The University of Jordan (UJ) President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, emphasized that the university is home to distinguished scientists and researchers who make significant contributions not only to the university and higher education but also to the nation and the global community.
During a meeting on Tuesday with research group leaders and members, in presence of the Vice President for Global Rankings and International Accreditation, Prof. Faleh Sawair, Prof. Obeidat highlighted promising data and indicators within the university that reflect ongoing progress in scientific research.
He stated that research groups at the university reflect its commitment to scientific research, which enhances the university’s distinguished journey, emphasizing that scientific research is a tool for building knowledge, providing deeper understanding of various issues, and achieving accomplishments that contribute to human development.
Obeidat highlighted that one-third of the School of Medicine's graduates work and specialize in the United States, which is a clear example of advancing to global levels. Additionally, UJ students are present in more than 88 Arab and European countries.
The President indicated that scientific research is among the criteria for global rankings, which requires ongoing improvement of research quality, commending the presence of research groups at UJ, describing it as "an innovative idea with well-thought-out standards," though adding that continuous improvement of these standards is necessary to achieve the desired goals.
Obeidat touched upon challenges facing scientific research, such as linking it with industries and the relationship between researchers and the industrial sector. "Research plays a critical role in industrial advancement, and research groups need to include the industrial sector," he said. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation across multiple countries and institutions and the value of cross-citation among researchers.
UJ president urged researchers to involve graduate students in their research, citing the example of the School of Medicine, which ranks first in scientific research output from graduate students, postgraduate specialists, and undergraduate students, with 400 scientific research papers and 42 studies from undergraduate students.
He concluded by thanking the researchers and faculty members who played a key role in the winning of the King Abdullah II Award, urging them to continue their efforts to maintain this prestigious standing.
In turn, Sawair refereed to a steady increase and improvement in research output, indicating that UJ publishes more than 2,500 papers annually, with the number continuously rising. Additionally, 54% of the published research is in Q1 international journals this year, and research impact has improved consistently over recent years, with 18% of the university's research published in the top 10% of journals in terms of impact factor.
Sawair noted that 18% of the university's research is ranked among the top 10% of the most-cited studies, which often tackle global research issues and involve international teams.
He pointed out that the goal of research groups, formed according to specific university criteria, is to support research collaboration, foster networking among researchers from various disciplines, encourage diverse expertise exchange, enhance the capabilities of emerging researchers and graduate students, and support research partnerships with local and international universities and research centers. These efforts aim to improve the quality and quantity of research, increase external funding opportunities, and elevate the university’s global ranking.
He added that the challenges facing research groups include shaping individual character and refining skills, funding, networking with vital sectors, computer skills, sustainability, leadership, and cross-disciplinary cooperation.
At the end of the meeting, Obeidat listened to researchers' inquiries, noting that the university is currently working with a new vision that encourages work within quality research groups. It encourages researchers to showcase their achievements and intensify efforts for collaborative projects with local and international institutions.