Princess Sumaya inaugurates Newton-Khalidi Fund Researcher Links Workshop celebration

AMMAN — HRH Princess Sumaya, president of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), on Tuesday awarded certificates to the researchers who planned and delivered workshops and implemented sustainable development research projects within the Newton-Khalidi Fund/Researchers Links Workshop.

During an event held under the patronage of Princess Sumaya, attendees celebrated the achievements of the Newton-Khalidi Fund/Researchers Links Workshop, which was implemented with the support of the United Kingdom, according to a statement from the RSS.  

The event, which was organised by the British Council in Jordan, in partnership with the RSS and the Higher Council for Science and Technology, included an expo showcasing the projects and their impact, as well as panel discussions on Jordanian research strategy and making Jordanian-International research collaborations more impactful.

In her keynote speech, Princess Sumaya celebrated what has been achieved and hopes for future achievements, expressing her pride in RSS’ early support of the Newton-Khalidi Fund (NKF).

Princess Sumaya affirmed the depth of the Jordanian-British relations, as the UK ranks third in the table of Jordan’s research collaboration partners. The NKF represents the first bilateral science and innovation partnership between the UK and Jordan, she noted.

“We gather to formulate a ‘roadmap’ for an enhanced scientific research and innovation agenda for Jordan. This vital roadmap will be shaped by contributions from across the Higher Education sector in Jordan and the UK, and from a range of stakeholders from academia, industry, government and civil society,” the princess said. 

Princess Sumaya also celebrated the legacy of Usama Al Khalidi, who nurtured and inspired many students and young scientists during his lifetime. 

British Ambassador Bridget Brind expressed her delight in celebrating the British Council awardees supported by the NKF. 

“The Researcher Links Workshops Programme has brought together UK and Jordanian expertise to build the capacity of early career researchers, and it is great to see how some of these connections have developed into longer-term scientific partnerships benefiting both sides,” the ambassador said. 

The ceremony was attended by Alex Lambert, Country Director and Levant Cluster Lead at the British Council, Iain Stewart, El Hassan Research Chair in Sustainability at the RSS, and Abdullah Mousa, Secretary-General of the HCST.

The NKF in Jordan marks a change in the bilateral science cooperation, and provides a platform to develop new knowledge partnerships in science, technology and innovation. It enables Jordanian and UK scientists to work together to achieve greater outcomes for both countries, and for people around the world.