jordan pulse -

Ahliyya University, represented by President Prof. Sari Hamdan, signed two research cooperation agreements with the Higher Council for Science and Technology, in the presence of Dean of Scientific Research Prof. Ahmad Abu Arabi Al-Adwan. The projects aim to develop the agricultural and environmental sectors in Jordan, in partnership with the Plant Abiotic Stress Research Group (PAS).

Prof. Hamdan said the agreements align with the university’s vision to promote applied research that transforms knowledge into practical solutions serving national development and sustainability goals.

Project 1: Developing drought-resistant watermelon varieties
Led by Dr. Lana Qaddoumi from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, the project titled “Selection of Watermelon Hybrids from Introgression with Hanthal (Citrullus colocynthis) and Productivity Assessment under Water Stress Conditions” seeks to produce new drought-tolerant watermelon lines that enhance food security and sustainable farming amid climate change.
Dr. Qaddoumi noted that this marks a pioneering step in producing new plant varieties adapted to harsh environmental conditions. Ahliyya is the first private Jordanian university to launch such a project in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jordan and international partners.

Project 2: Digital database for biodiversity protection
The second project, led by Prof. Ali Al-Qutaishat from the Faculty of Law, is titled “Classification and Analysis of Legislative Frameworks Regulating the Protection of Biodiversity in Jordan and Their Compatibility with International and Regional Environmental Agreements through the Creation and Development of a Digital Legal Database.”
It aims to assess Jordan’s legal and institutional systems for biodiversity protection and their alignment with international conventions, while developing a national digital platform linking environmental laws with related data. The goal is to support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen Jordan’s role in green governance.

Prof. Al-Adwan said the projects reflect the university’s strategy to promote applied research, innovation, and national partnerships that serve society and advance scientific contribution in agriculture, environment, and smart legislation.