Four Syrian researchers from Damascus University and Syrian research centers have made Stanford University’s 2026 list of the world’s top 2% of scientists and researchers. This is the second year in a row that Syrian specialists have appeared in the ranking, demonstrating that scientific work continues in the country and that its researchers can compete internationally despite limited resources and serious challenges.
The ranking is based on data from the global Scopus database, which tracks research publications and citations, including studies published through the end of 2025. The list was released on October 7 and draws on scientometric indicators of research impact and reach in the international academic community. These indicators are considered the global standard for assessing the quality and visibility of scientific research.
Dr. Marwan al-Rai, a lecturer at Damascus University’s Faculty of Science and head of its international academic publications support unit, noted that Syrian scientists have gained international recognition in fields relevant to Syria’s development needs. These include renewable energy, nanotechnology, environmental chemistry, air and soil purification technologies, and water-resource and risk management using artificial intelligence. He said such research could help address economic and environmental problems as well as development challenges, provided conditions are created for turning its findings into practical solutions.
Despite this international presence, however, al-Rai pointed to a significant gap between scientific achievements and their actual use in Syria. The problem is no longer limited to publishing in prestigious journals: research findings are rarely put to use locally. “The weak point is implementation: research is published around the world and used by outside organizations, but it does not find its way to application in Syria,” he explained. Dr. Bilal Maan Zaarour, an associate professor at Damascus University’s Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, has made Stanford’s list for the third year in a row. In his view, inclusion in the ranking, compiled in partnership with Elsevier, strengthens institutions’ academic reputations, expands international cooperation, and helps attract students and researchers. The achievement is especially significant given the enormous disparity in resources between Syrian scientists and their counterparts in other countries.
The achievement highlights Syrian researchers’ resilience and their ability to continue working in difficult conditions, while also underscoring the importance of connecting academic research with the country’s economic needs and development goals. Syrian research is appearing on global scientific platforms, but the main challenge remains creating the environment, institutions, and resources needed to put these findings to use at home. Turning scientific visibility into tangible development depends on closing the gap between publications and practice, and making greater use of research within Syria.
Comments on the News
Which Syrian research centers, besides Damascus University, train researchers who appear in international rankings, and how are they funded? — In addition to Damascus University, the main public higher education and research institutions include the University of Aleppo, Tishreen University, Al-Baath University, the Syrian Virtual University, and the Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology (HIAST). Syrian universities remain underrepresented in leading global rankings because of conflict, sanctions, and weak infrastructure. Funding is mainly provided by the state through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and university budgets. HIAST and research centers also rely on government programs, while international grants and collaborative projects are limited and often depend on donors.
What specific water and climate risks in Syria make research into AI-assisted water-resource management especially relevant to the country? — The main risks are severe water shortages, frequent droughts, declining rainfall and rising evaporation, depleted groundwater, inefficient irrigation, deteriorating infrastructure, pollution and salinization, as well as dependence on transboundary rivers (the Euphrates and Tigris) and climate-related instability in agriculture. AI tools could therefore be particularly useful for drought forecasting and early warnings, optimizing irrigation, detecting leaks, monitoring water quality, and distributing resources more equitably.
Full version: Among the world’s top 2%: 4 researchers from Damascus University on Stanford’s global list