Environment and Sustainability Research Center
The Environmental Sustainability Research Center (ESRC) at An-Najah National University, established in 2022 in response to the growing ecological and climate challenges facing Palestine and the wider region, serves as a multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative solutions to pressing environmental sustainability issues at the local, regional, and global levels. The Center was created to strengthen national capacity in environmental research, monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
ESRC focuses on generating applied, policy-oriented research that supports the development of effective environmental policies and sustainable resource management strategies in Palestine. In its early phase, the Center prioritizes research addressing environmental quality, climate change preparedness, and sustainability challenges at the municipal and community levels. By producing high-quality scientific data and analyses, the Center contributes to informed environmental governance and helps institutions, municipalities, and civil society organizations design strategies for environmental protection and climate resilience.
The Center promotes research, innovation, and capacity building in areas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Through collaborative research initiatives, academic teaching and supervision, and active community engagement, the Environmental Sustainability Research Center contributes to advancing sustainable development and strengthening environmental resilience in Palestine and beyond.
Who we are
The Environmental Sustainability Research Center (ESRC) at An-Najah National University brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers, academics, and environmental specialists dedicated to addressing complex environmental challenges through scientific research, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
The Center integrates expertise from multiple disciplines including environmental science, engineering, climate science, agriculture, public health, sustainability studies, and environmental policy. This interdisciplinary approach enables the Center to tackle environmental issues from scientific, technological, social, and policy perspectives.
The ESRC operates as a platform that connects faculty researchers, postgraduate students, research assistants, and external collaborators from national and international institutions. Through these collaborations, the Center fosters a dynamic research environment that supports innovation, promotes sustainability-oriented research, and contributes to the advancement of environmental knowledge in Palestine.
Our Mission
The mission of the Environmental Sustainability Research Center is to advance high-quality environmental research and innovation that supports sustainable development and environmental resilience.
The Center aims to:
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Generate interdisciplinary research that addresses environmental and climate-related challenges.
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Support the development of evidence-based environmental policies and sustainable management strategies.
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Strengthen research capacity and environmental monitoring systems in Palestine.
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Integrate environmental sustainability into academic teaching, training, and student research supervision.
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Promote innovation in sustainable technologies and resource management practices.
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Foster collaboration between academia, government institutions, industry, and civil society to support sustainable environmental solutions.
Through these efforts, the Center contributes to national and global initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our Work
The Environmental Sustainability Research Center conducts a wide range of research, training, and outreach activities aimed at addressing key environmental sustainability challenges.
Environmental and Climate Research
The Center conducts research on environmental quality, climate change impacts, and resilience strategies. This includes studies on climate adaptation, environmental monitoring, pollution assessment, and ecosystem sustainability.
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies
ESRC supports research and innovation in renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies that contribute to the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
Sustainable Cities and Resource Management
The Center develops research initiatives related to sustainable urban planning, water resource management, waste management, and circular economy approaches that promote responsible consumption and production.
Environmental Policy and Decision Support
A core focus of the Center is producing applied research that informs policy development and environmental governance. The Center provides scientific evidence, environmental assessments, and technical expertise to support policymakers and institutions in addressing environmental challenges.
Education, Training, and Student Engagement
The Center contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate education through research supervision, training programs, and academic collaboration with university departments. Students participate in research projects, thesis work, and sustainability initiatives that build the next generation of environmental scientists and sustainability leaders.
Community Engagement and Knowledge Transfer
ESRC actively engages with municipalities, organizations, and community stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and support sustainable practices. Workshops, training sessions, and collaborative projects help translate research findings into practical solutions for environmental protection and climate resilience.
Affiliated Researchers Staff
The Environmental Sustainability Research Center includes dedicated full-time and affiliated researchers, including:
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Faculty members specializing in environmental sciences
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Postdoctoral researchers
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Research assistants
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Graduate researchers (Master’s and PhD students)
These researchers collaborate across disciplines including:
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Environmental science
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Engineering
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Public health
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Agriculture
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Climate science
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Sustainability policy
Chair:
Associate Professor in
Environmental Engineering
Steering Committee Members
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Professor in Plant Breeding and Genetic Engineering |
Professor in Urban Planning & Disaster Reduction |
Assistant Professor in Energy and Environment Engineering |
Associate Professor in Water and Environmental Engineering |
Affiliated Researchers Staff
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Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering |
Professor in Water Resource |
Associate Professor in Civil Engineering |
Professor in Chemical Engineering |
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Assistant Professor in Construction and Transportation |
Professor in Environmental Chemistry and Pollution |
Professor in Agricultural and Botany Sciences |
Professor in Renewable Energy |
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Professor of Environmental Health and Public Health Sciences |
Professor of Environmental Toxicology |
Professor of Air Pollution and Atmospheric Environmental Sciences |
Professor of Water Pollution Control and Environmental Protection |
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Professor of Waste Management and Circular Economy |
Professor of Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Environmental Chemistry |
Professor of Sustainable Resource Management and Environmental Policy |
Research Scientist in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control |
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Professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management |
Associate Professor in Environment & Energy |
Associate Professor in electrical engineering& Power System |
Professor in water resources management, hydrochemistry |
The center conducts research across multiple environmental sustainability themes, including:
Climate Change and Environmental Resilience
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Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies
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Climate risk assessment
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Carbon footprint analysis and greenhouse gas mitigation
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
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Solar and renewable energy technologies
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Energy transition strategies
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Sustainable energy systems
Sustainable Cities and Infrastructure
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Urban sustainability and smart cities
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Sustainable transportation systems
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Environmental planning and green infrastructure
Sustainable Resource Management
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Water resource management
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Waste management and circular economy
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Sustainable agriculture and land use
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection
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Ecosystem conservation
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Environmental monitoring
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Biodiversity assessment
Environmental Health and Pollution
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Air pollution monitoring
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Environmental epidemiology
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Environmental health protection
Research Impact and SDG Alignment
The center contributes to research aligned with several environmental SDGs recognized in global sustainability rankings.
Major contributions include research related to:
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SDG |
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SDG 6 |
Clean water, sanitation, water resource management, and wastewater treatment |
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SDG 7 |
Renewable energy systems and energy transition |
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SDG 11 |
Sustainable urban development |
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SDG 12 |
Circular economy and waste management |
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SDG 13 |
Climate change mitigation and adaptation |
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SDG 14 |
Water pollution and aquatic ecosystems |
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SDG 15 |
Land degradation and biodiversity protection |
Research outputs are published in leading international journals and indexed in major databases such as Scopus and Web of Science.
Publications at An-Najah National University in Environment and Sustainability from 2020 to 2025
An-Najah National University has produced a significant body of research addressing key environmental sustainability challenges at local, regional, and global levels. These publications contribute to advancing scientific knowledge in areas such as climate change, renewable energy, environmental health, water resource management, pollution control, and sustainable development.
The university’s environmental research outputs support several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Researchers at An-Najah National University actively publish in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals indexed in major databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, contributing to global environmental sustainability research and innovation.
Publications at An-Najah National University in Environment and Sustainability (2020–2025)
Click to download the full list of publications
Sample of Top Cited Publications
Below is a selection of highly cited research publications produced by researchers at An-Najah National University in the fields of environment and sustainability:
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Title |
Year |
Citations |
DOI |
Sustainable Development Goals (2025) |
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2020 |
538 |
10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30750-9 |
SDG 3| SDG 10| SDG 12 |
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2021 |
418 |
10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01207-1 |
SDG 1| SDG 3| SDG 4| SDG 10| SDG 12 |
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The six dimensions of built environment on urban vitality: Fusion evidence from multi-source data |
2022 |
235 |
10.1016/j.cities.2021.103482 |
SDG 4| SDG 8| SDG 11 |
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2022 |
181 |
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154050 |
SDG 7| SDG 9| SDG 13 |
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Design of an isolated renewable hybrid energy system: a case study |
2022 |
170 |
10.1007/s40243-022-00216-1 |
SDG 7 |
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2020 |
147 |
10.1186/s12992-020-00602-2 |
SDG 3| SDG 5| SDG 7| SDG 10| SDG 13 |
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2020 |
146 |
10.3389/fceng.2020.581487 |
SDG 6| SDG 11 |
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2020 |
137 |
10.1186/s12992-020-00576-1 |
SDG 2| SDG 3| SDG 9| SDG 13 |
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2020 |
132 |
10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30278-3 |
SDG 3| SDG 6| SDG 11| SDG 16 |
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2020 |
114 |
10.1002/csr.2009 |
SDG 12 |
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A Building Classification System for Multi-hazard Risk Assessment |
2022 |
107 |
10.1007/s13753-022-00400-x |
SDG 11 |
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2023 |
96 |
10.1016/j.joitmc.2023.100139 |
SDG 7| SDG 9 |
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A novel three-dimensional numerical model for PV/T water system in hot climate region |
2021 |
92 |
10.1016/j.renene.2020.10.137 |
SDG 7 |
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Future of Electric and Hydrogen Cars and Trucks: An Overview |
2023 |
85 |
10.3390/en16073230 |
SDG 7| SDG 8| SDG 9| SDG 13 |
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The relationship between integrated reporting and corporate environmental performance: A green trial |
2021 |
82 |
10.1002/csr.2059 |
SDG 12 |
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2021 |
77 |
10.3390/cryst11121468 |
SDG 7| SDG 9 |
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2020 |
75 |
10.1186/s40066-020-00266-6 |
SDG 2| SDG 6| SDG 8| SDG 13 |
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2022 |
74 |
10.1111/beer.12439 |
SDG 12 |
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2024 |
74 |
10.1108/IJOA-02-2023-3636 |
SDG 4| SDG 8| SDG 12 |
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Estimating the optimum tilt angles for south-facing surfaces in Palestine |
2020 |
69 |
10.3390/en13030623 |
SDG 7 |
Latest News
- Dec. 17, 2025, 9:25 a.m.UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Water Resources Management at An-Najah University Joins the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi) as a Permanent Member
- Nov. 20, 2025, 11:26 a.m.An-Najah Announces the Launch of the DIEM Project to Advance Inclusive Education Across the Mediterranean
- Nov. 17, 2025, 2:13 p.m.An-Najah Participates in Conducting a Regional Training Course on Earthquake Risk Assessment Using OpenQuake-Engine
- Sept. 15, 2025, 2:46 p.m.An-Najah Welcomes UNESCO Palestine Office Director to Strengthen Academic and Community Collaboration
- May 19, 2025, 9:32 a.m.An-Najah University Participates in Gaza Reconstruction Workshop in Amman
The Environmental Sustainability Research Center operates through a number of specialized research units and thematic laboratories that address key environmental sustainability challenges. These units bring together researchers, students, and partners to conduct interdisciplinary research aligned with global sustainability priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Renewable Energy and Energy Systems Unit |
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Water Resources and Hydrology Research Unit |
Sustainable Cities and Urban Systems Unit |
Waste Management and Circular Economy Unit |
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Environmental Monitoring and Data Analytics Unit |
Environmental Health and Pollution Research Unit |
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Architectural Conservation Unit |
The center collaborates with:
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International research institutions
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Environmental organizations
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Government agencies
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NGOs working on sustainability
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Industry partners developing sustainable technologies
These collaborations support joint research projects, knowledge exchange, and policy development addressing environmental sustainability challenges.
The Environmental Sustainability Research Center also plays a key role in community engagement and environmental awareness, including:
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Public seminars on sustainability
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Environmental training programs
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Community environmental monitoring projects
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Policy advisory support
he center provides access to specialized research infrastructure including:
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Environmental monitoring laboratories
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Renewable energy testing facilities
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GIS and environmental modelling tools
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Climate and environmental data analysis platforms
These facilities support cutting-edge environmental research and innovation.
Students can engage with the center through:
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Research assistantships
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Thesis supervision
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Internships
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Sustainability innovation projects
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Environmental research workshops
Environmental Sustainability Research Center
- [email protected]
- An-Najah National University
- Nablus, Palestine