Rana Dajani is currently Visiting Professor at the Systems Awareness Center at MIT and a Morse Yale fellow.

Rana is a molecular biologist, social entrepreneur and global thought leader. She is the founder of We Love Reading, a grassroot initiative to create changemakers in underserved communities by fostering a lifelong love of reading. A recipient of UNESCO International Literacy Prize, We Love Reading has established more than 4,000 locally run libraries in over 60 countries.  

 Rana has also been recognized as a Fulbright fellow, Eisenhower fellow and Ashoka fellow, and by joining the list of the 100 most influential Arab Women and receiving the Jacobs Social Entrepreneur Award. Nansen UNHCR Refugee Award, and the Schwab Foundation for Social Award.

Dajani is a Professor of Molecular Biology at the Hashemite University in Jordan. Her area of expertise is epigenetics and biomarkers of trauma among refugees. Through her leadership, she has introduced national and regional stem cell laws and presided over numerous scientific boards and United Nations councils, most recently as the President of the Society for the Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab World.

A tireless supporter of building indigenous research capabilities in the developing world and creating a mentoring program to support women scholars in STEM that was recognized by the National Academy of Sciences. Her 2018 book Five Scarves: Doing the Impossible — If We Can Reverse Cell Fate, Why Can’t We Redefine Success? challenged global policy-makers to address ongoing inequities in education and employment, while also putting forward a new paradigm for measuring success in an evolving world. 

Title:  

My journey in science diplomacy

Abstract:

 One thinks that science diplomacy is for politicians. It is not. As scientists we can do a lot, and as female scientists we can do more. We need to use our skills, knowledge and experience to serve humanity.  This talk is about what we can do as women scientists in science diplomacy. I will share my journey in science diplomacy including: creating stem cell and genetics data sharing laws in Jordan; supporting diaspora networks; fostering equal international collaboration south/north; upholding human injustice, working towards achieving the sustainable development goals and advocating UN resolutions for social and solidarity economy.