The students received the award for their research project entitled:

"Evaluating the Neuroprotective Potential of Novel Benzodioxole Derivatives in Parkinson's Disease."

The project is based on findings previously published in a peer-reviewed international journal specializing in neuropharmacology, underscoring its strong scientific foundation and research significance.

The study investigates the neuroprotective potential of novel benzodioxole derivatives as a therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, one of the world's most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders and a major cause of disability affecting patients' quality of life.

The research addresses the growing need for innovative therapeutic strategies capable of protecting neurons and slowing disease progression. Its promising findings provide a strong foundation for future studies aimed at developing novel pharmaceutical compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, while highlighting the critical role of scientific research in advancing medical and pharmaceutical knowledge and addressing global healthcare challenges.

The achievement is particularly significant given the highly competitive nature of URIC 2026, which brought together 71 universities from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and Europe. The competition featured more than 500 research projects across a wide range of scientific and innovation disciplines.

Securing first place in the Pharmaceutical Sciences category highlights the exceptional caliber of An-Najah National University's students and their ability to compete successfully at the international level.

This accomplishment reflects the University's long-standing commitment to promoting scientific research and innovation by encouraging undergraduate students to engage in high-quality research projects from the early stages of their academic journey.

It also demonstrates the University's success in fostering a stimulating academic and research environment that enables students to develop strong research skills, bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, and contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement while excelling in regional and international research competitions.

The achievement further illustrates the value of close collaboration between faculty members and students in producing high-quality research capable of earning international recognition.

The award-winning project was carried out by Susana Badair and Mohammad Badair under the supervision of Dr. Mohammad Qneibi, Dr. Mohammad Hawash, and Dr. Hiba Al-Natsheh.

This achievement stands as another testament to An-Najah’s success in nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators, empowering its students to make meaningful scientific contributions and compete with distinction on the global stage.