Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, President of the University of Sharjah, the Arab-German Conference on Sciences and Humanities opened yesterday at the University of Sharjah. The event, organized in collaboration with the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA), brought together leading scientists, university presidents, and experts from the UAE, Germany, and across the Arab world, alongside representatives from international organizations. More than 130 academics representing over 40 universities and research institutions attended the event.

Running until November 20, the conference seeks to strengthen Arab-German research partnerships and expand cooperation across fields such as health sciences, medicine, innovation, space technology, and sustainable smart cities. It also aims to empower early-career researchers, enabling them to build lasting academic networks and exchange cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.

A Vision of Global Collaboration

Opening the conference, H.E. Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, highlighted that hosting this international event embodies the University’s vision, championed by its president, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, to advance cross-border openness and global engagement, and boost cultural and scientific dialogue between nations. In his address to the audience, H.E. Prof. Esameldin Agamy stressed that the initiative serves as a foundation for new educational and research collaborations in innovation and higher education.

H.E. also announced the establishment of AGYA’s new regional office at the University of Sharjah, which will serve as the academy’s headquarters for the Gulf Cooperation Council states. The office will act as a vital bridge linking young Gulf researchers with their German counterparts, reinforcing Sharjah’s growing role as a hub for international scientific collaboration and sustainable knowledge partnerships.

Shared Commitment to Discovery

In her address, H.E. Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, thanked the University of Sharjah for hosting this year’s event. She emphasized the significance of Arab-German scientific cooperation in tackling global challenges, describing AGYA as “a model of trust and partnership connecting institutions, researchers, and cultures.”

In his turn, Dr. Erik Hansalik from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space noted that the conference provides a powerful platform to deepen academic dialogue and develop projects that benefit both Arab and German societies.

Emphasizing the same sentiments, H.E. Prof. Gina Al-Feki, Co-Chair of AGYA’s Advisory Board and President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in Egypt, said that holding AGYA’s first annual conference in Sharjah underlines the emirate’s commitment to education, research, and culture. The conference theme, “Communicating through Science: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond,” she added, reflects AGYA’s mission to forge lasting links between universities and research sectors, fostering the exchange of data and ideas to craft joint solutions to major global issues, from water security and health to sustainable urban living.

Celebrating Innovation and Partnership

The opening ceremony featured the exchange of commemorative shields between the University of Sharjah and AGYA, a short film introducing both institutions, and the induction of new AGYA members for 2025, presented by H.E. Dr. Dawud Ansari and H.E. Dr. Sabine Dörpmüller, the academy’s co-chair and director general, respectively. The event also marked the graduation of a new cohort of academy members. Distinguished guests included Professor Claudia Derichs of Humboldt University, H.E. Prof. Bassam Alameddine, President of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, and several representatives from leading Arab and European research institutions.

Dialogue Across Disciplines

The first day’s program included a key panel discussion titled “Connecting in Science: Arab-German Research Collaboration,” which gathered scholars from both regions to explore the roles of universities in bridging research cultures and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation. Speakers called for greater integration in areas such as technology, health sciences, and the humanities, as well as expanded exchange opportunities for young researchers.

The day concluded with the launch of a series of interactive “research labs,” engaging participants from multiple disciplines. The sessions tackled topics such as “The Future of Sustainable Smart Cities: Humanity at the Heart of Urban Development,” “The Date Palm: A Scientific and Cultural Treasure from Medicine to Literature,” and “The Role of Higher Education in Peacebuilding and Community Engagement.” Participants presented innovative proposals aimed at generating collaborative solutions to pressing scientific and social challenges.