Towards ASTF Version 2.0
The Scientific Community and Contributing to Empowering the Arab Region with Science and Technology
A landmark virtual conference examining ASTF's renewal after 24 years of service, bringing together the Arab scientific community to chart the Foundation's future direction and strengthen regional science and technology capacity.
December 19-21
2023
Virtual Conference
Google Meet Platform
Free Admission
Open to All Participants
Under patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
Conference Overview
The "Towards ASTF Version 2.0" conference represents a pivotal moment in the Arab Science & Technology Foundation's history. After 24 years of dedicated service since its founding in Sharjah in April 2000, ASTF convened this landmark gathering to chart its future direction through comprehensive consultation with its global membership.
This three-day virtual conference brought together Arab scientists, researchers, engineers, and innovation leaders from across the world to engage in critical dialogue about ASTF's institutional renewal, the strengthening of Arab scientific organizations, and the development of practical programs that address regional challenges through science and technology.
The conference emerged from a comprehensive member consultation conducted in March-April 2023, where ASTF's global membership voted on strategic priorities for the Foundation's future. This democratic process ensured that the conference agenda reflected the authentic needs and aspirations of the Arab scientific community.
Historical Context
ASTF Foundation & Legacy
Founded in Sharjah in April 2000 as an independent, non-governmental, non-profit scientific institution, the Arab Science & Technology Foundation has served the Arab scientific community for 24 years, building networks, supporting research, and fostering innovation across the region.
Key Milestone: Nearly a quarter-century of dedicated service to Arab science, technology, and innovation—building a foundation for the next phase of institutional evolution.
March-April 2023 Member Consultation
In a landmark democratic exercise, ASTF conducted a comprehensive member poll to determine the Foundation's future direction. This global consultation engaged Arab scientists, researchers, and innovation leaders worldwide, gathering input on strategic priorities, programmatic focus areas, and institutional structure.
Democratic Process: Member voices directly shaped the conference agenda and ASTF's strategic renewal, ensuring the Foundation's evolution reflects community needs and aspirations.
Repositioning for the Future
The conference aims to reposition and renew ASTF for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades. This involves institutional restructuring, enhanced effectiveness of scientific organizations, and the development of practical, implementable programs that create tangible impact across the Arab region.
Strategic Vision: Moving from Version 1.0 to Version 2.0—a renewed foundation building on 24 years of experience while embracing new paradigms for science-driven regional development.
Three Main Objectives
1. Institutional Restructuring
Renewed Formulation of ASTF
Develop a renewed institutional structure, governance framework, and operational model for ASTF that reflects contemporary needs, leverages emerging technologies, and positions the Foundation for maximum impact in advancing Arab science and technology over the coming decades.
2. Strengthening Scientific Organizations
Enhanced Effectiveness of Scientific Societies
Identify strategies, best practices, and collaborative mechanisms to strengthen Arab scientific societies, research institutions, and professional organizations—enhancing their capacity to support research excellence, professional development, and knowledge transfer across the region.
3. Practical Project Development
Create Implementable Programs
Design and develop practical, implementable programs and initiatives that address specific Arab challenges through science and technology—moving beyond theoretical frameworks to create actionable projects with measurable impact and clear pathways to execution.
Conference Program: 3 Days, 10 Sessions
The conference spans three intensive days with ten strategic sessions covering institutional renewal, program development, networking, and technology specializations:
Day 1 - December 19, 2023
Institutional Vision & Educational Future
Session 1: Opening
Toward a Renewed Formulation of ASTF
Setting the stage for ASTF's institutional renewal, establishing conference objectives, and outlining the vision for Version 2.0.
Session 2: Panel Discussion
What Qualitative Addition Can the Foundation Make?
Expert panel examining ASTF's unique value proposition and distinctive contributions to Arab science and technology advancement.
Session 3: Strategic Theme
The Future of Higher Education and e-Learning Trend
Exploring transformative trends in higher education and online learning—implications for Arab universities and research capacity building.
Day 2 - December 20, 2023
Programs, Innovation & Networking
Session 4: Panel Discussion
Arab Scientific Community Role in Arab National Security
Critical examination of how Arab scientists and researchers contribute to national security through technological sovereignty and innovation.
Session 5: Panel Discussion
Suggested Directions for Future ASTF Programs
Collaborative exploration of program priorities, funding mechanisms, and strategic initiatives for ASTF Version 2.0.
Session 6: Interactive Workshop
Innovation and Invention in the Arab Region
Hands-on workshop exploring innovation ecosystems, intellectual property, commercialization pathways, and entrepreneurship in Arab contexts.
Session 7: Networking Session
Building Bridges of Communication
Extended networking session enabling participants to connect, share experiences, explore collaborations, and build relationships across the Arab scientific community.
Session 8: Interactive Workshop
Strengthening Financial Resources
Practical workshop on funding strategies, endowment development, grant writing, and sustainable financing models for scientific organizations.
Day 3 - December 21, 2023
Technology Specializations & Closing
Session 9: Technology Deep Dive
Focus on Specific Scientific & Technological Specializations
Extended session examining eight priority technology domains—participants engage with specialized tracks covering emerging technologies critical to Arab development.
Session 10: Closing Ceremony
Conference Synthesis & Next Steps
Synthesis of conference insights, announcement of action items, roadmap for ASTF Version 2.0 implementation, and formal closing remarks.
Eight Focus Technology Specializations
The conference features deep-dive sessions on eight critical technology domains shaping the future of Arab science and innovation:
Nanotechnology
Materials science, nanomedicine, nanoelectronics, and applications in energy, environment, and manufacturing.
Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering
Gene editing, synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, agricultural biotech, and pharmaceutical development.
Renewable Energy & Hydrogen
Solar, wind, green hydrogen production, energy storage, grid integration, and sustainable energy systems.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, AI ethics, and applications across sectors.
Information Technology
Virtual reality, metaverse, IoT, blockchain, cryptocurrency, quantum computing, and emerging digital technologies.
Data Science & Analytics
Cybersecurity, data privacy, data mining, big data analytics, and information security frameworks.
Robotics & Automation
Industrial automation, autonomous systems, human-robot collaboration, and intelligent manufacturing.
Satellite Technology & Space
Satellite systems, remote sensing, space exploration, launch technologies, and space applications.
Conference Committee
Distinguished leaders from across the Arab scientific community guide the conference's strategic direction and execution:
Leadership
Conference Chair
Dr. Abdullah Abdul-Aziz Alnajjar Alhammadi Al-Hamadi
Deputy Chair
Prof. Hanan Issa Melkawi
Steering Committee
Head of Scientific Committees
Prof. Ghada Muhammad Amer
E-Coordination Director
Dr. Mohamed Saleh Mohamed
Scientific Publication Editor
Prof. Yarub Al-Douri
Workshop Director
Prof. Mohamed Mohamed Ahsad
General Sessions Director
Prof. Abdul-Aziz Yassri
Conference Documents
Access comprehensive conference materials including the full conference book, program outlines, and abstracts:
Conference Book
Complete conference book with comprehensive overview, session details, and participant information.
Program Outline (English)
Detailed conference program outline with session schedules and topics in English.
Final Program
Final conference program with complete session details and speaker information.
Book of Abstracts
Collection of all submitted paper abstracts and research summaries.
Symposium Book - Business Model
Documentation from the ASTFv2 Business Model symposium sessions and discussions.
Participation Methods
The conference welcomes participation through multiple pathways, enabling diverse forms of engagement from the Arab scientific community:
Submit Scientific Papers
Contribute original research, analysis, or perspectives on ASTF's future, Arab science policy, technology development, or related topics. Papers undergo peer review and selected works will be published in conference proceedings.
Submission Requirements: Abstracts (max 1000 words), short papers (~3000 words). Accepted languages: Arabic, English, French. Presentations in Arabic.
Propose Projects & Initiatives
Submit implementable project proposals that align with ASTF's mission and the conference's strategic objectives. Proposals should demonstrate clear objectives, feasibility, impact potential, and execution roadmap.
Project Focus: Practical initiatives addressing Arab challenges through science and technology with measurable outcomes and clear implementation pathways.
Lead or Propose Workshops
Design and facilitate interactive workshops on topics relevant to ASTF's renewal, capacity building for scientific organizations, technology transfer, or other strategic themes aligned with conference objectives.
Workshop Format: Interactive sessions with clear learning objectives, participant engagement strategies, and actionable outcomes.
Institutional Adoption of Projects
Organizations and institutions can commit to adopting, funding, or implementing projects proposed at the conference—providing institutional backing that transforms ideas into operational programs with sustained support.
Institutional Engagement: Universities, research centers, scientific societies, and NGOs can sponsor or host conference-proposed initiatives.
Attend Virtual Sessions
Participate in all conference sessions, engage in discussions, network with peers, and contribute to shaping ASTF's future direction. Free admission ensures accessibility for all interested participants across the Arab world and diaspora.
Virtual Platform: Google Meet sessions enable global participation with interactive features for questions, discussions, and networking.
Submission Guidelines
Detailed requirements for contributing papers, projects, and proposals to the conference:
Scientific Papers
- Abstracts: Maximum 1000 words summarizing research objectives, methodology, findings, and implications for ASTF or Arab science policy
- Short Papers: Approximately 3000 words providing fuller analysis with literature review, detailed methodology, results, and recommendations
- Languages: Submissions accepted in Arabic, English, or French. All presentations must be delivered in Arabic
- Topics: ASTF institutional development, Arab science policy, technology transfer, research capacity building, innovation ecosystems, or related themes
- Review Process: Peer review by conference scientific committee with feedback provided to authors
- Publication: Selected papers published in conference proceedings distributed to participants
Project Proposals
- Implementability: Proposals must demonstrate clear feasibility with realistic resource requirements and execution timelines
- Required Elements: Problem statement, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, budget estimate, timeline, evaluation metrics
- Impact Focus: Clear articulation of how the project addresses Arab challenges or advances regional science and technology capacity
- Partnership Opportunities: Identification of potential collaborating institutions, funding sources, or implementation partners
- Sustainability Plan: Description of how project outcomes will be sustained beyond initial implementation phase
Workshop Proposals
- Learning Objectives: Clear statement of what participants will learn or be able to do after the workshop
- Agenda: Detailed session plan with timing, activities, and engagement strategies
- Materials: Description of any handouts, templates, or resources to be provided to participants
- Facilitator Credentials: Brief bio highlighting relevant expertise and experience leading workshops
- Interactive Elements: Specific strategies for participant engagement, discussion, and hands-on activities
Submission Deadline: Contact the conference secretariat for current submission deadlines and detailed guidelines. Early submissions receive priority consideration.
Who Should Attend
The conference welcomes diverse participants from across the Arab scientific ecosystem:
Academic Researchers & Faculty
University professors, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students engaged in science, technology, or innovation research relevant to Arab development.
Research Institution Leaders
Directors of research centers, lab heads, department chairs, and scientific organization administrators involved in institutional strategy and capacity building.
Science Policy Professionals
Government advisors, policy analysts, ministry officials, and science diplomats working on national science and technology strategy and policy frameworks.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Leaders
Innovation hub managers, accelerator directors, technology transfer officers, and entrepreneurship program coordinators focused on commercializing research.
Scientific Society Officers
Board members, executive directors, and program managers of professional scientific societies and associations across Arab countries.
Funding & Philanthropy Professionals
Foundation officers, grant program managers, impact investors, and philanthropic advisors interested in supporting Arab science and technology development.
Current ASTF Members
All ASTF members are especially encouraged to participate in shaping the Foundation's future through active engagement in sessions, discussions, and networking.
Expected Conference Outcomes
ASTF Version 2.0 Strategic Framework
Comprehensive strategic framework for ASTF's institutional renewal including governance structure, programmatic priorities, funding model, and operational roadmap for the next phase of the Foundation's evolution.
Conference Proceedings Publication
Peer-reviewed conference proceedings documenting submitted papers, project proposals, workshop outcomes, and panel discussions—distributed to all participants and published for broader community access.
Implementable Project Portfolio
Curated portfolio of vetted, implementable projects with clear execution plans, identified partners, and potential funding sources ready for immediate or near-term implementation.
Strengthened Scientific Community Networks
Enhanced connections among Arab scientists, researchers, and institutions through structured networking sessions and collaborative initiatives that persist beyond the conference.
Participation Certificates
Official participation certificates provided via email to all registered attendees along with access to conference proceedings and resources.
Technology Roadmaps
Detailed roadmaps for the eight priority technology domains identifying research priorities, capacity building needs, collaboration opportunities, and policy recommendations.
Join the Conference
Be part of shaping ASTF's future and strengthening the Arab scientific community. Free admission with comprehensive participation opportunities for researchers, practitioners, and institutions across the region.