Zarqa: Mohammad Al-Mardini, Director of the Astronomy and Space Sciences Research Center at Zarqa University, has been awarded a research grant by the Seed Fund Program jointly administered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation for 2024.
According to Jordan News Agency, the fund supports innovative and impactful collaborative research between MIT and Jordanian universities. Al-Mardini’s selection reflects the high caliber of research aimed at advancing international scientific development.
His winning project, titled “Stellar Archaeology: Searching for 13-Billion-Year-Old Stars in Public Data Archives,” proposes to investigate ancient stars through large-scale astronomical datasets. The initiative, along with other selected projects, is eligible for up to $30,000 in funding to support research visits and collaborative activities with MIT facilities.
Zarqa University President Nidal Al-Ramahi expressed his pride in the achievements of the university’s researchers, praising their contributions to global science and research excellence. “This recognition from MIT and the Shoman Foundation not only honors Dr. Mardini’s work but also affirms the strength of scientific research at Zarqa University,” Al-Ramahi stated. He emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a dynamic academic environment that enables researchers to pursue groundbreaking studies and expand international cooperation.