SQU Hosts Erasmus Mundus Selection Meeting
News Round Up
Antiretroviral Treatment among AIDS Patients
Mind Over Matter
Symposium on Environmental Problems
News Update
Diagnosing Inherited
Blood Disorders
Department of Public
Relations and Information
Sultan Qaboos University
Issue 233
View Point
The Shrinking World
It is a fact that the world has become smaller and more interconnected. The
revolution in communications technology has brought the world closer together and changed the way we think about it. The movement of capital
across borders is instantaneous, and the movement of products, people, is
faster than ever before. These factors make internationalization of universities vital and important. People in different continents access the same web
sites and television broadcasts, see the same advertisements and buy the
same products; many fear a growing homogenization of cultures and values. Finding the right balance between the global and the local is one of the
challenges of our time.
Humaid Abdullah Al Adwani
Editorial Supervision & Editor in Chief
M.K. Santhosh
Senior Editor
Anisa Al-Jabri
Design & Layout
Rashad Al Wahaibi
& Photography Dept., CET
Photography
These developments create tremendous opportunities for the universities of
the world. Universities in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America are
seeking students from around the world to represent the entire spectrum
of cultures and values on their campuses, and they are sending their own
students abroad to prepare them for global careers. The flow of students in
both directions will go a long way to increasing the capacity for cross-cultural understanding. Universities are also encouraging domestic students
to spend part of their undergraduate experience in another country.
Globalization is also reshaping the way research is done. One new trend
involves sourcing portions of a research program to another country. In
fact, the development of permanent joint research partnerships between
two universities is relatively novel. Collaborations takes root because of
personal relationships that links researchers with other scientists abroad.
Hence bottom-up approach is the need of the time to promote international
research collaboration between universities.
In every nation, universities play a critical role in providing the human
capital for business, government, and civil society, and the research generated by universities helps to drive the economy. Internationalization can
enhance these contributions that universities make to the wider society. By
encouraging international collaboration in research, we can accelerate the
advance of science and technology that will improve our health and material well-being. And, by utilizing modern communications technologies, we
can provide the benefits of education to a far larger fraction of humanity.
Such is the future of the global university.
Horizon invites contributions from SQU members of staff and faculty. Contributions in the form of articles,
news, travelogues, stories of unique and interesting experiences, encounters, etc., are welcome. Contributions
may be edited for the sake of clarity and length. Please send your contributions to horizon@squ.edu.om preferably, as MSWord attachments. Authors will be suitably credited.
Horizon is published three times a month by the Department of Public Relations and Information,
Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 50, P.C. 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Phone: +968 24141045
E-mail: horizon@squ.edu.om
10 February 2012 P2
Fax: +968 24413 391
Website: www.squ.edu.om
Turkish University Seeks
Ties with SQU
News Update
Symposium on
Environmental Problems
Sultan Qaboos University, in collaboration with the Association of Arab
Universities, will be hosting a symposium entitled “Environmental
Problems in the Arab World: Meeting the Environmental Challenges of
Sustainable Development” from, 26 to 28 of February 2012.
A delegation from the Middle East Technical University (METU) in
Turkey, headed by Prof. Dr. Ahmet C. Acar, President of the university visited SQU recently in order to explore potential collaboration
between the two institutions. The delegation was received by Prof.
Amer bin Ali al Rawas, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies & Research, HH Sayyida Dr. Mona bint Fahad al Said,
Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Cooperation, and other senior
academicians.
METU, the premier state university in Turkey founded in 1956, currently has about 24,500 students of which 4,800 are in masters and
2,900 are in doctorate programs. METU hosts over 1,700 international students from nearly 85 different countries studying toward
myriad of academic degrees. This research intensive university has
five Graduate Schools with 100 masters and 66 doctorate programs.
The two sides discussed the possibilities of research collaboration
in marine sciences and different fields in engineering and science. Agreement on exchange of students under credit transfer system
was discussed. METU, with 168 Erasmus agreements and 182 bilateral exchange and cooperation agreements with universities in third
countries, annually sends 350 students and 60 teaching staff and
hosts 300 students and 50 teaching staff or researchers. SQU has tie
up agreements with around 45 universities worldwide.
Commenting on the importance of the symposium theme, the organizers
said that the latest Arab Human Development Report published by the
UN (2009) gives a detailed assessment of the most significant environmental aspects which pose serious challenges and threats to the future
development and human security in the Arab countries. The report emphasizes the need to minimize particularly the threats of water shortages, desertification, pollution, and climate change as key priority and
called for the need for more conservation and sustainable use of natural
resources. Analysis of these Environmental challenges and search for
their underlying causes and the mechanisms and dynamism inherent in
them can not be carried out without scientific research that guides policy
and decision makers. With this goal in mind, the symposium will provide a forum for discussion.
The symposium will address the following key questions: How is the
environmental setup in the Arab world changing? What are the causes
of environmental deterioration, and how is it linked to human activities
and other stresses? What is being done to combat environmental deterioration? How is society responding to public and private initiatives taken
to this effect? Are the measures taken to combat environmental degradation and deterioration of ecosystems enough? The following sub themes
will also be discussed in the symposium: adaptation to climate change;
sustainable fresh water utilization; waste management and wastewater
treatment; conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystem; environmental governance in the Arab World; renewable energy and green
economy; and, environmental education and awareness.
Conference Contemplates Challenges Facing Camelids
The opening ceremony of the third edition of the International Conference of the Society of Camelid Research and Development (ISOCARD
2012) was held at SQU under the patronage of HE Dr. Fuad Jaafar Mohammed al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries. The event was
hosted by the Department of Animal & Veterinary Sciences (AVS) of the
College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences at SQU. The theme of the conference was “Challenges Facing Camelids in a Changing World”.
In his welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Isam T. Kadim, Head of the Department of AVS and Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee,
said that the delegates of the conference will have the opportunity to
meet scientists and kindred spirits from around the world, and in so
doing will be able to exchange ideas pertaining to the culture and science of Camelids. Prof. Kadim added that although the population of
Camelids worldwide is small compared to many other domestic animal
species, their importance is disproportionately high in arid and semiarid lands and in the highlands, which together represent one third of
the earth’s landmass.
Dr. Hamed bin Sulaiman al Salmi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for
Administrative & Financial Affairs delivered a speech on behalf of the
university’s administration, in which he said that the livestock sector
is important due to its extensive contribution to the national economy.
“The camel is closely assoicated with the culture and livelihood of the
people in the Arabian peninsula and elswhere. The University is looking
forward through organizing and hosting of this conference with the aim
of contribution in the discussion of the challenges that face the camels
around the world, especially during this period of the climate changes”,
Dr. Hamed said.
In his speech, Prof. Ghaleb Alhadrami, Chairman of ISOCARD, said
that the organization, which was launched six years ago, is now being
accepted in the ‘landscape’ of the camelid scientists community as an essential body for the promotion of research and development in the field
of camel biology, camel production and farming system. ISOCARD has
more than 400 members registered in our website, and the organization
runs a scientific journal.
The conference has attracted more than 200 participants from 39 nations.
The conference included 100 oral presentations, 80 poster presentations
and an exhibition of institutions and organizations from Oman and other parts of the world which deal with camels in one way or other. The
subjects of the conference ranged from studies about infectious diseases
in camels, anatomy and biochemistry, surgery, physiology, reproduction, nutrition, pastoral systems and camel meat and milk production.
The Minister opened the exhibition after a spectacular camel parade put
up by Royal Camel Corps. The conference ended on February 1.
10 February 2012 P3
Insight
Diagnosing
Inherited Blood
Disorders
Dr. Salam Al-Kindi
Dr. Shoaib Al-Zadjali
Inherited blood disorders like Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia are among the most prominent health concerns in Oman
as studies indicate that almost 60 per cent of Omanis are carriers
of one or multiple genes of inherited blood disorders. Dr. Shoaib
Al Zadjali, a Senior Biomedical Scientist in the Department of
Haematology at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, who is specialised in diagnosing inherited blood disorders using molecular genetic techniques, has been awarded doctorate degree with
honours from a reputed research institute based in Paris. His PhD
thesis discussed the genetic analysis of inherited blood disorders
in Oman to achieve high level of accuracy in the diagnosis of
these disorders with simplified and advanced techniques of genetic analysis ensuring rapid completion of laboratory testing of
patients.
The conventional method for diagnosing blood disorders is phenotypic analysis which is time consuming and can be misleading
particularly in an area such as Oman, where many genes are interacting together. According to Dr. Shoaib, the phenotypic analysis
is not sufficient to yield accurate results in all cases. His study has
resulted in innovative research strategies for accurate and simplified analyses of genetic blood disorders for the first time globally
especially for alpha thalassemia and the findings were documented in five research papers published in international peer
reviewed journals. Dr. Shoaib received his PhD degree from the
High Applied School in Paris. This is the first achievement of its
kind for the French research institute, as Shoaib is the first Omani
student to receive a doctoral degree with honours.
Dr. Shoaib’s PhD thesis was, in fact, based on the findings of a
research project undertaken by Dr. Salam Alkindi, Head of the
Department of Haematology at SQU. With support from His Majesty’s Strategic Research Fund for the year 2005-2007, Dr. Salam
Alkindi and team did a research titled “Newborn haemohlobinopathy carrier screening: towards comprehensive and improved
patient care of patients with sickle cell disease in Oman”. The
study demonstrated that series hereditary blood disorders (such
as beta thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease) were prevalent in approximately 10 percent of the newborn Omani babies. Around 50
percent of the newborns were diagnosed with alpha thalassemia
and these ratios did not vary from another study conducted in
1995 by the Ministry of Health among school children. Accord10 February 2012 P4
ing to Dr. Shoaib al Zadjali, the high prevalence of inherited blood
disorders is an indication of lack of awareness programs in this area
and lack of advanced diagnostic procedures. This is what motivated
him to do further studies in association with the French institute. The
aim of his PhD thesis was to confirm these hereditary blood diseases
prevalence ratio using molecular genetics methods. He used different genetic tests for the first time in Oman and identified tailor-made
strategies for Oman on the basis of the nature and pattern of these
diseases. His work has contributed substantially toward ensuring accuracy in the diagnostic procedures and obtain rapid results within
short period of time.
Dr. Shoaib Al-Zadjali, who started the molecular tests in the Haematology Department in 2004 after training from the Inserm Institute,
Paris, is in charge of the Molecular Biology Laboratory. He performs
DNA fingerprinting and chimerism (a state in which a person has
more than one set of DNA) studies in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and monitoring studies following BMT.
He also is actively involved in project work involving patients with
neonatal cord blood screening, thrombophilia screening, malignancy molecular diagnostics, and several immunodeficiency disorders
aimed at defining the molecular profile of these congenital disorders.
Dr. Salam Alkindi was the local supervisor for Shoaib’s PhD work. In
France, he was supervised by Dr. Rajagopal Krishnamoorthy, Director of Research, Inserm Unit 763 at Robert Debre Hospital. His thesis
defence was held on 18 November 2011 which coincided with the
41st National Day of Oman. His thesis was titled “Molecular Genetics of Haemoglobinopathies in Oman”
Dr. Shoaib said that the prevalence of inherited blood diseases in
Oman is quite different from other countries in the region. That is
because of the admixture of population living in Oman, which therefore created a novel models of diseases not found elsewhere, and
requires a very careful attention in the diagnosis of such disorders.
Dr. Shoaib hopes that his study would create a novel strategy for the
rapid diagnosis of complex inherited blood diseases in Oman. “This
strategy could be replicated in neighbouring countries in the gulf
region that have similar problems with hereditary blood disorders”,
he said.
Mind Over Matter
Antiretroviral Treatment
among AIDS Patients
Prof. Ali Al Jabri
A research project at Sultan Qaboos University, investigating the roles of
certain genes among Omani AIDS patients on antiretroviral treatment
(HAART treatment), has been funded by The Research Council. Prof.
Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Jabri, Professor of Immunology and Heading the
Immunology Unit of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, is heading a team of
researchers on this project. According to Prof. Al Jabri, the availability of
HAART (a cocktail of drugs used to treat AIDS patients) is an important
breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. “This treatment was limited to
only patients living mainly in western countries. Now and for the past
few years, these drugs are available to all Omani patients with AIDS.
However, not all Omani patients respond equally to these drugs”, he
said.
Prof. Al-Jabri added that this project would help them to train postgraduate Omani students in performing high quality scientific research
in Oman in addition to answering important scientific questions. “Currently, I have one PhD student and two MSc students working on HIV/
AIDS. Without TRC funds, we would have not been able to start this
important scientific research project with confidence”, he said.
AIDS is a major global health emergency, and it is the sixth leading
cause of death in the world and the third in low income countries. Not
all individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the
causative agent for AIDS, will progress at the same rate towards the terminal stages of the disease. Natural resistance to HIV/AIDS can be considered at different levels: for example, resistance to becoming infected
with the virus or resistance to progression of the disease after infection
occur such as long term non-progressors; or after symptoms appears
(usually when the levels of CD4 is less than 200, i.e very low levels as
the normal levels of CD4 cells is between 500-1000 cells) such patients
are called long term AIDS survivors.
Prof. Al-Jabri further said: “It has been observed and known, that HIVinfected patients on HAART do not respond equally to treatment, despite proper compliance to therapy. Immunological and/or virological
failure is commonly observed among those patients. The observed variation has been attributed to non-genetic factors such as the existence of
different HIV subtypes and the evolution of drug resistance mutations
on the HIV genome. However, recent studies have demonstrated that
the genetic makeup of the individual is an important contributing factor
to the variation observed on HAART response among different patients.
It is believed that, human leukocyte antigens (HLA), (these are molecules found on different cells in our bodies and especially on immune
cells and these molecules are essential for the immune response against
viruses) allele type, CC chemokine ligand 3-like 1 (CCL3L1) and CC
chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) genotypes are among the candidate host
genetic factors that may explain the fast or slow deterioration among
AIDS patients on HAART”.
Prof. Al Jabri revealed that the team is currently studying whether or not
certain CCL3L1-CCR5 genotype and/or HLA alleles play a significant
role in the response to HAART among Omani AIDS patients on HAART.
“This is being done by determining the HLA alleles using molecular
technique. CCR5 gene polymorphisms is detected by Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing of the entire gene. CCL3L1 copy
number is being investigated by Real Time PCR. The above mentioned
procedures are being carried out among controls and AIDS patients on
HAART. The distribution of HLA alleles and CCL3L1-CCR5 genotype
among controls will then be compared against AIDS patients on HAART.
We are also investigating the influence of these genetic markers on the
different immunological and virological parameters among the Omani AIDS patients on HAART and also determining alleles (which are
to be identified) among good and poor responders to HAART among
these patients and hopefully deciphering the mechanism(s) that may
explain HLA/AIDS association such as HLA assembly, trafficking and
proteomic studies of CD4+ T helper cells and macrophages on the study
groups”, he added.
“To the best of our knowledge, this novel approach has not been investigated thoroughly”, Prof. Al-Jabri said, adding that they hope to
implement and address this among the Omani AIDS patients. “Finally,
we are proposing that, the outcome of our scientific investigation will
help determining factors involved in the variability of immune response
observed among AIDS patients on HAART. This may indeed aid in optimizing the best treatment for the Omani AIDS patients based on our
population genetic background and limiting the exposure to unnecessary toxicity due to the use of antiretrovirals. Understanding HLA involvement in AIDS progression will open gates for possible development of effective therapy among Omani AIDS patients”.
The Immunology Unit of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the College of Medicine & Health sciences has a good research
team with two senior academicians and two PhD qualified scientists in
addition to a biomedical scientist. Prof. Al Jabri’s group work on different aspects of the immune response especially immunity to infectious
diseases for example HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and on autoimmunity and
they have also a special interest in agents that are natural and having
antimicrobial properties.
10 February 2012
P5
News Round Up
SQU to Strengthen Ties with
Glasgow University
An academic delegation from University of Glasgow, UK, headed by Prof.
Anne Anderson, Vice-Principal and Head of College of Social Sciences,
visited SQU recently in order to explore potential of cooperation between
the two universities. The Glasgow delegation was received by Dr. Hamed
bin Sulaiman al Salmi, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative &
Financial Affairs, and other senior administrators.
They explored the potential of collaboration between the two universities
in terms of staff exchange, student exchange and collaborative research.
Prof. Anderson said that University of Glasgow is looking for genuine
and broad based partnership with SQU through a focussed approach.
In connection with the visit of the visit of the delegation, the College of
Education at SQU and University of Glasgow jointly organized a symposium on “The Challenges of Educational Leadership in Times of Rapid
Change” under the patronage of HH Sayyida Dr. Mona bit Fahad Al Said,
SQU Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Cooperation. Prof. James
Conroy gave a talk on “Reimagining educational leadership in challenging times”. Prof. Graham Donaldson spoke about international and historical perspectives from teaching Scotland’s future. He said that over
the last 50 years, school education has become one of the most important
policy areas for governments across the world. “Human capital in the
form of a highly educated population is now accepted as a key determinant of economic success. The foundations of successful education lie in
the quality of teachers and their leadership. High quality people achieve
high quality outcomes for children”, he added.
Medical Students Share
Clinical Elective Experience
As many as 120 MD students of the College of Medicine & Health Sciences
at SQU, who successfully completed their overseas clinical elective training
in 31 prestigious medical schools within 14 different countries worldwide
in the summer of 2011, presented their experiences at a function organized
at the university under the patronage of Dr. Said bin Ali al Yahyaee, SQU
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Community Service. During the function, the Deputy Vice Chancellor honored representatives from
the private sector companies Oman LNG and Qalhat LNG, who sponsored
the clinical elective program.
The College of Medicine & Health Sciences, through its Overseas Clinical
Electives Program has sought to expose its medical trainees to different
medical cultures. It is a prerequisite and an important component of the
MD curriculum in the College. Medical students who have completed their
six years in the University spend a minimum of 8 weeks elective attachment
in recognized medical institutions worldwide. Students normally travel to
different parts of the world including USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Sweden,
Egypt, Malaysia, India, Australia etc., depending on available opportunities. The College has also opened its door for overseas medical trainees to
come to experience the working of healthcare in Oman.
10 February 2012 P6
SQU Hosts Erasmus
Mundus Selection Meeting
SQU hosted the selection meeting of the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program for Gulf Countries Lot4 partnership on January
30 and 31. Erasmus Mundus is a cooperation and mobility programme in the field of higher education that aims to enhance the
quality of higher education and to promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through cooperation between Europe and Third-Countries. Representing the participating European Union universities, Ms.Olga Benítez, representative
of the University of Deusto and Mr.Petter Pilesjo, representative
from Lund University attended the meeting.
The Erasmus Mundus programme for the Gulf Countries, Lot4 is
a partnership established between 5 European and 7 Gulf Countries’ Higher Education Institutions. SQU and Nizwa University
are the two participating institutions from the Sultanate. The consortium includes five EU higher educational institutions: University of Deusto in Spain, University of Lund in Sweden, University of Lille in France, Technical University of Berlin in Germany
and University College, Dublin, Ireland. All participating universities have ample experience in international co-operation and
academic exchange. The exchange program covers Masters, Doctorates, Post docs and academic staff within the consortium.
Prof. Amer bin Ali al Rawas, SQU Deputy Vice Chancellor for
Postgraduate Studies & Research said that the agenda of the
meeting held at SQU was to finalize the selection of academics
and students who applied for Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
“The consortium of higher educational institutions in Europe
and Gulf countries has been working together to implement the
exchange program planned for three years. The exchange of students and academic staff started in September 2011. This meeting
finalized the selection of candidates who will start their studies in
September 2012. The total number of selected candidates is 54”,
he said. The meeting also discussed the bilateral relationships between the universities in the consortium.
Prof. Amer al Rawas further said that SQU is privileged to host
the two day meeting which ended with fruitful results. “SQU has
been a key player in facilitating the programs and activities of
the consortium. We hope that the outcome of the meeting would
lead to enhance cooperation between the prestigious universities
included in the consortium”, he added. Ms. Olga Benítez said
that all partners attended the meeting which finalized the list of
candidates. She thanked SQU for hosting the meeting and for
providing all necessary support. Mr. Petter Pilesjo hoped that the
meeting would pave way for enhancing the teaching and research
collaboration between the Gulf and European universities.
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Straight Talk
Horizon: Could you introduce your university?
Prof. Engler:
The Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is one of Europe’s oldest universities established in the year 1477 with some 80 students.
Tübingen today remains a place of research and teaching. There are 25,000
German and international students in the university at present. Around 400
professors and more than 4000 other academic staff teach at the University’s
seven faculties. The broad spectrum of subjects offered by the University
of Tübingen promotes interdisciplinary communication benefiting research
and has led to areas of specialised research that have attracted attention from
around the world. A large number of partnerships with other universities
and research institutions add to the University’s international reputation.
Horizon: : What is the position of Tübingen University in national rankings of universities in Germany?
Prof. Engler:
In the national ranking, Tübingen is among the top ten
universities. I would say that it is number one in Medicine and Life Sciences
in the Federal Republic of Germany. The Life Sciences have ranked particularly well for many years due to the broad spectrum of their top-level research
in fields such as Neurocognition, Infection Medicine, Molecular Biology and
Immunology, Biochemistry, Individualized Cancer Treatment and Diabetology. Tübingen is also famous for its Geo and Environmental research as well
as for its work at the cutting edge of Astrophysics and Elementary Particle
Physics. Quantum physics, Nanotechnology as well as Pharma- and Biotechnology round off the university’s research profile in the sciences. Tübingen’s
Archaeology and Prehistory research has respected names and sensational
discoveries to its credit, while the university’s research in the disciplines
of Asian and Oriental Studies, Theology, Linguistics and History is world
class. The seven faculties are Protestant Theology, Catholic Theology, Law,
Medicine, Sciences, Humanities, Economics and Social Sciences. This makes
Tübingen a comprehensive university. The Centre for Islamic Theology at
Tübingen has a fairly large collection of books on Islam and the Arab World.
The centre undertakes different researches on Orientalism and Islam, which
are funded by the State and Federal government.
Horizon:
Could you please elaborate on the medical and plant researches at Tübingen?
Prof. Engler: The goal of Tübingen’s plant researchers is to make agriculture more environmentally friendly and sustainable while conserving
resources. The specialists in this area work at the Center for Plant Molecular
Biology. When it comes to Medicine, Tübingen has been at the forefront of
international Neuroscience for several decades. The focus is on the brain and
brain functions, as well as on the changes which take place when tumours or
conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease occur. Our
medical researchers, developmental biologists, specialists from the Sciences
and Humanities, therapists and technicians are examining how neural networks are created and how they interact. The University of Tübingen also has
a new Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, where
the infection research expertise of scientists from several faculties comes together for the benefit of all. Two collaborative research centres focus on the
immune system; how it can be modified to more effectively control diseases
such as Multiple sclerosis; and how to treat sources of cancer efficiently and
with fewer side effects.
Horizon: Could you explain the purpose of your visit to SQU?
Prof. Engler: The idea is to strengthen collaboration between SQU and
Tübingen in terms of student exchange and research partnerships. In fact,
our university has more than 180 partnerships with institutions of higher
education in 45 countries. These partnerships are a valuable asset for our
students, as the exchange programs allows them to study at universities they
might not be able to attend otherwise. Some 43 percent of students currently
enrolled in Tübingen have spent part of their studies abroad. Our target is 50
percent. In return, students and academics from other countries often come
to Tübingen – more than 3,000 of the 25,000 students currently studying here
are from outside Germany. We are seeking potential cooperation with SQU
in terms of student exchange and research. We have programs in Arabic language and literature, Islamic Theology, and Islamic Studies and would like
to send the students to the Middle East countries so that they can learn more
about the cultures of the foreign lands. The students of the Islamic Studies
program are given intensive compulsory Arabic language training so that
they can do solid research in their respective areas. If they could come to the
Middle East countries and interact with the people, it would greatly help
them in their education process.
Prof. Dr. Bernd
Engler
Prof. Dr. Bernd Engler is the President
and Vice-Chancellor of the University
of Tübingen, one of Germany’s oldest universities, internationally noted
in medicine, natural sciences and the
humanities. He visited SQU recently
with a view to strengthen ties between
University of Tübingen and SQU. This
interview is based in his discussion
with SQU officials.