Yarmouk University has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, aiming to strengthen the university’s scientific role in producing rigorous Arabic knowledge and to actively contribute to the development of the Arabica Encyclopedia. The agreement reflects Yarmouk University’s standing as a leading Arab institution in scientific research and in serving the Arabic language.
The MoU was signed by the President of Yarmouk University, Professor Malek A. Alsharairi, and the Director General of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, Dr. Azmi Bishara, in a step that embodies the university’s academic stature and its institutional engagement in Arab knowledge projects with wide regional impact.
The memorandum emphasizes Yarmouk University’s direct contribution to enriching the encyclopedia’s content by utilizing the specialized academic expertise of its faculty members and students. It also encourages them to prepare encyclopedic entries in accordance with the highest internationally recognized methodological and academic standards, ensuring quality, accuracy, and reliability.
In recognition of the university’s academic and societal role, the MoU stipulates that the encyclopedic contributions of participating faculty members may be counted within the framework of community service.
Under the agreement, the Arab Center commits to highlighting Yarmouk University’s institutional identity by placing its logo on the encyclopedia’s main page, in addition to displaying the author’s name, academic affiliation with the university, and a brief profile of their scholarly achievements. This will enhance the university’s presence and influence within the Arab digital knowledge space.
The memorandum also includes a training and developmental dimension through the establishment of a specialized training program for Yarmouk University’s graduate students, aimed at enhancing their research and professional readiness. Furthermore, priority will be given to Yarmouk University faculty members in reviewing and refereeing scientific materials submitted for publication in the encyclopedia, reaffirming the university’s role in quality assurance and rigorous academic evaluation.
Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Professor Alsharairi stated that this partnership embodies Yarmouk University’s national and Arab mission to support the Arabic language as the identity of the nation and the vessel of its civilization. He stressed that the university views the encyclopedia as a strategic Arab knowledge project. He added that Yarmouk University, with its rich academic and scientific legacy, will continue to play its pioneering role in building Arab and human thought and in strengthening reliable digital content in line with rapid digital transformations.
It is worth noting that the Arabica Encyclopedia aims to produce a comprehensive online encyclopedia that serves as a primary reference for the Arab reader, providing accurate knowledge content prepared according to the highest academic standards. The project seeks to bridge the digital knowledge gap and enhance the global presence of Arab knowledge.
