​The University of Jordan (UJ) President, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, received a French delegation comprised of the Director of International Relations at École Centrale de Marseille, Dr. Olivier Boiron; Dr. Nassim Ait Mehdi, a researcher at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), and the Attaché for Scientific and Academic Cooperation at the French Embassy in Jordan, Billy Troy.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance academic and research cooperation between the University of Jordan and French institutions, particularly in the fields of engineering, environmental sciences, and water management.

Boiron emphasized École Centrale de Marseille’s interest, as one of France’s most prestigious engineering schools, in expanding collaboration with UJ, highlighting the potential for launching joint academic programs in engineering and promoting student exchange.

During the meeting, which was attended by the university’s vice presidents and a number of academic officials, both parties agreed to proceed with signing a memorandum of understanding and a student exchange agreement.

In turn, Mehdi discussed prospects for research collaboration between the University of Jordan and INRAE, especially in water management and joint research projects. He pointed to opportunities for cooperation with the School of Agriculture, School of Engineering, and the Water, Energy, and Environment Center.

The visit was organized by the International Affairs Unit and is scheduled to continue on Wednesday with a visit by the delegation to the International Affairs Unit to develop a memorandum of understanding and a student exchange agreement with École Centrale de Marseille.

This will be followed by a meeting at the Water and Energy Center and an introductory lecture at the School of Agriculture for faculty members and researchers, focusing on research collaboration opportunities, particularly in water management topics.