The Applied Science Private University hosts the British-Jordanian Digital Heritage Partnership projec - Jordan News

Jordan News

07-05-2025

The Applied Science Private University hosts the British-Jordanian Digital Heritage Partnership projec Under the patronage of HRH Princess Dana Firas, President of the National Society for the Preservation of Petra and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, the Applied Science Private University (ASU) hosted the launch ceremony of the British-Jordanian Digital Heritage and Sustainable Development Partnership Project. The initiative is led by the University of Leeds in collaboration with ASU and a number of Jordanian universities. The project is directed by Prof. Dr. Jehan Selim from the University of Leeds (project lead and director), in cooperation with Dr. Reem Al-Barakat from ASU (project local partner). اضافة اعلان The project aims to establish a long-term collaborative framework to preserve Jordan's architectural and cultural heritage through the use of cutting-edge digital technologies and sustainable development practices. The event began with a welcoming speech by ASU President Prof. Dr. Samiha Jarrah, who expressed the university's pride in hosting this pioneering event. She highlighted the importance of international academic collaboration in enhancing the quality of education and scientific research and announced future plans to deepen the partnership with the University of Leeds. Princess Dana Firas delivered a keynote address expressing her pride in the project, affirming that heritage preservation in Jordan is a fundamental and non-negotiable priority due to its deep national and human value. She emphasized the significance of joint projects and international partnerships in creating meaningful and lasting impact in heritage protection. Her Highness also praised the outstanding student projects presented, noting their quality and the awareness demonstrated by the participants, and extended her gratitude to ASU for its generous hosting and support of such pioneering initiatives. In her remarks, Prof. Dr. Jehan Selim reviewed key research projects previously undertaken by the University of Leeds in Jordan and underscored the importance of knowledge exchange among academic institutions to enhance heritage conservation efforts. Dr. Reem Al-Barakat spoke about how this collaboration enriches the undergraduate experience and develops students' scientific and digital skills. In addition, heritage management consultant Mr. Jihad Haroun delivered an engaging presentation on the use of modern technologies to document and reconstruct endangered built heritage, which was met with great interest and enthusiasm from the audience. As part of the project's activities, the University of Leeds, in collaboration with ASU, organized the first national research competition for undergraduate architecture students in Jordan under the title: "Endangered Heritage Sites and Climate Change in Jordan." Student teams from four Jordanian universities participated, presenting field studies on the impact of climate change on prominent archaeological sites using 3D point cloud modeling technology. The student projects received wide acclaim during two dedicated academic sessions. Dr. Maysa Shomali (Al-Balqa Applied University), Dr. Lara Shawawreh (Mu'tah University), and Dr. Doaa Al-Maani (ASU) took part in a panel discussion addressing the impact of the competition on raising student awareness of heritage and climate change issues and on advancing architectural education in Jordan. The event concluded with Princess Dana Firas honoring the winning and participating teams. She also inaugurated the accompanying architectural exhibition, which showcased student work in an advanced visual environment worthy of the caliber of the projects presented.