Overview
H-Gaza works to safeguard and reconnect Palestinian researchers in and from Gaza. The project combines mapping, direct support, and strategic insights to ensure that researchers remain active, visible, and connected to the global scientific community.
The H-Gaza project responds to the urgent need to safeguard and reconnect the research and innovation capacity of the research community in Gaza, and prevent the isolation of an entire generation of scientists.
The overall objective of the project is to support the continuity of research activities in Gaza and among displaced Palestinian researchers from Gaza, strengthening international research collaboration to facilitate the reintegration of researchers into the global scientific community.
Objectives
The project aims to:
Conduct an extensive mapping exercise to identify existing regional and local initiatives, potential beneficiaries (Palestinian researchers in and from Gaza), and relevant stakeholders capable of supporting Palestinian researchers from Gaza.
Provide immediate support to an initial cohort of 75 Palestinian researchers in and from Gaza through a Virtual Research Collaboration Hub.
Conduct a feasibility assessment to orientate the design of a larger intervention to support researchers in and from Gaza.
Phases
Mapping phase
The project analyses the research and innovation landscape in Gaza to identify existing support initiatives, research capacities, gaps, and priority needs. The results inform an inventory of support initiatives and the design of targeted support activities.
Pilot phase
A 9-month Virtual Research Collaboration Hub integrated into EURAXESS will support up to 75 researchers through mentoring, training, research support, and access to international networks and opportunities.
Feasibility assessment
The project evaluates results from the pilot and mapping phases to assess scalability and sustainability, and define a roadmap for future large-scale support to researchers in and from Gaza.
Support structure
The project is supported by a complementary advisory structures, in coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education:
Gaza Liaison Group, a local advisory group supporting alignment with the needs and priorities of the higher education and research sector in Gaza, composed by representatives of the seven research universities in Gaza nominated by their respective Presidents (in alphabetical order):
Al-Quds Open University – Gaza branch
Al-Aqsa University
Al-Azhar University
Israa University
Gaza University
Islamic University of Gaza
University of Palestine
International Advisory Board, a group of international experts offering strategic advice and expertise
Ethics committee, three independent experts overseeing the ethical implementation of the project
EURAXESS Science4Refugees – Bulgaria Coordination Unit, providing technical and thematic expertise for the Virtual Research Collaboration Hub.