Science and technology as a bridge between societies particularly among young scientists. Being at the age of digitalization, it important to increase science and technology partnerships between young scientists in the U.S. and the communities throughout the Arab/Muslim region on a wide range of issues, including basic science, sustainable development, water management, information technology, and climate change. Some specific initiatives could be implement such as establishing working teams of young scientists from different countries, whose work could be established on the basis of some available: Research Grants for Young Scientist; exchange program between Muslim Majority countries and USA; visiting Scholar program; and series of free online courses to be launched for students, scholars and scientists in different countries. An example of these online courses is the “Super Course” launched by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Research Grants for Young Scientists
The idea is to enforce collaboration between different Muslim majority countries and USA young researchers in post doctorate research program. It is suggested that USA could initiate a fund dedicated to support research ideas in the fields of Engineering, Agriculture, Environment and Health in topics that are important to all partners. The fund should be for a young researcher from an Arab/Muslim country or any developing country who is willing to collaborate with his/her peer(s) from another country and an American research institution. Special focus should be given to applied research in health and agriculture as they are the main tools to improve the quality of life.
Exchange program between Muslim Majority countries and USA
The USA as well as one of other countries such as Egypt could play a role as a hub for exchange of scientists and researchers between USA and Arab/Muslim countries or any developing countries. The project could work on establishing a data base to include scientists who are active in the previously mentioned countries and their fields of research. On the other hand, the project could also coordinate with American research institutions and find opportunities for the young researchers to have a short internship in these institutions.
Visiting Scholar program
It is suggested to arrange for a number of lectures and workshops to take place in several Arab/Muslim countries at different universities and research institutes. The workshop instructors will be eminent scientists who will stay for a period of 2 weeks in each country to give a series of lectures in his/ her field of expertise as well as to communicate and give young scientists the opportunity to meet with him/her for future discussions. The project aims also at creating a network between the eminent scientists and the young researchers for future collaborations.
Series of free online courses to be launched for students, scholars and scientists in different countries
Establishing collaboration with reputable American/European training centers and research centers to generate an online course in various scientific fields that could be available for free for students, scholars and scientists in different countries. For applied sciences courses further collaborations could be made with different universities around the Muslim world or the U.S. to provide them with the needed tools and material needed for the course. In addition, travel grants could be available to the young scientists to assist them to take the applied part of the course.
Training for Arab and Moslem journalists and reporters in science and technology
This element of the project is in keeping with one of President Obama’s key initiatives announced in his 2009 Cairo address. It is suggested to initiate a program in training Arab/Moslem journalists to better cover science and technology. Particularly In 2011, the World Federation of Science Journalists is holding its biennial conference in Cairo. This training initiative could be linked to this event, thereby raising its profile and making science and technology more of a presence in the life of the people, particularly in the lives and discourse of young people.