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What is ASTF in brief?
A non-governmental, non-profit, independent, regional and international organization Brings together Arab scientists from inside and outside the Arab world with the aim of utilizing local and expatriate expertise in service to the Arab region.
Complements the existing scientific and technological efforts in the Arab world avoiding repetition and competition.
Its foundation was laid by the Arab scientists themselves.
Represents the Arab aspirations for an enormous technological revolution.
Its activities exercise an immediate and direct impact on the Arab scientific community.
Looks forward to receiving material and moral support from all benefactors in order to be able to preserve its independence and fulfill its mission in the fields of science and technology in service to all the Arab countries.
The Arab Science and Technology Foundation is the first independent nonprofit scientific organization established by the Arab scientists themselves. |
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Why was ASTF established?
ASTF was established in response to:
The disconcerting discrepancy between the Arab countries and the West in the field of science and technology
The widening gap that separates Arab scientists from the development needs of their countries
The alienation existing among Arab organizations of scientific research
The pressing need for an umbrella organization for all Arab scientists of all affiliations |
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How was ASTF founded?
The first spark for the establishment of ASTF started in the University City in Sharjah, where the first Symposium on Scientific Research Outlook in the Arab World and the New Millennium: Science and Technology was held during 24-26 April 2000. The decision instituting the establishment of ASTF came as a natural outcome of the need felt by Arab scientists from inside and outside the Arab world for an Arab organization that would combine the dispersed Arab scientific efforts all over the world in service to development issues in the totality of Arab countries. The city of Sharjah in the UAE was unanimously chosen by the Arab scientists who were responsible for bringing into existence the new science foundation to host its headquarters. The immediate approval of the idea by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, gave it great momentum. ASTF's headquarters has all the elements of success, a fact that the Arab scientists realized at that time. |
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What is ASTF's vision?
Science and technology constitute a strategic source of Arab power, which could be leveraged if efforts unite and goals crystallize. Any form of support for research and development in the Arab world represents a step further along the pathway of Arab future. |
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What is ASTF's mission?
ASTF encourages and supports excellence and innovation in scientific and technological research in the Arab countries and is committed to promoting coordination and cooperation among scientists and scientific organizations for the sake of applying knowledge to the service of sustainable development in the Arab countries. |
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What are ASTF's goals?
ASTF aims to:
Develop and mobilize human resources in support of scientific and technological research projects according to their merit and consistency with development priorities.
Support all forms of coordination in selected fields of research in science and technology, and adopt joint programs between individuals and scientific organizations in these fields according to relevancy to development.
Conduct studies and organize expert meetings, workshops and symposia to focus attention on the scientific and technological issues that have a bearing on the priorities of development.
Promote cooperation and set up specialized networks and exchange programs between organizations interested in developing scientific and technological capabilities in the Arab countries and their counterparts in the developed and developing countries.
Play the role of a mediator between those who produce, develop, and fund scientific research on the one hand, and those who benefit from it on the other. |
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Is there a charter for ASTF?
ASTF operates according to the Charter approved by 50 distinguished Arab scientists in the First ASTF Meeting. |
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How is ASTF organized?
ASTF's organizational structure is as follows:
Board of Trustees
Has a general supervisory role and chaired by the Honorary Chairman.
Board of Directors
Oversees the operation of the Foundation and the execution of its resolutions and programs.
Advisory Board
Has an advisory role helping ASTF in the formulation of future orientations. |
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What are ASTF's spheres of interest?
Arab science and technology
Arab scientific expertise abroad
Human resources development in the fields of science and technology
Technology transfer |
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What are ASTF's aspects of distinction?
Autonomy
ASTF's financial independence provides freedom of interaction with regional and international parties unaffected by political turmoil.
Responsiveness
ASTF reacts promptly to the innovations and ideas of the Arab scientific community.
Conversance
ASTF is aware of the research needs and priorities of individuals and research institutions in the Arab world.
Linkage
ASTF networks Arab scientists all over the world.
Flexibility
Flexible organizational structure to meet new challenges
Focus
ASTF's programs concentrate on specific research areas key to the development of the Arab region.
Sustainability
ASTF enjoys financial and political stability provided by Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Credibility
ASTF has the ability to leverage funds and human resources from other partners.
Impartiality
ASTF treats the Arab world as one entity without bias towards or against any country.
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What are ASTF's sources of distinction?
The Emiri Decree from the Ruler of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates supports ASTF's independence and gives it flexibility in its regional and international relations.
The Endowment secures the Foundation's financial independence.
ASTF's Charter was drafted by a group of eminent Arab scientists.
ASTF's financial transactions are subject to strict auditing by one of the most reputable auditing firms in the Arab world.
ASTF's Board of Directors is comprised of distinguished Arab scientific figures whose credibility is beyond doubt.
The excellent environment provided by the United Arab Emirates that is characterized by neutrality, transparency and seriousness.
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How does ASTF work?
Providing financial and technical support
Selecting certain scientific fields to be the center of interest
Utilizing information technology in service to Arab R&D activities
Activating the role of the business sector in supporting research projects inside the Arab world
Establishing exchange programs between Arab organizations of science and technology
Organizing scientific conferences that gather Arab scientists to study and discuss the latest scientific and technological developments
Leveraging the expertise of Arab scientists abroad to change "Brain Drain" into "Brain Gain" for the sake of accelerating the process of development in the Arab world
Increasing the opportunity of Arab scientists abroad to meet with their peers inside the Arab world
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What are ASTF's future orientations?
Offering grants to support distinguished research projects
Starting independent and joint R&D projects
Networking Arab researchers all over the world
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What are ASTF's financial resources?
The Endowment
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah, donated $1 million, out of his private funds, to the Endowment.
Efforts are currently being made to enrich the Endowment
The Endowment is expected to reach no less than $100,000,000, which is the minimum amount that would enable the Foundation to fulfill its mission.
The proceeds of the Endowment are the main source of revenue for ASTF.
80% of the annual revenues are used to support the Foundation's budget, while 20% are reinvested in the Endowment.
Other Financial Resources
Returns of ASTF's R&D activities
Proceeds of ASTF's programs of human resources development for the Arab science institutions
Grants, gifts and donations not directed to the Endowment
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How is ASTF's finance controlled?
ASTF's finance is subject to strict financial control.
All financial accounts will be audited by an established auditor whose reports will be endorsed by ASTF's Board of Trustees.
ASTF publishes an annual bulletin to inform supporters of the scientific outcome of their investments
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What are ASTF's Channels of Expenditure?
Grants supporting scientific research projects conducted by individual scientists
Participation in priority research projects adopted by the Foundation
Supporting, establishing and equipping scientific centers of excellence in the priority fields
Developing the Arab Scientists Database
Developing the Arab Internet Portal for Science and Technology
Establishment of specialized scientific committees for the sake of exchanging Arab expertise and technology
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How are donors recognized?
The Foundation welcomes grants and donations from all Arab and international agencies interested in science and technology. In recognition of donors, ASTF adopts a number of procedures according to the situation, e.g.
Naming research grants offered by the Foundation after donors
Establishing Research Chairs after the names of donors
Listing donors in the Foundation's Honor List
Offering donors special membership in the Foundation with a number of privileges
Conferring the titles of Main Patron or Patron upon donors
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Why was ASTF founded in the UAE?
Continuous Support
During the period when the idea of the Foundation was making its way into reality, ASTF received strong support that took expression in:
The initiative taken by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to donate $1 million, out of his private funds, to the Foundation and his commitment to providing it with a material and administrative facilities worth $5 million and to covering the expenses of the current headquarters and construction of a permanent one.
Issuance of the Emiri Decree, which provides ASTF with unprecedented independence and flexibility in its regional and international relations
Propitious Environment
The University City, with all its universities and colleges, provides a scientific environment conducive to research and development.
Sharjah is the seat for a large number of public societies and international organizations.
The UAE is characterized by openness to the world and effective participation in the activities of the international community.
The UAE prides itself on a promising scientific awakening.
The UAE has developed an excellent infrastructure to the highest international standards.
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What are the economic returns of investment in S&T for the Arab world?
Increased competitiveness in the global markets
Reduced dependency on costly foreign expertise
Better opportunity for the private sector to contribute to the scientific growth of the Arab region
Creation of thousands of job opportunities in the expected projects
A breaking-through in new promising areas of industry.
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