Focus
Science in the Middle East
- Focus issue:
- April 2014 Volume 13, No 4
Research in the Middle East struggles to achieve worldwide recognition, but the recent encouraging trends in scientific productivity suggest that something is changing. In this focus issue, the positive impact of some Middle Eastern research centres and universities, as well as the institutional and cultural changes required to foster the scientific renaissance of the Arab world are discussed.
Editorial
The Arabs' scientific vision - p317
doi:10.1038/nmat3940
Winds of change blow through research centres and universities operating in the Middle East.
Full text - The Arabs' scientific vision | PDF (660 KB) - The Arabs' scientific vision
Commentary
Dire need for a Middle Eastern science spring - pp318–320
Ahmed H. Zewail
doi:10.1038/nmat3918
The Middle East is rich in human and natural resources, but many of its countries need a cultural and scientific transformation to reach worldwide recognition in education, research and economic productivity. Several institutions are making a positive impact, kindling hope for a successful 'science spring'.
Full text - Dire need for a Middle Eastern science spring | PDF (948 KB) - Dire need for a Middle Eastern science spring
Interview
Changing attitudes in Saudi Arabia - pp321–322
Jean M.J. Fréchet
doi:10.1038/nmat3899
Jean M. J. Fréchet, vice-president for research at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), talked to Nature Materials about the achievements of this institution since its foundation in 2009 and its contribution to shaping research attitudes in Saudi Arabia.
Full text - Changing attitudes in Saudi Arabia | PDF (672 KB) - Changing attitudes in Saudi Arabia