The Faculty of Graduate Studies at An-Najah National University organized today its first conference under the title "Prospects of Graduate Studies in Palestine" with the presence of Prof. Rami Hamdallah, the University's President, Dr. Sabri Saydam, Advisor for Information Technology Affairs to H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas, Dr. Muhammad Abu Ja'afar, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Prof Yahya Jabr, Coordinator of the Conference, researchers and graduate students from various Palestinian universities.  The conference was held at HE. Prince Turki Bin Abdul-Aziz theater in the New Campus in Juneed area.

Prof. Hamdallah, in his remarks, welcomed the Palestinian President's Advisor and all participants in this conference.  He noted that An-Najah National University embraces different activities, as part of the University's philosophy, to invest in promoting and developing the quality of education and life in Palestine.
Prof. Hamdallah said that the Faculty of Graduate Studies' vision is based on the Palestinian people's needs in several areas.  He expressed his hope that conference will indeed contribute to the development of graduate studies programs in Palestine.

Dr. Muhammad Abu Ja'afar thanked Prof. Hamdallah for his support to organize this important conference.  He added that the Faculty of Graduate Studies at An-Najah has  35 MA programs, and one PhD program in Chemistry.  He pointed out that there is an intention to start more PhD programs which will meet the various needs of the Palestinian community. "A variety of PhD programs will promote the quality of education and human development in the country," he said.

In his speech, Mr. Saydam thanked An-Najah National University for hosting the conference.  He also talked about the Palestinian Authority's policies to promote scientific research in Palestine.  He noted that Palestinian Scientific Research Council was founded with a strategy to develop scientific research in Palestine through applied and theoretical research projects.  Mr. Saydam highlighted importance of supporting scientific research in the country through providing all motivations and incentives to support researchers and students.
In his remarks, Prof. Yahya Jabr welcomed the participants to the conference who are interested in promoting higher education programs in Palestine.