With a sense of pride, the University of Balamand (UOB) proudly announces it has been shortlisting in 3 categories for the prestigious
THE Awards MENA 2023. These awards spotlight and celebrate the achievements of universities across the MENA region, highlighting academic institutions that demonstrate outstanding and remarkable contributions to the advancement of education, research, and overall societal impact. UOB’s commitment to excellence in education, innovation, and community engagement has not gone unnoticed, securing the university a well-deserved place among the finalists for this distinguished regional recognition.
Following the submission of only 12 applications from a maximum 50 allowed per institution, UOB was shortlisted in 3 categories, with two nominations stemming from the Faculty of Engineering (FOE) and one from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA). Shortlisted for the Research Project of the THE MENA 2023 AWARD in STEM, Dr. Jane Estephane’s team, a Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department, is being recognized for their exceptional contribution to the field. Her noteworthy project, “Valorization of waste cooking oil using scallop seashell-derived catalysts”, lists her as a co-author alongside Dr. Samer Aouad, Lea Nahas, and Dr. Eliane Dahdah. The project reflects the collective efforts in advancing research in the realm of Chemical Engineering. UOB and FOE take pride that we are only the university from Lebanon shortlisted in this important research category.
Another notable nomination in the Faculty of Engineering falls under the category of Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership. Dr. Yasmine Jabali, an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, has played a pivotal role in this recognition through her leadership of the “One Million Action Postcards Initiative (1MAP)”, collaborating with the UOB-LEWAP Students’ Chapter.
The third nomination comes from ALBA, with the project submission titled “Post-disaster tactical urbanism: Small-scale, short-term, and low-cost projects to recover neighborhood life”. The project paper is led by Architect and Urban Designer Bachir Moujaes. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Abu Dubai, UAE on 14 November 2023, where this year’s winners in various categories will be announced.
Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud expressed gratitude for this regional recognition, stating, “We are honored to be shortlisted for the THE Awards MENA 2023. This acknowledgment reflects our university's unwavering commitment to providing quality education, fostering innovation and research, and contributing positively to our community and beyond. Additionally, I extend my sincere appreciation to the nominated faculty members, whose exceptional contributions have brought distinction to the University of Balamand. Their dedication to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact exemplifies the caliber of the faculties we have at the University of Balamand. In my eyes, being shortlisted is as good as winning. We are taking Balamand to the world and bringing the world to Balamand”.