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, Botfellows GmbH, Chemnitz, Germany have outlined the scientific focus areas of this symposium. Dr Mohamad Bdiwi is member of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
Thematic Focus of the Symposium
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?
More Information on the Program
Follow-up Program CONNECT
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports collaboration between researchers from the MENA countries and Germany with its dedicated follow-up program CONNECT which grants residence allowances for working visits in the partner country for up to 30 days.
Frontiers of Research Symposia
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation regularly convenes bi- and multinational Frontiers of Research Symposia in cooperation with its partner organisations in Brazil, China, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
The Frontiers of Research Symposia provide outstanding researchers from Germany and the partner countries with a platform for an international and interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge. The participating researchers (who have earned their doctorate within the last 10 to max. 15 years) establish or strengthen connections with other future thought leaders, often pioneering innovative fields for collaboration. Participants question and expand the boundaries of their respective disciplines – for example through cross-disciplinary discussions of current advancements, innovative research and emerging opportunities. The Frontiers of Research programme is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.