As part of its 150^th anniversary and in celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) hosted the award ceremony for the national competition “Quantum Vision: Lebanon of Tomorrow,” organized by the Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science (FS).

Held under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Tamara el-Zein, Minister of Environment, the event brought together USJ Rector Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, along with prominent figures from the academic, scientific, and institutional sectors. USJ vice-rectors, school principals, and instructors from partner institutions also attended, underscoring the competition’s national significance.

In her opening address, Prof. Marie Abboud Mehanna, Head of the Department of Physics, reflected on launching the competition during the turbulent autumn of 2024, amid Lebanon’s renewed conflict. She described the initiative as a form of educational resistance, rooted in knowledge, driven by youth, and powered by hope. Drawing on her doctoral work at the Kastler Brossel Laboratory at ENS Paris, she reaffirmed her dedication to cultivating scientific curiosity, bold thinking, and a spirit of discovery in future generations.

Launched in collaboration with CNRS-Lebanon, the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, L’Oréal Lebanon, Ghoussoub Consulting Group, Librairie Antoine, Labise, and Fady Bader, the competition engaged over 150 students from 22 schools across the country. Nearly 50 projects were submitted, exploring topics such as quantum cryptography, pollutant detection, smart materials, and medical diagnostics.

In his address, Prof. Maher Abboud, Dean of the FS, underscored that “science, and particularly physics, is the engine of progress,” highlighting quantum technologies as central to the most transformative advancements of the 21^st century. He introduced the audience with the mysteries of the quantum world, where “electrons can exist in multiple places simultaneously,” and “two particles can remain mysteriously connected, regardless of the distance between them.” Prof. Abboud stressed the importance of introducing young minds to this domain, which challenges conventional logic and opens doors to transformative solutions.

Prof. Abboud praised Prof. Mehanna and her team, for initiating a competition that “encourages our high school students to delve into this fascinating branch of physics” through innovative ideas and practical solutions aimed at building a better Lebanon. These solutions span diverse sectors, including health, industry, education, and the environment. Prof. Abboud extended his congratulations to all participants for their “imagination, creativity, and scientific rigor,” urging them to continue their journey in the sciences and assuring them that the FS is a center of excellence and knowledge creation, and that it will always support their endeavors.

Ms. Ramza Jaber, from the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted the competition’s alignment with UNESCO’s mission to promote access to quality education, disseminating scientific knowledge, and fostering the development of informed citizenship. She noted that the competition provided students with more than just a platform for expression; it offered them a genuine opportunity to envision the future with both rigor and creativity.

She commended USJ, particularly its Faculty of Science, for its dedication to youth engagement in science. She also acknowledged the pivotal support of the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) in Lebanon. She praised the participating schools, especially the UNESCO Associated Schools, as well as the students for their brilliance, passion, and creativity. She emphasized that their projects illustrate how science can become “an accessible, inspiring, and transformative language,” reflecting a generation that “thinks, innovates, and continues to believe in the power of knowledge.” Ms. Jaber further highlighted the exceptional quality of the female contributions, underscoring the growing role of women in science and their significant impact on shaping the future of scientific discovery.

Dr. Georges Gharios, National Programme Officer for Natural Sciences at UNESCO Beirut, delivered a powerful address on the pivotal role of science in advancing peace, sustainable development, and human security.

He emphasized the importance of the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP), which strengthens national capabilities and fosters international collaboration in the fundamental sciences. He underscored UNESCO’s pivotal role in the creation of major international scientific institutions, such as CERN, where the Higgs boson was discovered, and SESAME, the synchrotron radiation facility in Jordan often referred to as the “CERN of the Middle East.” These initiatives reflect how science can serve as a bridge between nations, even those with complex political relationships.

Marking the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Dr. Gharios described quantum research as a gateway to solving global challenges and emphasized the urgency of closing the “quantum divide.” He highlighted UNESCO’s commitment to equity by supporting greater participation of youth and women in scientific careers.

He congratulated the students on their achievements, calling their projects a testament to the power of education to build more resilient and sustainable societies.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Chadi Abdallah, Secretary General of the CNRS in Lebanon, Dr. Imane Abbas praised USJ’s long-standing commitment to innovation. She described the University as a catalyst for progress, having, over the past 150 years, cultivated minds capable of transforming bold ideas into reality. Dr. Abbas reaffirmed CNRS-L’s role as a strategic partner, dedicated to fostering research that is ambitious, inclusive, and responsive to today’s challenges.

She highlighted the Council’s mission to foster collaboration among academic institutions, scientific disciplines, and generations of researchers. She emphasized CNRS-L’s belief in science as a transformative force for social and cultural advancement. Dr. Abbas also highlighted the Council’s strategic vision launched in 2023, which focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and digital tools to effectively address Lebanon’s pressing challenges.

Through its mobility programs, training initiatives, and funding for innovative projects, CNRS-L supports institutions and researchers in pursuing solutions grounded in scientific excellence. Dr. Abbas noted that the partnership with USJ is a reflection of a shared vision: a Lebanon focused on the future, prioritizing science, youth, and innovation. She concluded by underscoring that this competition perfectly embodies the commitment to fostering Lebanese research that is open, globally connected, and dedicated to sustainable development and national resilience.

In his address, Prof. Daccache emphasized the transformative nature of quantum physics, challenging the boundaries of conventional thought. He discussed concepts like entanglement, uncertainty, and superposition, highlighting how quantum science reshapes our understanding of reality and offers a worldview grounded in possibilities and interconnectedness.

In a Lebanon marked by uncertainty, Prof. Daccache praised the young participants in the competition, seeing their involvement as a hopeful sign. He stressed the importance of valuing Lebanon’s youth, calling them the country’s “most precious asset” and advocating for their encouragement and recognition at every opportunity.

Prof. Daccache congratulated the winners, describing them as the architects of a “quantum vision” for Lebanon of tomorrow, a country where nothing is fixed, where imagination drives reconstruction, and where ideas have the power to overcome obstacles. He concluded by expressing hope that this collective vision would soon become a shared reality.

Minister Tamara el-Zein also congratulated the winners, praising the impressive work behind their projects and their enthusiastic engagement in this demanding and fascinating field. She expressed deep gratitude to the USJ Department of Physics for initiating and carrying forward such a project, which effectively rekindles young people’s interest in science.

She also pointed out that the current quantum revolution could be compared, in its potential for societal transformation, to the nuclear revolution of the last century. According to her, the disruptions caused by quantum science are set to profoundly impact our way of life, technologies, and conceptual frameworks.

Another highlight of the event was Prof. Daccache’s presentation of the commemorative book 150 ans de l’USJ, which honored the contributions of several institutional partners. This symbolic gesture was addressed to representatives Prof. Tamara el-Zein, Dr. Imane Abbas, Dr. Georges Gharios, and Ms. Ramza Jaber.

The day also featured a plenary session titled “Exploring Quantum Sciences: Experiences and Inspirations” moderated by Prof. Ziad Francis from USJ. It brought together Dr. Charles Antoine of Sorbonne University, CNRS Quantum Ambassador in France, Ms. Cynthia Fenergi, SSCC Sioufi Deputy Director, and video testimonials from three USJ alumni and students: Marc Bou-Zeid, Michèle el-Hage, and Antonio Tawk.

Professors Maher Abboud and Marie Abboud Mehanna presented copies of the commemorative book to the sponsors of the initiative. These included L’Oréal Lebanon, represented by Ms. Samira Franjieh; Librairie Antoine, represented by Ms. Nancy Azouri; Labise, represented by Dr. David Haroun; and Ghoussoub Consulting Group, represented by Mr. Michel Ghoussoub.

The ceremony concluded with awards given to the 27 winners in the “Posters,” “Digital Project,” and “Best Female Contribution” categories. This final tribute celebrated the ingenuity, discipline, and vision of Lebanon’s young scientists, whose work offers a glimpse of a future built on knowledge, creativity, and resilience.

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