchers; The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation launched the Arab Researchers' Award in 1982, to support and highlight scientific research throughout the Arab world, and to participate in preparing and inspiring a generation of Arab researchers, experts, and specialists in various scientific fields, considering the limited capabilities of research institutions and universities.

This award is given in recognition of an outstanding scientific output whose distribution and dissemination contributes to the advancement of scientific and applied knowledge, as well as the resolution of challenges in high-priority local, regional, and global areas.

The award has six primary fields, the award's scientific committee decides on two different topics for each field annually.

Award Fields

• Medical and Health Sciences 
• Engineering and Technology Sciences
• Basic Sciences
• Humanitarian, Social and Educational Sciences
• Economics and Administration Sciences
• Water, Energy and Food Sciences

Award History

1982: The Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Young Arab Researchers launch - 4 awards each worth 4250 USD

1983:  5 awards, 4250 USD each

1984: 7 awards, 4250 USD each

1991: 9 awards, 7000 USD each

1995: 12 awards, 7000 USD each

2002: 6 awards, 10,000 USD each. Candidates age limit was increased from 40 to 45 years.

2011: 6 awards, 15,000 USD each

2013: New guidelines were set:

• No age restrictions are applied anymore.
• The Award was renamed to become “Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers”.
• The domains were confined to six basic fields.

2014: 12 awards, increasing the Award's prize to 20,000 USD

2017: 35 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers   

2018: 36 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers   

2019: 37 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers   

2020: 38 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers   

2021: 39 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers   

2022: 40 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers   

2023: 41 years of supporting the scientific efforts of our Arab Researchers

To know the names of the winners of The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Arab Researchers' Award since its inception (click here).

Award Components

The award has neutrality and credibility among Arab researchers, as well as a positive reputation in Arab academic circles, with each winner receiving a $20,000 prize.

Award Committee

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Labib Khadra - Chairman

Experienced academic with a history working in the education management industry. Skilled in strategic planning, research, leadership, and project management. Professor of electrical engineering, founding president of the German Jordanian university 2004 – 2013 and founding president of the crown prince al Hussein technical university 2016 – 2020, as well as former minister of higher education in Jordan 2015.
Embarking on his academic career with a DAAD scholarship at RWTH Aachen, Dr. Khadra obtained his PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. He has held various roles at distinguished institutions in the USA, Germany, and Norway, cultivating a robust international perspective. As Jordan's Minister of Higher Education, appointed by King Abdallah II, his primary focus was to align education with the business sector and prepare for the fourth industrial revolution's challenges.
Under Dr. Khadra’s leadership, the German Jordanian University prioritized practical applications and required students to spend a year abroad in Germany. At Al Hussein Technical University, Dr. Khadra introduced a transformative educational model that emphasized applied STEM education, interdisciplinary work-based learning, and essential future skills development.
Among Dr. Khadra's notable achievements is the establishment of Jordan's first university incubator in 2002, creating numerous internship opportunities. He has received prestigious awards for his exceptional contributions, including the Order of Merit from King Abdullah II, the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service, and the Hijjawi Scientific Foundation.
 

• His Excellency Prof. Saeb Khresat - Member

In 1993, he attended New Mexico State University in the United States to complete his doctoral studies in Natural Resource Management. Between the years 2018 and 2021, he presided over the Jordan University of Science and Technology in the role of President. Between the years 2015 and 2021, he will serve as a member of the Inter-governmental Technical Panel on Soils (FAO) in his capacity as an international expert. His region of responsibility will be the Middle East. Between the years of 2008 and 2010, he was also employed by the Higher Council for Science and Technology in the capacity of Adviser for the Agriculture and Water Sector.
His experience in the fields of soil Genesis and classification studies, drought, desertification, sustainable land management, and food security spans more than 30 years. He is the author of over fifty articles and scientific papers that have been published. In addition to the many articles and lectures that have been presented at various conferences, forums, and workshops both domestically and internationally.

• His Excellency Prof. Wael Masarweh - Member

Prof. Wael Massarweh holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University, USA, 1992. Between 1992 and 2000, Wael was an assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Jordan University of Science & Technology. During this period, he served as a consultant to several industrial establishments. In the year 2000, Wael joined Nuqul Group, Jordan, as a General Manager of their Aluminum extrusion operation and later became the COO of the group. He was responsible for operations in six different countries. After leaving Nuqul Group, Wael took leadership positions at several industrial organizations.
Duties included strategy development, operational turnaround, and market development. Recently, he has consulted with several industrial organizations regarding issues related to strategy and operations. Currently, Wael is responsible for Investment Promotion and development at the Economic Department at the Royal Hashemite Court.   Wael maintains working relationships with several universities and occasionally serves on committees, and teaches industrial engineering courses at a number of Jordanian universities.

• Her Excellency Prof. Hanan Malkawi - Member

Prof. Hanan I. Malkawi received a competitive scholarship from Yarmouk University (YU) in Jordan to complete her M.Sc. in Bacteriology & Public Health and PhD in Microbiology & Molecular Biology at Washington State University. Jordanian professor.
She studies nanotechnology, biotechnology, and microbiology. Her projects are higher education, international education, and private-sector academia.
Biotechnology and nanotechnology in medicine, environment, agriculture, food, and industry earned her "The King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein Medal for Excellence Second Degree" on May 25, 2022.
She has 75 international peer-reviewed scientific papers and patents. Prof. Malkawi has addressed 130 international conferences,  workshops, and congress steering/organizing committees. $15 million research grants.

She founded international centers, scientific  programs, research initiatives, and community services. Prof. Hanan guides and introduces young scientists and entrepreneurs to society and organizations. She joins national, regional, and international committees, associations, and organizations. Arab Science & Technology Foundation and German Jordanian University are her trustees. She was chair of the Academic Committee and board member of the Scientific Research and Innovation Support Fund/Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research/Jordan, a trustee of Al Al-Bayt University-Jordan, and an EU Higher Education Reform Expert (HEREs). Prof. Malkawi was Vice President for Research & International Relations, Dean of Scientific Research & Graduate Studies, Director of UNESCO Chair for Desert Studies, Director of Foreign Projects Management Unit, Director of Center of Excellence for Jordanian Public University Libraries, Vice-Dean, and Assistant Dean of Faculty of Sciences at Yarmouk University. She was Royal Scientific Society-Jordan Science Engagement Vice President. Dubai-based "Hamdan Bin Mohammad Smart University" research and doctoral studies dean.

• Her Excellency Prof. Tahrir Hamdi - Member

Dr. Tahrir a professor of anti-colonial and resistance literature and currently Rector at Arab Open University/Jordan. I published a new book called Imagining Palestine: Cultures of Exile and National Identity (Bloomsbury, Dec. 2022-January 2023). I have also published research articles in reputable international journals, such as Ariel: A Review of International English Literature, Race & Class, Interventions: The International Journal of Postcolonial Studies, Journal of Postcolonial Writing and Arab Studies Quarterly, which is a journal founded by Edward Said in 1979. I am an assistant editor with the journal Arab Studies Quarterly. I am also an associate editor in the new journal Janus Unbound. Moreover, I am on the editorial board of the journal of Holy Land and Palestine Studies published by Edinburgh University Press. I am currently working on a new book—an edited volume of Ghassan Kanafani’s political writings, which will be published by Pluto books.

 My research work revolves around resistance literature, anti-colonial theory and the importance of place and space in literature. I published articles on Edward Said, William Butler Yeats, Mahmoud Darwish, Mourid Barghouti, Saadi Yousef, Ghassan Kanafani, Naji Al Ali, Palestine, Ireland, and Iraq. My current research interests include the complexities of space historical/temporal, geographical and imaginative—within the anti-colonial and resistance spheres.
 

• His Excellency Prof. Refat Alfaouri- Member

Prof. Refat Alfaouri has a PhD in Public Policy Analysis and Administration with a minor in Organizational Analysis from Saint Louis University in the USA in 1990, an MPA in Public Administration from the University of Southern California in the USA in 1987, and a BA in Administrative Sciences with a focus on Finance from Yarmouk University in Jordan in 1983.

From September 2007 to September 2015, Prof. Refat served as the President of Yarmouk University in Jordan. Additionally, they held positions such as Director General of the Arab Administrative Development Organization - League of Arab States, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Irbid Governorate Electricity Company, Vice President for Administrative, Academic and Quality Assurance at Yarmouk University, and Dean of the School of Economics and Administration Sciences and Professor of Public Administration at Yarmouk University.

Furthermore, Prof. Refat has received 14 grants and provided 30 consultations, attended 300 conferences, published 43 papers, and authored 2 books. They also serve on the editorial board of 7 international journals.
 

• His Excellency Prof. Khaled Al-salem - Member

 Professor El-Salem is the president of Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Abdullah University Hospital. He graduated with a medical degree (MD) form JUST in 1996 and continued his higher education in the United States where he did his residency in Clinical Neurology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. He is American Board Certified in four subspecialties: Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and Neuromuscular Medicine. He also received a master's degree in health professions education. In 2002, he joined the medical school of JUST as an assistant professor, to be promoted over the following years to associate and then full professor in 2012. During that time Prof. El-Salem was appointed to many administrative positions, from chairman of specialty to assistant dean of medicine, vice dean of scientific research, vice dean of graduate studies, dean of graduate studies, vice president of JUST for 5 years, and finally he has been the president of JUST since August 2021. 
Prof. El-Salem was appointed as a member of the board of trustees of two government universities. He served in many high ranked committees in the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and chaired the medical and pharmaceutical sector committee for Scientific Research Fund and the scientific committee of the Jordanian Neurological Society, to be elected later as president of the Jordanian Neurological Society for two years. He also chaired the scientific committee of the Jordanian Board of Neurology. He published numerous articles (around 100) in the leading journals of neurology and medical education and is active in research with multiple on-going institutional, national, and international projects.

Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Arab Researchers Award - Applications are Now Closed

Evaluation

Arbitration committees formed by the award's scientific committee with expertise and sufficiency shall evaluate the scientific output submitted and accepted for the award based on criteria that guarantee the objectivity and credibility of the award's results, and their decisions are final and may not be appealed. The committees make choices that result in the awarding of prizes or the withholding of awards.

If any of the following is confirmed to the scientific committee, it has the right to withdraw the award from the winner:
- Violation of any of the award conditions announced in the nomination invitation.

- Violation of the ethics of scientific research in the submitted scientific output.

- Any other breach that the scientific authority deems appropriate.

Winners' Selection

1- Preliminary screening of the works submitted for the award, to verify that the conditions of the award apply to them and the completion of the candidacy application.

2- Referring the works that comply with the conditions to the arbitration committees to study and prepare their reports on these works.

3- Selecting the winners or withholding some prizes during the committee meeting in Amman - Jordan.

Award Components

- A certificate that includes the name of the award, the name of the winner, and the field in which he won.

- A financial reward of (20,000) twenty thousand US dollars.

- A shield bearing the award's name and logo.

- If two winners deserve the same award, each of them is awarded a certificate and a shield, in addition to the financial reward that is divided equally between the winners.
- The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation announces the names of the award winners by appropriate means, on a date to be determined each year, and a special ceremony is held to award the award.

Nomination Conditions

• The candidate must be of Arab nationality or of Arab origin.
• The candidate must be alive at the time of his nomination.
• The candidate must have presented to science and society a distinguished scientific product in the theoretical and applied fields during the five years preceding the candidacy, and it has been published in refereed scientific journals.
• That the research submitted to the award was carried out in an Arab country, or was carried out in active participation with one or more researchers residing in an Arab country.
• The candidate must send an abstract in both languages; Arabic and English for the scientific output submitted for the award.
• The winner of one of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Awards for Arab Researchers in the past may not apply for the award again.

• Research papers are accepted in both languages, Arabic or English.
• Master’s and doctoral theses research are not included in the evaluation of the candidate’s scientific output.
• The application for candidacy is submitted in one of the specializations listed within the announced award fields only, and this is specified in the nomination form.

Scientific output and documents are sent in one go, and any materials sent after that are not considered. The scientific output of the candidate shall not be returned, whether or not he won the award.

Members of the scientific committee and jury committees for the year in which the award is announced are not entitled to run for the award.

When Applying

When starting to fill out the nomination form, please kindly take the following things into consideration:

• Fill in all the mandatory required fields of personal information, academic qualifications and scientific output.
• Adding research based on importance when filling out the part of the scientific output, by adding the top 10 research papers first, and then adding the rest of the research, if any.
• Ensure that all required attachments are present, and use the approved forms to fill out some of them in the electronic system.
• Applications that do not comply with the conditions of the award, or incomplete applications, or those that arrive after the deadline for nomination has expired will not be considered.

Judging criteria

Criteria related to the distinction of the candidate

• Participation in research activities (conferences, seminars, workshops,...) inside and outside the university.
• His/Her contribution to community service through various activities.
• His/Her ability to build local and foreign partnerships and attract financial and technical support for scientific research.
• Supervising undergraduate and graduate students.

Criteria related to excellence in scientific production

• The number of research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals as a principal researcher and as a co-researcher.
• The cumulative impact factor of research.
• The number of references to research (Citation).
• The originality of the research and its scientific value.
• The extent of its relationship to practical application and its impact on economic, social development and the environment in the Arab world.
• The extent to which research contributes to a new addition to the global scientific accumulation in the field/topic it deals with.
• Its alignment with global research and scientific trends.
• Obtaining other awards in the field of scientific research.
• The number of registered patents, if any.

You can view the award instructions for this course by clicking here.

Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Arab Researchers Award - Applications are Now Closed

The Scientific Committee of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Prize for Arab Researchers announces the commence of receiving applications for the year 2024 (the forty-second session), which amounts to twenty thousand dollars. The award is given in appreciation of outstanding scientific output in the five years preceding the candidacy, the publication, and dissemination of which leads to an increase in scientific and applied knowledge, contributes to solving priority problems locally, regionally, and globally, and spreads the culture of scientific research, bearing in mind that the deadline for accepting nominations is March 31, 2024.

You can view the award manual for this course by clicking here.

Award Fields
The award is granted in the year 2024 (the forty second session) in the following fields and topics:

Medical and Health Sciences

Multiple Sclerosis 

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system. It mostly affects young adults, more so in the 20-40 years age group, both males and females but more so in females. Its prevalence ranges from 40-200/100,000.  The exact primary etiology of MS is not fully understood, but multiple genetic and environmental factors seem to play a role. The pathophysiology is related to the immune system, both B and T cell related. Presentation of the disease could include motor, sensory, brain stem, cerebellar, and optic nerve related symptoms, or any combination of these. Diagnosis of MS is based on the clinical profile, as well as supporting investigations, the gold standard of which is MRI, along with other CSF and serum tests, and possibly neurophysiological investigations. Treatment of the disease relies on both symptomatic treatments, and the use of a wide range of immunomodulatory disease modifying agents. 
   
  The scope of the award includes research on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, diagnosis, and treatment of MS. 

Antimicrobial resistance

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi change overtime and no longer respond to Antimicrobials (including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic).
  Annually, the drug-resistant infections are estimated to cause 5 million deaths worldwide, and the number is expected to increase in the future in light of continuous antimicrobials overuse, appearance of new resistance mechanisms and the emergence of new infections particularly those of animal and environmental sources.
  The emergence of AMR threatens our ability to treat common infections leading to increased mortality, morbidity, lengthier hospital stays and costs. Additionally, lifesaving medical interventions and procedures such as major ordinary and robotic surgeries (for example hip replacement, cardiothoracic and neurosurgeries…), organ transplantation and cancer therapy will be at a very high risk of complications and even failure due to infections. Therefore, AMR has been addressed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity that urgently needs to be combated.

  In conclusion, AMR is a critical global health concern and a One-Health priority that requires collaborative efforts to be contained. Such efforts include but not limited to appropriate antimicrobials prescribing and compliance with legislations of dispensation, increase awareness and education on AMR, monitoring of resistance within healthcare settings and community, improving diagnostics, and supporting research related to AMR.

Engineering and Technological Sciences

Computational Modelling in Data Analytics

• Computational modeling in data analytics is a pivotal intersection of computer science, statistics, and domain expertise, crucial in finance, healthcare, and engineering. It involves creating sophisticated computer-based models and simulations, from linear regressions to advanced neural networks, to analyze complex data sets for patterns, trends, and correlations. This method enhances traditional numerical analysis, particularly in engineering, allowing for more efficient and accurate problem-solving. Analysts can use computational modeling to forecast future trends, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions. Its strength lies in efficiently processing and analyzing large volumes of data, offering insights beyond the scope of traditional analysis, and contributing to innovative solutions in various sectors.

Advanced Robotics and Automation

• The intersection of robotics and industrial engineering is yielding unprecedented advances in automation. Research in this area explores robot design, operation, and integration into manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency and precision. This topic addresses the development of intelligent robots capable of learning and adapting to new tasks, improving human-robot collaboration, and ensuring the safety and reliability of automated systems. The potential for transformative change in industries from automotive to healthcare makes this a vital area of exploration.

Water, Energy and Food Sciences

Smart Agriculture

• Smart agriculture is considered one of the most important tools that can contribute to the development of agriculture, improve resource efficiency, and increase the added value of agricultural products. Smart agriculture can be defined as an advanced approach in the field of agriculture that relies on the integration of advanced technologies and digital solutions in managing traditional agricultural operations. This approach includes the use of information and communication technology, modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, geographic information technology (GIS), remote sensing, drones, data analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), to collect and analyze agricultural data related to soil conditions, weather patterns, crop growth, and other relevant factors to improve efficiency, productivity, and the sustainability of agricultural operations.

Food Safety

• Foodborne illnesses resulting from contamination of food with foodborne pathogens, chemical or physical contaminants are considered a significant threat to public health. The incidence of foodborne illnesses has increased recently with the emergence of new food industries, including processed or semi-processed food. This has led to the search for better methods and technological innovations to improve food safety by developing new techniques to ensure food safety, contributing to reducing the incidence of foodborne diseases and eliminating their causes in the food supply chain.

Humanities, Social and Educational Sciences

Discourse Analysis and the War of Words

• This topic can include studies in linguistics, literature, political science, media studies and other fields of study. Research articles that tackle the analysis of discourse in different fields of study and the aims behind such discourses are of particular interest. Moreover, research that focuses on the importance of the use of certain words and not others in different fields of study is also of great significance. Discourse analysis is an especially important project/endeavor in our current times of conflict, war, hegemony, imperialism and resistance.

Technology in Education

• This topic focuses on studies in education, especially the use of technology in the teaching/learning process, its advantages and challenges. The importance of technology in education came to light after the COVID pandemic. Much research has been done after the COVID pandemic in the field of technology in education and blended learning; some of these research articles discuss the benefits of the uses of technology in education while at the same time acknowledging the challenges that remain. Moreover, work concerning the use of AI in education and research can be included in this area of study.

Basic Sciences

Quantum Physics

• Quantum physics, also known as quantum mechanics, is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at fundamental levels. They are essential for understanding the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales and introducing concepts such as wave-particle duality and probabilistic behavior. Quantum physics plays a pivotal role in understanding the microscopic world, supporting a wide range of technological applications and innovations, and challenging traditional notions of reality. It is a cornerstone of modern physics and has far-reaching implications for science and technology. Science advances and shapes the future of technology and our perception of the universe.

Natural Disasters: Earthquakes

• Predicting and effectively managing environmental disasters, especially earthquakes, is a major challenge for communities and governments around the world. Earthquakes can cause widespread destruction and loss of life, making proactive solutions an urgent necessity. Scientific research on earthquake forecasting and response is therefore of paramount importance, highlighting the need for advanced techniques, early warning systems, and society's willingness to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters, reduce earthquake damage and enhance the resilience of vulnerable areas.

Economics and Administration Sciences

Digital and encrypted currency

• Cryptocurrencies use Blockchain technology and do not depend on financial institutions to verify transactions. Digital currencies are the electronic form of coins and banknotes that can be stored in a digital wallet.
  The user can convert digital currency into money by withdrawing money from a bank or ATM, and cryptocurrencies are characterized by a high level of security and protection.

Smart Government

• Smart government refers to the use of technology and data to enhance governance, improve public services, and promote citizen engagement and participation. It involves the integration of digital tools and innovative solutions to make government operations more efficient and transparent.
  Through the implementation of technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and internet of things, smart government aims to provide better services, streamline decision-making processes, and foster collaboration between the government and its citizens. As technology continues to advance, the concept of smart government continues to evolve, offering new opportunities to create smarter, more responsive, and citizen-centric governments.

To be nominated for the award

Please read the terms of nomination for the Shoman Prize for Arab Researchers in the award manual, once you meet the conditions, you are welcome to submit your application for the award via the electronic system, by following the following steps:

1- Create an account on the electronic system by clicking on the link and activating the account to enter the electronic system.

2- Enter personal data, contact information, and address.

3- Enter the information about the scientific production submitted for the award.

4- Entering work information and academic qualifications.

5- Upload the required attachments and submit the application.

Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Arab Researchers Award - Applications are Now Closed

Abdul Hameed Shoman Arab Researchers Award was launched in 1982 till 2021. 454 researchers won from the middle east, you can find their names in the below files.

Know the winners of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Arab Researchers Award since its launch click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2008 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2009 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2010 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2011 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2012 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2013 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2014 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2015 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2016 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2017 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2018 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2019 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2020 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2021 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2022 click here

to watch the ceremony for winners of the year 2023 click here