Raum 114
Arab-German Metamorphoses: Transformation by Research Cooperation
Host: Verena Lepper (Egyptology, Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities, AGYA)
More than ten years of AGYA’s endeavours in Arab-German research cooperation have shown one thing in abundance: jointly conducting research across disciplines and borders in the framework of a self-governed young academy is an experience with a long-lasting if not transformative impact. This is visible in the impressive trajectories of the AGYA members and alumni, and maybe even more importantly in the continuous collaboration and appreciation among members, alumni and stakeholders across Germany and the Arab countries. It is this continuity in face of the challenges and transformations of the past decade that proves the principle strength of AGYA’s unique approach Arab-German research cooperation.
We will showcase successful Arab-German research collaboration and their fascinating and innovative outcomes. Learn which problems have been solved by interdisciplinary cooperation between Egyptologists, Mathematicians, and Computer Scientist to virtually unfold ancient papyri. Meet researchers that involve local communities and create significant societal impact in the field of food security in the Arab countries and Germany. Discuss with AGYA members and practitioners how educational systems need to transform to become inclusive spaces that are fit for the future. Witness live experiments that will alter your understanding of energy generation. And share a laugh with us, when AGYA members are gently forced out of their comfort zone and become the presenter of each other’s PowerPoint presentation.
19:00 - 19:45 Uhr
Same, same but different: The Virtual Unwrapping of Papyri
Film screening followed by a discussion
Virtually unfolding millennia-old papyri and revealing ancient writings is surely one of the more exciting experiences science holds for us. For this, Egyptologists use the latest technologies to examine tightly folded and extremely porous papyri to make the ink visible. By using the radiation in a synchrotron they create a digital twin of the papyrus – a virtual metamorphosis. AGYA Principal Investigator Verena Lepper (Egyptology, Berlin) will present her ground-breaking research and discuss with the President of the SESAME Council Rolf-Dieter Heuer (Physics, Amman) and AGYA member Ghada Mohamed (Egyptology, Cairo) how new technical methods and interdisciplinary collaboration are changing entire fields of research and research practices.
20:00 - 20:45 Uhr
Transforming Nutrition: Innovating Crops & Securing Clean Foods
Panel Discussion
This panel will explore innovations in agriculture and nutrition, with a special focus on securing clean and sustainable food sources. AGYA member Tilal Sayed Abdelhalim (Biotechnology, Khartoum/Tübingen) will present how his research will help to overcome malnutrition in Sudan. Together with Urte Grauwinkel (Soil Biogeochemistry, Halle-Wittenberg), he and his fellow AGYA member Nada El Darra (Food Chemistry, Beirut) will address the challenges of transforming food systems to meet growing global demands. The discussion, moderated by AGYA member Claire Bullen (Sociology, Tübingen), will highlight innovative strategies in the field of food security with examples from Lebanon, Sudan and Germany. Join us as we venture into the future of nutrition.
21:00 - 21:45 Uhr
Educational Shifts: Things We Need to Change
Panel Discussion
How do we envision the future of education in a rapidly evolving world? How can teaching Arabic in German schools improve mutual understanding? How does generative AI impact learning and teaching? Together we will explore how Arab-German approaches can foster educational settings in social transformation processes and in (post-)conflict societies that are oriented towards reconciliation and peace. What dynamics can we recognize and how do they shape future educational landscapes? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the metamorphosis of education, featuring Paula Rötscher (School teacher for Arabic as a foreign language, Schnepfenthal) as well as AGYA members Peter Konerding (Arabic Studies, Münster), Ayham Zaitouny (Mathematics, Al Ain) and AGYA Co-President Faouzia Zeraoulia (Political Science, Jijel). In this discussion, the audience is the agenda setter and determines which topics will be prioritized and explored in greater detail.
22:00 - 22:45 Uhr
Metamorphosis Matters: The Transformative Power of Crystals, Light and Conductivity
Science Show with Live Experiments
The transition to fossil free energy production relies on the optimal preparation of materials to harvest solar energy and improve conductivity. In one of three live experiments AGYA member Kristin Kliemt (Physics, Frankfurt/Main) illustrates the conversion of sand to single crystals, used in solar cells. AGYA member Mohamed Qenawy (Chemistry, Al Ain) uses light active materials to showcase the basic mechanisms of solar energy harvesting. Utilizing a high-temperature superconductor cooled with liquid nitrogen, AGYA alumnus Mahmoud Abdel-Hafiez (Physics, Sharjah) demonstrates magnetic levitation. Join in to better understand the core functionalities driving the transition into a more sustainable way of living!
23:00 - 00:00 Uhr
Live Metamorphosis: When Researchers Improvise!
PowerPoint Karaoke
To joyfully conclude the evening, join us for a unique exploration of the transformative power of improvisation: PowerPoint Karaoke. In this engaging session, AGYA members will navigate unexpected slides and unfamiliar content from fellow members’ presentations, giving rise to spontaneous interpretations and unanticipated connections – all in real time. Both insightful and entertaining, this finale promises to blend intellectual agility with a touch of humour. Witness metamorphosis in action, as knowledge unfolds in unpredictable ways!
