The Annual Conference of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) is organized in cooperation with the University of Sharjah (UoS) from 17 to 20 November 2025. The event brings together UoS faculty and students with more than 100 AGYA members and alumni/ae from top-level German, Emirati, and Arab universities and research institutions, setting the stage for the celebration and advancement of fruitful research collaboration beyond disciplinary borders. It offers the opportunity to exchange and network with outstanding scholars, high-ranking policy makers, senior experts from business and industry, as well as leading representatives of funding institutions and cooperation partners.
For the first time, the AGYA Annual Conference takes place in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, highlighting Sharjah’s leading role in education, research, culture, and heritage. With the festive opening under the auspices of University President H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the UoS and AGYA will jointly celebrate “Connectivity in Science” and share visions for future research collaborations with global impact. A panel discussion with high-ranking stakeholders from academia and science policy offers insights into successful strategies and best practices of inclusive Arab-German knowledge production. The inauguration of the AGYA members 2025 presents the new cohort of outstanding scholars joining the growing AGYA network of excellence. The marquee event offers a unique opportunity to strengthen Arab-German research cooperation and paves the way for future initiatives in higher education, research, and innovation.
In Interdisciplinary Laboratories and Breakthrough Forums on topics such as health, water, technological innovation, peace education, and cultural heritage, the conference creates a platform for thought-provoking discussions on how to navigate global challenges in an interconnected world. AGYA and UoS jointly organize empowerment sessions for UoS students to enable them to obtain and improve the skills and knowledge they need to excel in research and become future leaders. Public evening events dedicated to innovative forms of science communication and cultural live performances connect different academic communities and bridge between science and society.
Beyond the public program, the AGYA Annual Conference will include General Assemblies and Working Group Meetings as well as scientific excursions and training sessions.
More information about the public program will follow in due course.
About AGYA
The Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) is based at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW) and at the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) in Egypt. It was established in 2013 as the first bilateral young academy worldwide.
AGYA promotes sustainable research cooperation between outstanding Arab and German scholars from all disciplines. The academy offers its members the unique opportunity to develop and implement their ideas and visions in research projects and joint initiatives at the interface of science and society. AGYA members share an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry, with the intention of seeking solutions to societal challenges. Together, they realize innovative research on topics such as Arab and German Education; Common Heritage and Common Challenges; Dynamics of Transformation; Energy, Water and Environment; Health and Society; and Innovation.
Eligible for membership are excellent early-career scholars (3–10 years post-PhD) who are affiliated with a research institution in Germany or in any Arab country: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The AGYA Call for Membership Applications is published annually at the beginning of the year.
AGYA is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and various Arab and German cooperation partners.