An-Najah National University's Maqdisi Project Team Strengthens International Ties with Visit to Lille University, France
In a significant stride towards bolstering international partnerships and advancing scientific and technological research, the Maqdisi Project team from An-Najah National University successfully concluded their visit to Lille University in France. The delegation, led by Dr. Mutasim Babaa, Project Manager, included distinguished members such as Dr. Mohannad Al-Haj Hussein, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology; Prof. Allam Mousa, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality; and Dr. Sameh Muna from the Department of Architecture.
From July 10 to July 18, the team engaged in critical discussions with their French counterparts headed by Professor Issam Shahrour. The collaboration focused on the forward-looking phases of the Maqdisi project titled "Using Smart Technologies to Improve Efficiency and Provide a Healthy Environment in Public Buildings in Palestine," generously supported by the French Consulate in Jerusalem.
The dialogue centered on the preparation for a comprehensive workshop slated for November at An-Najah University to showcase the project's advancements. Moreover, both teams explored avenues for deeper scientific collaboration, including proposals for joint research initiatives and extending their network within the French academic and research communities.
A highlight of the visit was the meeting with Professor Fadi El-Hajj Shehadeh, Director of the LABE2TEC Center at the Higher Institute for Building and Public Works (ISBA-TP) in Marseille. Both parties committed to pursuing collaborative projects that synergize the expertise of An-Najah’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality with the innovative approaches of the LABE2TEC Center.
Dr. Mutasim Babaa lauded the visit as a testament to the power of international cooperation in sparking innovation and knowledge sharing. He praised the robust support from Dr. Issam Shahrour and the enriching experiences extended to the university's master's students. Prof. Allam Mousa highlighted the crucial role of smart technologies in enhancing Palestinian infrastructure, whereas Dr. Mohannad Al-Haj Hussein pointed out the project’s potential in fostering a sustainable and healthful environment within Palestine’s public buildings. Dr. Sameh Muna voiced optimism for ongoing collaborations with French academic entities to cultivate solutions tailored to Palestinian societal needs.
This visit not only reaffirms An-Najah National University’s commitment to expanding its global research and development network but also strengthens academic and research collaborations between Palestine and France, paving the way for future partnerships and knowledge exchange.
