Syrian researcher Fadia al-Haj Hussien has won the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for her work on affordable and reliable sustainable energy (SDG7).
The international award is granted to outstanding women researchers from developing countries in recognition of their scientific contributions to addressing global challenges, particularly in the fields of energy and sustainable development.
What does the research focus on?
In remarks to Enab Baladi, Dr. Fadia al-Haj Hussien, a researcher in organic chemistry and green chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Hama University, said her research focuses on developing innovative solutions in green chemistry and clean energy.
This is done by transforming local materials and industrial waste into effective substances that can be used as environmentally friendly catalysts in energy applications.
According to al-Haj Hussien, this approach aims to produce low-cost solutions that can be applied in resource-limited settings.
She said the importance of this research lies in its direct connection to community needs, especially amid the challenges facing the energy sector, as science can play an effective role in supporting economic stability and improving quality of life.
According to al-Haj Hussien, the results showed the potential to improve the efficiency of some energy-related processes, reduce costs, and lessen environmental impact.
Part of the research recommends repurposing industrial waste, particularly electric arc furnace slag (EAF slag), into effective materials for energy production processes.
The findings, she said, concluded that this slag could be used as a catalytic material in processes aimed at producing biofuel and hydrogen, helping reduce industrial waste on the one hand and develop clean and sustainable energy sources on the other.
Al-Haj Hussien said a Syrian researcher receiving this award has special significance, as it reflects the ability of Syrian scientific talent to continue producing and excelling despite difficult circumstances. It also confirms that investment in scientific research is one of the main pillars of reconstruction and sustainable development.
Dr. Fadia al-Haj Hussien, a researcher in organic chemistry and green chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy at Hama University (Enab Baladi)
