The Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) at Antonine University (UA), in collaboration with the Telecommunications, Information, and Computer Key Enabling Technologies Laboratory (TICKET Research Lab), hosted the 2025 Research Forum on November 13, 2025, at the Hadat–Baabda Campus under the theme “Engineering Research: From Idea to Impact.”

The event brought together academics, researchers, engineers, and students to explore how engineering research evolves from a concept into innovation with real societal relevance. Throughout the day, experts from Lebanon and abroad highlighted the growing importance of interdisciplinary research, collaboration with industry, and the integration of emerging technologies in shaping both national and international research ecosystems.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote

The forum opened with a welcome by the Master of Ceremony, Ms. Jocelyn Saab, who noted that the FET stands proudly among the leaders in the field; a reputation reflected in the exceptional work of its students, graduates, researchers, and faculty members.

The ceremony then continued with remarks from Dr. Jad Nassar, Associate Professor and Director of TICKET Lab, who underscored research as a mindset that encourages students to question, explore, and transform ideas into meaningful innovations.

Prof. Roger Achkar, Dean of the FET, emphasized the central role of research in engineering education and invited students and faculty to deepen their engagement in collaborative research that shapes the future of technology and society.

UA’s Rector, Fr. Michel Saghbiny, reaffirmed the University’s mission to advance scientific inquiry grounded in human dignity and societal advancement. He also invited students to view research as an act of responsibility and creativity, reminding them that every impactful achievement begins with a simple idea pursued with determination.

The keynote address, “Why Research Matters in Engineering: From Local Challenges to Global Impact,” was delivered by Prof. Hadi Kanaan, Full Professor and Head of the Doctoral School of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ).

Prof. Kanaan highlighted the value of research as a driver of technological, economic, and social transformation. He shared current initiatives at USJ and demonstrated how innovative ecosystems can thrive even in challenging national contexts, while stressing the importance of rigorous methodology, high-quality publications, and ethical responsibility.

Sessions and Panel Discussion

In the first session, Prof. Rony Darazi, UA’s Vice Rector for Cooperation and Internationalization, explored the relationship between technology, innovation, and academia. His discussion of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) offered students a clearer understanding of how research progresses toward industrial and societal applications.

The second session, led by Mr. Michel Owayjan, Senior Lecturer at the American University of Science and Technology (AUST), guided participants through the process of transforming real-world engineering problems into structured research questions. He demonstrated how curiosity, problem framing, and structured methodology lay the foundation for impactful research.

A dynamic panel discussion titled “The Research Landscape in Lebanon: Ethics, Challenges, and Emerging Opportunities” followed. Moderated by Dr. Kabalan Chaccour, Associate Professor and Head of UA’s Department of Computer and Communications Engineering, the panel featured Dr. Imane Abbas, Director of Doctoral Fellowships and Research Grant Programs at the National Council for Scientific Research - Lebanon (CNRS-L); Prof. Hadi Kanaan, USJ; Mr. Michel Owayjan, AUST; and Dr. Talar Atechian, UA’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs.

Panelists addressed ethical considerations in research, funding mechanisms, doctoral training, and the current challenges and opportunities shaping Lebanon’s research landscape. They stressed the need for scientific integrity, stronger institutional cooperation, and national commitment to sustaining research excellence.

Afternoon Sessions and Poster Exhibition

After a midday break, Prof. Abdallah Makhoul, Full Professor in Computer Science at Université Marie et Louis Pasteur and member of the Franche-Comté Électronique Mécanique Thermique et Optique - Sciences et Technologies (FEMTO-ST) Institute in France, delivered the third session on “Advances in Modular Robotics.”

He was joined virtually by Prof. Benoit Piranda, also from the FEMTO-ST Institute. Together, they explored emerging trends and ongoing collaborative research in modular robotics.

The forum also featured a poster exhibition showcasing student-led research across several engineering specializations. The Best Poster Award was presented to Mr. Abbas Zreik for his project “Multimodal Imaging for Anomaly Detection in Industry 5.0.” He received a $500 grant to support his upcoming research-related travel and academic development.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

Research Forum 2025 reaffirmed UA’s commitment to cultivating an environment where knowledge fuels innovation and service to society. By bridging academic expertise with industrial application, the FET continues to prepare future engineers to approach technological challenges with both creativity and ethical responsibility.

This forum contributed to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through its focus on ethical research, innovation, and academic collaboration.

Through initiatives of this kind, UA strengthens its role as a hub of interdisciplinary and contextualized research, further advancing its mission to support innovation, collaboration, and human-centered technological development.

Let us continue turning research into impact, together.