SASTA organized a Panel discussion at the Global Diaspora Summit 2022

   The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines diasporas as “migrants or descendants of migrants, whose identity and sense of belonging have been shaped by their migration experience and background.” (IOM Glossary on Migration, 2019). Diasporas are thus distinguished from other communities in that they maintain some link – cultural, linguistic, historical, religious or affective – to their home country; as such, they represent a bridge between host and home countries and favour both “brain circulation” and “brain bank” (Kapur, 2001).

   Science diasporas in particular can play a key role in the development of their country of origin, by transferring knowledge, skills and technology. Diaspora networks are thus a hidden treasure of untapped potential.  In many cases, official and unofficial networks have emerged. Yet, they often struggle to deliver on their potential locally and globally.

   In addition, we have witnessed how COVID-19 has brought to the limit health, social, economic, and labour systems and provoked huge turbulence in multilateral relations. In parallel, science, with its ability to inform policies for better responses, has become a crucial component of the solution to the crisis. COVID-19 has taught us that we are only as strong as every human being and every network.  Everyone counts and we are truly a global community.

We discussed opportunities and challenges  for Arab diaspora in particular and global diaspora in general. The panelists’ discussion was led by SASTA President Dr. Rana Dajani. 

   “It is a nice feeling that you want to reflect and give back to your home country,” said Dr. Dana, arguing further that sometimes diasporas find it hard to reflect and connect. However, As a diaspora scientist, she speaks the ‘Science’ language which made her less foreign in terms of professional life. Meanwhile, all the panelists discussed how in personal life, the case is different, which raises the need for diaspora to support each other’s communities.

   During the panel, Dr. Basel stressed how youth organizations are doing a great job connecting experts in the diaspora with projects in our Arab countries, Phi Science Institute and The Genetics and Bioinformatics Association (GBA) in Jordan are great examples of the potential that can be unlocked within the upcoming generations. Dr. Abu-Jamous also encouraged his scientist colleagues to not give up, but rather to focus on the impact that small actions can have when forces are joined under an overarching bridge. 

   This Panel illustrated the importance of having an organization to be an umbrella for scientists, helping them with their challenges first, and with giving back, aiming at accelerating collaborations, especially to policies and advancements.

KEY TAKE-AWAY POINTS & ACTIONABLE ITEMS

1. Definition of diaspora is very broad and inclusive.

2. Diaspora scientists need to belong to a network to help harness their potential and encourage them to give back.

3. Connecting to youth and youth-led networks are more effective and practical as well as satisfying.

4. Personal connections and efforts can go a long way rather than going through formal channels that can be unintentionally thwarted by bureaucracy.

5. Starting small and doing little things can lead to a lot on the long run. 

NEXT STEPS

   We are planning for a global summit for scientists in diaspora across the world in September.  This side event was a teaser to prepare for the larger summit.

PARTICIPATION

8 participants. Half female

Panelists:

Rana Dajani

Dana Mustafa

Basel Abu jamous

Here’s an Overview of SASTA and our panelists: 

Dr. Rana Dajani, President of SASTA.  

Dr. Rana Dajani is a Molecular Biologist and tenured professor of Biology and Biotechnology at Hashemite University. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Iowa. Dr. Rana strives and pursues the realization of an international community suitable in all aspects i.e. health, social environmental etc. for future generations. She is specifically interested in raising the health, educational and social status of women and children in the region. By conducting studies and participating in planning, implementing and actually carrying out policies intended to achieve such goals, she hopes to help in shaping our future world.

Dr. Basel Abu-Jamous, Ph.D. in Bioinformatics – Brunel University London.

“Dr. Basel Abu-Jamous is the Team Lead Bioinformatician at Nucleome Therapeutics, Oxford, UK, leading the Computational Team with diverse expertise in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Software Engineering to unveil the unknowns of the underexplored majority of the human DNA for Drug Discovery. Since obtaining his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from Brunel University London (2015), he worked in academia (Brunel and Oxford Universities) and industry (Sensyne Health and Nucleome Therapeutics) with research spanning applications in drug discovery and human, plant, and yeast genetics, as well as the analysis of healthcare record data from UK hospitals to address problems in the pharma industry. He is passionate about teaching Bioinformatics and is thus always active in delivering workshops and courses. Finally, he has authored several journal articles, book chapters, and a book.”

Dr. Dana Mustafa, Ph.D. in Pathology – Erasmus Medical Center.

Dr. Dana Mustafa is a cancer researcher focusing on the molecular (Genetics and Proteomics) aspects of cancer. Dr. Dana strongly believes that we can make progress in the battle against this disease through extensive collaboration between various people, disciplines, and institutions. She believes in deep collaborations that allow us to discover new cancer prevention ideas, as well as in educating young students and supporting their future. Dr. Dana also believes in bridging Biology and technology. 

 

The Society for the Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab World (SASTA)

SASTA was born out of the mutual interest of Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) and Academics living abroad to engage more effectively with the Arab Education, Science, and Technology community to create a positive impact in the Arab World. Our objective as a society is to follow up on all activities that will have a positive impact on the status of science and technology in Arab countries.