An-Najah Participates in Conducting a Regional Training Course on Earthquake Risk Assessment Using OpenQuake-Engine
Dr. Jamal Dabbeek, Coordinator of the Earth Sciences and Seismology Unit at the Scientific Centers and a faculty member in the Department of Geomatics Engineering at An-Najah National University, participated in conducting the specialized regional training course on earthquake risk assessment and modeling using the OpenQuake-Engine. The course was held in Algeria from 11–13 November 2025 and was jointly organized by the Arab Center for Earthquake and Disaster Risk Reduction of the League Arab States and the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation.
The course gathered 21 participants from 10 Arab countries, including a number of experts and researchers in the fields of earthquake engineering and disaster risk reduction. It included intensive practical training on analyzing earthquake data, estimating potential damages, and preparing risk maps using modern open-source tools and techniques.
The opening session featured official remarks emphasizing the importance of strengthening Arab capacities in earthquake risk assessment and supporting decision-making based on scientific data through advanced knowledge building and the development of disaster response and mitigation systems. Participants also held side meetings with representatives from various Arab institutions to discuss future cooperation in training, research, and knowledge exchange.
In this context, Prof. Munqez Shtaya, Director of the Scientific Centers, emphasized that the University's participation in the course aligns with the University’s vision to develop the scientific and engineering capacities of its staff in vital fields. He noted that the University's involvement represents a key step in enhancing its and the Palestinian community’s readiness for natural hazards. He also highlighted that building specialized scientific capacities and adopting the latest technological tools for assessment and modeling enables effective contribution to knowledge production and the development of risk reduction strategies at both local and regional levels.
For his part, Prof. Abdel Naser Zeid, President of the University, noting the growing role of the University in its local and regional environment, stressing the University’s commitment to transferring knowledge and expertise to the community. He stated that the University seeks to strengthen its position as a leading institution in scientific research and technology transfer, both nationally and regionally. He added that participation in advanced programs, including this specialized course, reflects the University’s dedication to providing access to modern scientific knowledge and applying it for community service, as well as building international partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance research and training capacities.
