Call for applications

The Royal Scientific Society of Jordan and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation jointly organize the first Middle East and North African-German Frontiers of Science and Technology (MENAGFOST) Symposium to bring together early- and mid-career researchers in the fields of engineering and applied sciences. The symposium aims to incentivise and establish international engagement and collaboration between researchers working in a broad range of disciplines and being based in Germany and Jordan as well as several other MENA countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. During the symposium, the 50-60 participants will engage in cross-disciplinary discussions, and there will be considerable time for networking. The conference chairs Dr Diya Alhaq Alsafadi, Director of Research for Industry Centre, Head of Biosynthesis and Biocatalysis Research, Royal Scientific Society, Jordan and Dr Mohamad Bdiwi, Team leader Collaborative Robot System, Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools & Forming Technology IWU, Germany have outlined the scientific focus areas of this symposium.

Thematic focus

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced automation, and emerging technologies is reshaping industrial systems and opening new opportunities for innovation, productivity, resilience, and sustainability. At the same time, industries worldwide face increasing pressure to become resource-efficient, environmentally responsible, and adaptable to global disruptions, climate change, and changing regulatory and market expectations. MENAGFOST 2026 aims to explore how AI-driven technologies, sustainable materials, and green innovation can jointly enable resilient and human-centred industrial transformation across Germany and the MENA region.

The symposium will bring together leading researchers, innovators, and interdisciplinary experts to discuss emerging frontiers at the intersection of the following session topics:

• Artificial Intelligence & Human-Centred Technologies
• Intelligent Manufacturing & Industrial Transformation
• Circular Economy, Green Chemistry & Sustainable Materials
• Climate Resilience & Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem “WEFE” Nexus Solutions

Particular attention will be given to scalable and trustworthy AI deployment, sustainable industrial systems, resilient supply chains, bio-based innovation, and the integration of engineering, life sciences, and industrial practice toward low-carbon development.

Key Objectives

• Identify emerging research frontiers at the intersection of AI, automation, robotics, and industrial systems.
• Explore interdisciplinary solutions for water, energy, food, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation.
• Highlight innovations in green chemistry, circular economy, bio-based materials, and sustainable technologies.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between Germany and the MENA region.
• Bridge engineering, life sciences, sustainability research, and industrial practice.
• Explore pathways toward trustworthy, safe, and scalable AI deployment.
• Develop a foundation for future joint research initiatives, industrial partnerships, and innovation ecosystems.

Questions and Issues to Be Addressed

• How can AI accelerate sustainable industrial transformation while ensuring safety, trustworthiness, and human-centred implementation?
• What technological pathways can support resilient manufacturing and sustainable industrial ecosystems?
• How can circular economy approaches and sustainable materials reduce environmental impact while maintaining industrial competitiveness?
• What interdisciplinary solutions are needed to address climate resilience and the WEFE nexus?
• How can Germany and MENA countries strengthen long-term collaboration in research, innovation, and industrial deployment?
• What frameworks and standards are required for responsible and scalable deployment of emerging technologies?

CONNECT

To encourage and support long-term collaboration and networking, participants may apply for the follow-up programme CONNECT, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. All participants are eligible to apply after the symposium. The funding is designed to facilitate MENA-German collaborations that arise directly from the symposium. CONNECT provides residence allowances for short working visits up to 30 days to Germany or one of the MENA countries that can be taken up at any time following the symposium.

Eligibility requirements for participants

Participants must

• Work in Germany, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, or the United Arab Emirates at a university, research institution or in the industry sector.
• Have obtained a PhD no more than 12 years ago (by the time of the symposium), 
• Be fluent in spoken and written English.

Participants must attend the entire symposium.
 

Application process

Please find the application form here. Applications must be submitted online until July 1, 2026. Only applications received within this deadline will be considered.
Applicants should submit:

• the completed application form (accessible via this link)
• a link to a personal scientific profile or a CV
• a link to a list of publications of the last 3-5 years 

Applicants should indicate their preferred role either as a session speaker or a poster presenter:

1. Session speakers give a presentation in one of the four sessions. Importantly, a session talk must be accessible to researchers outside the field and should trigger cross-disciplinary discussions. For this option a title and abstract of the presentation is required.
2. Poster presenters introduce their research work with a poster. The poster should trigger cross-disciplinary discussions. For this option a title and abstract of the poster is required.

Applications must be in English. Please click “submit” after completion of the online form to make sure your application will be transferred.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Proven research interest and/or experience in at least one of the session topics of the symposium
• Commitment to and experience in interdisciplinary research activities
• Added value of the symposium to applicant’s academic career development

Applicants will be notified regarding final decision by September 2026.

Logistics

Date of Symposium: November 13, 2026 (begins in the evening) until November 16, 2026

Venue: Amman, Jordan

Accommodation: The Royal Scientific Society will make hotel reservations for all participants. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation will cover hotel expenses for three nights from November 13 to 16, 2026. Expenses for meals for the duration of the symposium will be covered by the Royal Scientific Society.

Travel Expenses: The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Royal Scientific Society will cover travel expenses for outward and return journeys between the home institutes and the conference venue for all participants.
 

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact the MENAGFOST program coordinator, Anke Teubner via e-mail at: anke.teubner[at]avh.de.