Under the high patronage of H.E. Mr. Joe Issa El-Khoury, Minister of Industry, and in his presence, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) launched the 16^th Edition of its Research Days on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the François S. Bassil Auditorium, located on the Innovation and Sports Campus on Damascus Road. Organized by the Vice-Rectorate for Research, this year’s edition is part of the celebrations marking USJ’s 150^th anniversary and is held under the theme: “Research at USJ: Serving Lebanon, Shaping the Future, Reaching Beyond Borders.”

The event was marked by strong engagement from the academic and scientific community, and featured the participation of several distinguished guests. It was held in partnership with AUF, the French Embassy in Lebanon, the Institut français, CNRS-Lebanon, and Bio Diagnostic.

During the opening session, Associate Prof. Ghada Sayegh, serving as master of ceremonies, welcomed the audience before giving the floor to Prof. Richard Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research. He expressed his pride in hosting this new edition, which, in his view, reflects the dynamic research environment at USJ and the University’s firm commitment to putting research at the service of the country. He also acknowledged the presence of the Minister, who strongly supports research, innovation, and economic development.

In his address, Prof. Maroun highlighted that the Research Days are part of a long-standing tradition at USJ, an institution founded in 1875 with a mission to serve the Lebanese society and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. He noted that “this mission is more relevant than ever” as USJ enters a new era of ambitious strategic development.

He underscored the significant progress achieved in recent years: an 80% increase in the number of research publications, a 176% rise in citations, an average of one publication per researcher per year, and impressive growth in the humanities and social sciences. Research internationalization has also accelerated, with over 2,000 active collaborations worldwide.

Prof. Maroun also presented several key initiatives currently underway, including the restructuring of research units, the professionalization of USJ journals through Elsevier’s Digital Commons platform, access to the strategic Scopus AI tool, and the establishment of a Grants Office and a Technology Transfer Office in partnership with Berytech.

On the topic of institutional visibility, he acknowledged the limitations of international rankings, which do not always reflect the true impact of research. He called out the unethical practices some institutions use to manipulate rankings and reaffirmed USJ’s principled stance: “We will improve our standing, but through our own efforts: through the excellence of our researchers, the quality of our publications, and the real impact of our research on Lebanese society and beyond.”

The Vice-Rector also highlighted one of USJ’s flagship projects: “Toward Sustainable Health for All.” Developed within the framework of the international One Sustainable Health for All initiative, the project brings together multiple disciplines to address ecological emergencies, integrated health approaches, and the systemic prevention of risks. According to Prof. Maroun, it reflects a vision of research that is socially grounded, interdisciplinary, and collaborative.

He continued by announcing the presentation of the Distinguished Researcher Award, established to recognize the dedication of USJ researchers and Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) clinicians to advancing scientific research. “It is through the rigor, passion, and perseverance of its researchers,” he stated, “that USJ continues to shine within the academic world.”

Speaking next, Mr. Jean-Noël Baléo commended the organization of the Research Days, describing them as “a vital initiative.” He emphasized the strong and enduring partnership between AUF and USJ, describing the University as “a leading academic institution not only in Lebanon, but also across the region.” He congratulated USJ for restoring research to its rightful place at the heart of national dialogue, after years of being sidelined by successive crises.

Mr. Baléo also reaffirmed the shared commitment of AUF and CNRS-Lebanon to supporting research, notably through the R3-Lebanon program – Research, Response, Resilience – which promotes measurable scientific and societal impact. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to support young Lebanese researchers through high-quality methodological training and enhanced doctoral mobility.

Reflecting on the theme of this year’s Research Days, Mr. Baléo underscored the urgent need for Lebanon to preserve and renew its scientific capital: “What the country needs is to preserve its expertise and research infrastructure, while also inspiring the next generation and giving young people the opportunity to learn, grow, and produce knowledge here, in their own country.”

He emphasized that reconnecting science with society must be a strategic priority, affirming the role researchers can play in Lebanon’s recovery: “Lebanese researchers have a responsibility to contribute to the reform-driven momentum and renewed sense of hope taking root in the country.”

Dr. Chadi Abdallah, Secretary-General of CNRS-Lebanon, also paid tribute to the central role played by USJ in shaping the nation’s scientific and intellectual landscape. He noted that USJ has successfully educated generations of thinkers “equipped not only to tackle today’s challenges, but to anticipate tomorrow’s solutions.” According to him, the theme of this year’s edition perfectly reflects a scientific community that is actively engaged with pressing issues, globally connected, and deeply anchored in Lebanese society.

Dr. Abdallah also stressed the importance of shared education among instructors, students, and institutional partners as a driving force behind this mission. He affirmed that CNRS-Lebanon is “a strategic partner in advancing scientific research and innovation,” committed to supporting the academic community through funding opportunities, collaborative initiatives, and increased support for young researchers.

Presenting CNRS-L’s new strategic vision, he pointed to an upcoming phase of digital transformation, innovation, and integration of emerging technologies into research ecosystems. Science, he concluded, must now be at the heart of public policy: “It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Only through science can we develop effective, sustainable solutions.”

In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdallah described the Research Days not merely as an academic event, but as a “dynamic platform for exchange, dialogue, and collaboration.” He expressed his belief that this 16^th edition would stand as a key milestone in the advancement of research in Lebanon, stating: “Research at USJ transcends academic boundaries. It represents a commitment to progress, a promise for Lebanon, and a bridge to the world.”

Taking the floor next, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, Rector of USJ, shared his joy at inaugurating this 16^th edition of the Research Days, which he described as a pivotal moment in the university’s academic life. He began by thanking the Minister of Industry for placing the event under his high patronage, noting that his presence reflects a strong sign of the State’s support for knowledge, innovation, and the essential role that universities, including USJ, must play in the country’s development.

He also expressed his gratitude to AUF and the Institut français, long-standing partners of USJ. He extended special thanks to Prof. Richard Maroun, Vice-Rector for Research, for his “steadfast dedication, strategic vision, and the energy with which he drives research forward across all faculties and institutes of our university.” The Rector highlighted that, thanks to these efforts, USJ has regained more than 100 places in the QS World University Rankings in just one year. This is a noteworthy achievement; especially given the challenges the country has faced in recent years.

Prof. Daccache also acknowledged the event’s guest speakers, whose work, he said, “contributes to critical thinking, opens new perspectives, and creates connections across disciplines, institutions, and regions.” He paid tribute to USJ’s instructors-researchers, describing them as “often-unsung but vital drivers of societal transformation” who carry the University’s mission well beyond its walls.

Addressing the evolving landscape of research, he emphasized the importance of engaging with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. He described AI as more than a tool, calling it a powerful force “capable of accelerating discoveries, modeling reality, and exploring data like never before.” However, he also warned of the ethical risks that come with such technological power. “Intelligence must not be separated from conscience,” he said. “And technological progress, if not rooted in values, risks losing its direction.”

With this vision at heart, USJ is committed to promoting research that combines academic excellence with human responsibility. Its approach is rooted in the concrete needs of Lebanon, including industrial development, public health, sustainable economics, inclusive education, heritage preservation, and the energy transition. The Rector reaffirmed his belief that, even in the face of today’s challenges, “Lebanon can and must be able to rely on its universities, and on USJ in particular, as a source of solutions, creativity, resilience, and hope.”

He concluded by emphasizing that “university research is not a luxury. It is a national and global necessity,” and encouraged all stakeholders to “continue moving forward together on this path of scientific research, not only across all fields, but also across borders. Science, after all, is a universal language.”

In his address, the Minister of Industry, Mr. Joe Issa El-Khoury, stressed the vital role of research at a time when Lebanon is navigating profound geopolitical, societal, and technological shifts. “Research can no longer be seen as an abstract academic pursuit,” he said. It must be viewed as a “national responsibility,” and as a driving force for economic recovery, institutional modernization, and talent retention.

Drawing on his role as Minister, he reminded the audience that “the industries of the 21^st century are no longer built on natural resources, but on human intelligence.” Innovation and technology are the new raw materials. For this reason, he called for stronger bridges between research centers like those at USJ and the country’s economic landscape. He encouraged greater investment in applied research, support for incubators, and the expansion of public-private partnerships in key sectors such as agrifood, biotechnology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

The Minister also highlighted the strategic role of the Lebanese diaspora, which includes internationally recognized scientists, researchers, and engineers. He urged a reconnection between these experts and local universities. “It is time to reverse the brain drain and foster a circular flow of knowledge,” he said. His vision is for Lebanon to become a platform that is multilingual, interdisciplinary, and globally connected.

To reinforce his message, he shared a comparison of international investments in research and development (R&D), citing countries such as Israel, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan, which allocate between three and six percent of their GDP to R&D. From these examples, he identified four pillars of an effective innovation ecosystem: defense-related research with civilian benefits, strategic public engagement, mobilized private capital, and academic excellence that remains open to the world.

Recognizing the limits of public funding in Lebanon, the Minister called for innovative alternatives, including the creation of a research tax credit to encourage companies to invest in R&D. He also stressed the need to mobilize private capital and the Lebanese diaspora, while reaffirming the central role of universities, particularly USJ, must play in building the country’s research ecosystem.

As a roadmap for this effort, he proposed the launch of a “National Knowledge Pact” structured around six key pillars. These include the creation of a public innovation authority, the implementation of a research tax credit, stronger engagement with the diaspora, the development of sector-specific R&D poles, enhanced collaboration between universities and the private sector, and a broader internationalization of Lebanese research.

He closed his remarks with a powerful message: “We must treat research not as a luxury for prosperous times, but as an act of resilience in times of crisis.” He urged collective action to position Lebanon as a “hub of global excellence,” and saluted the pioneering role that the Saint Joseph University of Beirut continues to play in advancing that goal.

This 16^th Edition of the Research Days also honored scientific excellence within USJ through the “Distinguished Researcher” award. In the “Emerging Talent” category, the award went to Prof. André El-Khoury, an instructor-researcher at the Faculty of Science. In the “Outstanding Career” category, three professors were recognized: Prof. David Atallah from the Faculty of Medicine – Hôtel-Dieu de France, Prof. Mireille Kallassy Awad from the Faculty of Science, and Prof. Nassim Farès, also from the Faculty of Medicine. Two Rector’s Distinctions were also awarded this year. One went to Prof. Marianne Abi Fadel, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and the other to Prof. Jad Hatem from the Faculty of Humanities Ramez G. Chagoury.

The program for this year’s edition reflected the University’s strong scientific ambition. The Research Days opened with a keynote address by Prof. Denis Noble, a pioneer in the field of computational physiology, followed by a roundtable on how humanity is evolving in the era of precision medicine and artificial intelligence. The session was moderated by the Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Richard Maroun and brought together distinguished speakers such as Boris Cyrulnik, Stéphane Hatem, and Khalil Daoud, alongside the Rector of USJ.

The second day focused on timely and future-oriented themes. Sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence explored both the latest technological advancements and the ethical challenges involved in integrating AI into research. These were followed by five sessions that showcased the diversity and richness of research at USJ. These covered the humanities, medical sciences, social sciences, science and technology, and research conducted at Hôtel-Dieu de France.

Together, these sessions stood as a testament to USJ’s continued commitment to interdisciplinary, innovative research that remains deeply rooted in the challenges of our time.

Read also: 16e Journées de la recherche

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