​Under the title "Higher Education in the Era of Rapid Transformation," the University of Jordan (UJ)  on Saturday and Sunday held the second edition of the Honorary Professors’ Forum, the largest academic, scientific, and intellectual gathering organised by the institution to date.

The forum was held under the patronage of the Minister of Education and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Azmi Mahafzah, and witnessed wide participation from distinguished scholars, academics, and experts representing prestigious institutions from around the world.

This year’s forum brings together about 80 distinguished scholars from globally renowned institutions, all of whom have been awarded the title of Honorary Professor in recognition of their outstanding contributions to academia, scientific innovation, and institutional development.

The sessions of the forum tackled key themes, including: Securing Financial Sustainability, Forecasting Higher Education: Towards an Integrated Future, Future Programs for Future Jobs, and Higher Education and Society: A Connected World.

“Your Students Have the Fire"

During the Forum, renowned green chemistry scholar and Honorary Professor at the School of Science, Prof. Philip Jessop, expressed high praise for the university’s students, faculty, and academic vision.

“This is my fifth visit, and I remain deeply impressed by your students’ intelligence and genuine passion for learning,” he said, commending the School of Science and the Department of Chemistry for delivering a forward-looking curriculum that prepares students for real-world challenges. He stressed the importance of soft skills, noting that employers today seek science graduates who are also strong communicators and leaders.

He also highlighted his ongoing collaboration with UJ faculty in the field of green chemistry, particularly with Prof. Abdussalam Qaroush, and encouraged continued academic partnerships with the Department of Chemistry, led by Dr. Murad Aldamen.

“The partnerships we are building with UJ are essential"

Speaking at the forum, Prof. Deba Dutta, Executive Director of the Discovery Partners Institute at the University of Illinois System, praised the university’s commitment to international collaboration and academic innovation.

“The partnerships we are building with UJ are essential. They allow us to exchange knowledge, create solutions together, and prepare our students for the future,” Dutta said. He emphasised that events like this forum are key to addressing the major challenges facing higher education today, from financial sustainability to rapid technological change, and highlighted the University of Jordan’s leadership in bringing people and ideas together.

In closing, Dutta thanked the University for its hospitality and vision: "This isn’t just a conference; it’s a platform for real connection and progress. I’m grateful to UJ for hosting such an inspiring gathering.”

"We need to rethink higher education"

Associate Vice President of the University of Waterloo, Prof. Bessma Momani, emphasised the urgent need to rethink higher education. She called for AI-powered, personalised learning and job-matching systems that go beyond degrees to ensure students find meaningful employment.

She also advocated for customisable degrees that blend disciplines like science and policy, reflecting real-world challenges. Her vision aligned with the forum’s theme of global collaboration and innovation in higher education.

Dental Education Reform Emphasised

Honorary Professor at the School of Dentistry, Prof. Dimitris Tatakis, emphasised the importance of aligning dental education with real-world demands. He noted that dentistry has always focused on turning theory into practice, but rapid changes, such as AI, robotics, and corporate dental models, now require updated curricula and better training.

Tatakis called for clearer coordination between academic teaching and clinical practice, urging dental schools to adapt and remove outdated content. His remarks supported the forum’s goal of reshaping higher education to better prepare students for today’s evolving job market.

Integration of AI in Agricultural Education Highlighted

During her participation in the third session, Honorary Professor at the School of Agriculture, Prof. Isgouhi Kaloshian, from the University of California, called for the redesign of undergraduate agricultural programs to align with the demands of the digital era. She emphasised the importance of hands-on training and stronger collaboration with industry to equip students with the practical skills needed for real-world challenges.

Kaloshian highlighted the urgent need to integrate artificial intelligence tools into agricultural education, such as data analysis from drones, remote sensors, and plant genomics. However, she noted that this digital shift cannot succeed without first training university faculty in AI literacy. She urged universities, including the University of Jordan, to prioritise faculty development programs to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the future of agriculture.

“We must follow the students throughout their lives”

Prof. Andrea Cupp, Honorary Professor at the School of Agriculture, underscored the growing role of precision agriculture in shaping the future of food production.

She emphasised the integration of AI technologies and sensors to monitor animal health, improve crop management, and reduce environmental impact. Cupp called for stronger university-industry collaboration and ongoing support for graduates, stating, “We must follow the students throughout their lives,” to ensure they stay updated with cutting-edge innovations in agriculture.

Youth Empowerment and Scientific Collaboration

Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH (Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation), highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping the future of the Islamic world, representing 57 OIC member states across four continents. He emphasized the need to harness young talent through science, technology, and education. Prof. Choudhary described COMSTECH as a vital platform connecting ministers, universities, and institutions to promote innovation and policy development across the Muslim world.

Global Accreditation’s Role Underlined

During the Honorary Professors’ Forum, Prof. Mohammad Obaidat, Honorary Professor at the King Abdullah II School of Information Technology, emphasized the vital role of international accreditation in enhancing the global recognition of academic programs. He noted that while national agencies are important, many institutions in the Middle East pursue U.S.-based accreditations to boost their credibility. Obaidat also shared his view that micro-credentials are unlikely to replace full academic degrees but could support broader accreditation standards.

Role of University-Health Sector Partnerships Emphasised

Honorary Professor at the School of Pharmacy Prof. Jennifer Scott from the University of Bristol, UK, emphasized the vital role of partnerships between universities and healthcare sectors in advancing pharmacy education. She called for strengthening community-oriented thinking and urged the integration of academic ideas into national health policies to ensure more effective and responsive healthcare systems.

Lifelong Learning in Modern Business Education

Speaking at the Honorary Professors’ Forum, Dr. Garry Tan highlighted the pressing need for lifelong learning in business education. Reflecting on how traditional marketing concepts have become outdated, he emphasized the shift toward digital tools such as Google Analytics and e-commerce. Dr. Tan shared Malaysia’s recent experience in formalising micro-credential systems, allowing learners to earn recognised qualifications over time, an approach he considers vital for staying competitive in the modern workforce.

"Higher Education Must Embrace Digital Change and Core Skills"

Speaking in the 4th session, Prof. Islam Zabalawi emphasized that while digital transformation has significantly reshaped sectors like industry, transportation, and healthcare, higher education remains notably behind. He stressed the urgent need for a standardised platform to integrate AI and digital tools in academia.

Drawing on a previous initiative at the Australian University in Kuwait, Prof. Zabalawi revealed that leading companies prioritised three core graduate attributes: mastery of foundational knowledge, the ability to learn and unlearn in a fast-changing world, and awareness of emerging trends within their fields. These, he noted, should guide curriculum development and faculty training moving forward.

Public-Private Partnerships as Key to Innovation in Higher Education

Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois, Prof. Nadera Sweiss, Honorary Professor at the School of Medicine, emphasized the growing importance of public-private partnerships in the University of Illinois System. She cited major initiatives such as the Discovery Partners Institute and advanced medical centers as examples of how collaboration with private institutions can offset declines in government research funding. Sweiss stressed the need for visionary philanthropists and strategic alliances, calling such partnerships a “win-win” for innovation and financial sustainability.

Brainstorming on the Future of Higher Education

The Forum wrapped up with an ideation session moderated by UJ Vice President Prof. Ashraf Abu Karaky, which brought together University Leadership, Honorary and Adjunct Professors, and invited Experts for brainstorming on the Future of Higher Education. The session provided a platform for attendees to share insights, explore emerging challenges, and identify key opportunities shaping the academic landscape.

The session recommended advancing higher education through strengthening international partnerships, improving the quality of educational outcomes by constantly revising academic curricula, linking scientific research with reputable international journals, and promoting e-learning and interdisciplinary academic tracks.

The session also emphasized the importance of developing students' personalities and equipping them with skills that align with evolving labor market needs. Furthermore, it proposed involving individuals with qualifications below the doctoral level in teaching, and expanding practical training opportunities for students in tourism and hospitality programs to ensure that education aligns with the goals of sustainable development.