Today more than ever, the Arab world would benefit from its sharpest minds contributing to its development and future trajectory. An initiative inspired by Qatar Foundation (QF), the Arab Global Scholars (AGS) community sets out to achieve exactly that and lay the foundations for a positive future for all Arabs. It is spearheaded by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), QF’s home-grown research university.
From Ibn Al-Haytham’s indelible mark on the principles of optics and visual perceptions to Ahmed Zewail becoming the first Muslim Nobel laureate in chemistry, the Arab world, its scholars and thinkers, have a rich history of achievements. Yet, as the higher education and scientific landscape has evolved, many have opted to pursue opportunities outside their countries of origin.
Dr. Elias Zerhouni, Professor Emeritus Johns Hopkins University and a long time member of AGS, highlights scientific scholarship as a global human endeavor that has tied civilizations together throughout history. “Civilizations that welcome and support foreign scholars have always gained in socio-economic terms. In the Middle Ages, European countries welcomed Arab science and scientific teachings, which Arab scholars had at times themselves imported and enriched further over centuries.”
Such scholarly ‘brain drain,’ however, has also fueled worries that it may impact regional progress while exclusively benefiting the knowledge base of where Arab academics meanwhile call home. Against this backdrop, the AGS community is part of a global movement that reconnects Arab intellectuals and innovators back to their region to contribute to its continued development.
Cause for Concern
It is easy to understand why concerns are raised. A cursory search of the world’s leading universities, institutes, and companies quickly confirms the significant presence of Arab-origin scholars across a multitude of academic and research institutions outside the Middle East. Irrespective of where they come from, many have followed a similar path. Undergraduate studies with local universities are often promptly followed by the pursuit of postgraduate opportunities abroad.
While exact figures are difficult to come by, it is safe to assume that thousands of Arab scholars are working with North American and European academic institutions alone. Dr. Zerhouni notes that the United States has benefited greatly by welcoming science and scientists from around the world within its institutions, with a large number of scholars from Arab North Africa, the Middle East, and other Muslim countries.
According to research by Al-Fanar Media - an independent news organization with focus on education – reasons for doing so extend beyond project opportunities to include better salaries and conditions. A 2019 survey of Arab academics, also by Al-Fanar, revealed that over 90% of respondents would move abroad for a permanent research position.
Events closer to where many scholars embarked upon their academic journeys emphasize the importance of reversing these trends; whether that is due to economic challenges, conflict, or developmental needs, these scholars can be a conduit of development for the region.
As we witness unprecedented destruction in the region that has targeted critical infrastructure, homes, livelihoods, and educational institutions, this has once again created a grim reality and hopelessness for the future. The type of post-conflict reconstruction potentially awaiting crisis-affected parts of the Arab world is often criticized for its one-size-fits-all approach, top-down application by external actors, and lack of appreciation of local contexts. As an alternative, the cadre of Arab-origin healthcare professionals volunteering in the region nevertheless highlights that sensitive approaches to humanitarian interventions are possible. Their efforts strengthen the case for inspirational support of Arab academic experience and knowledge to the wider region.
Time for Change
Despite conflict possibly complicating efforts to stimulate the type of ‘brain gain’ that re-centers scholars supporting their home region, the challenges posed are far from insurmountable. Regardless of past travails and tribulations, the Arab world has a long tradition of collaboration across business, culture, and society.
Already in 2006, QF brought together a group of respected Arab scientists to establish a scientific research network. What came to be known as the Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) Network went on to play a vital role in enhancing Qatar’s, and hence the region’s, research prowess. This group was a precursor to the creation of the first three national research institutes and Qatar’s highly dynamic research enterprise overall. Continuing to play this role, the AES has now evolved into the Arab Global Scholars (AGS), an innovation-focused community that seeks to connect Arab scholars, institutes, and industry to advance science, research, and capacity-building from within and for the Arab world.
Home to a vibrant educational ecosystem consisting of eight leading universities and close proximity to state-of-the-art research, development, and innovation facilities, Qatar’s Education City is well placed to host a knowledge center where Arab expertise converges. Qatar has crafted its pragmatic role in the world as a hub for global transportation, international diplomacy, culture, sports, education, and conferences. The country’s diplomatic track record as convenor, mediator, or merely, venue for sensitive negotiations spans positive results across numerous international hotspots.
And while situating the AGS where it matters most is essential, distance should be no object for any initiative dedicated to facilitating positive impact through collaboration. From the specter of climate change to Industry 5.0’s promise of advanced technologies shaping future workplaces, we live in a world of shared challenges requiring collective responses that transcend physical boundaries.
To this end, AGS provides a uniting network to stimulate collaborative initiatives among Arab scholars. The worldwide effort takes shape in AGS’ digital platform, an interactive space that introduces members to an array of opportunities and interactions between individual and organizational members. Such include research projects, academic exchanges, and professional development activities with important stakeholders. In establishing this, AGS is where Arab expertise can indeed come together and overcome obstacles of geographic location.
The Road Ahead
“History repeats itself” is regularly used to account for the return of violence and instability to volatile parts of the world. But this adage should be applied to more positive moments in time, including when the Arab world was at the heart of significant industrial and scientific progress.
In Dr. Zerhouni's view, AGS is a key initiative to encourage exchanges of the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of the countless Arab scholars, wherever they are, to rekindle the bright past of Arab science into an even brighter future.
Everyone within the AGS community strongly believes the time is right for an Arab scholarly renaissance of similar size and magnitude. A platform that establishes lasting links between partners and Arab scholars worldwide should be a key node on this ambitious journey.