His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, sponsored the opening of the 11th Petra International School of Physics, held under the theme: "Artificial Intelligence in Natural Sciences." The event was organized by the Faculties of Science at Yarmouk University and The University of Jordan, in collaboration with the Higher Council for Science and Technology and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy.
His Highness emphasized that research, observation, and learning are the essence of human development, and that preserving this intellectual curiosity—especially in times of modern warfare, escalating environmental crises, and conflicts that distort human values—is of utmost importance. He stressed that every individual has the right to think, to use knowledge, and to apply science in ways that serve humanity.
His Royal Highness called for the creation of a new vision for the Eastern Mediterranean based on integration in the fields of water, energy, food, and the environment—a concept he referred to as the “Cluster of Life.” He emphasized that science must be disseminated at the grassroots level so that physics and other sciences become tools for human advancement, not merely elite academic disciplines.
Dr. Malik Al-Shrairiri, President of Yarmouk University, stated that the Petra School of Physics is one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific events in Jordan. Since its founding over forty years ago, it has served as a pioneering scientific platform where scholars from different generations gather to exchange ideas, learn about recent discoveries, and foster cross-border scientific collaboration.
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He noted that the ongoing partnership between Yarmouk University and The University of Jordan in organizing this prestigious scientific school stems from a shared vision of leadership and excellence in education, scientific research, and community service.
He added that the university’s participation in this initiative reflects a deep belief that science thrives only in an open environment marked by collaboration and intellectual curiosity. Accordingly, Yarmouk University continues its relentless pursuit of its mission, achieving new milestones in global rankings, academic program accreditation, and research innovation. He highlighted that in recent years, the university has established a strong academic foundation in artificial intelligence by developing new programs that prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital and technological era.
Building on this foundation, the university aspires to expand its horizons toward AI-driven scientific research in the natural sciences, exploring how intelligent systems can enhance discoveries in physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental studies. Through these efforts, the university aims to forge fruitful scientific partnerships that bridge data science and natural sciences, reinforcing Yarmouk’s position as a regional hub for interdisciplinary research and emerging innovations.
For his part, Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President of The University of Jordan, stated that the school convenes amid a rapid scientific revolution driven by advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. He also warned of the challenges posed by these transformations, including widening gaps between nations and impacts that require deep reflection and proactive preparation.
He expressed pride in the university’s academic partnership with Yarmouk University in organizing this distinguished scientific event, which embodies the spirit of cooperation and evokes the legacy of the Nabataeans in Petra, who built one of the greatest human cities with architectural genius that continues to astonish the world. He affirmed that physics, as a discipline concerned with understanding the laws of nature, must contribute to human dignity, well-being, and service.
Obeidat called for justice and human values to be the compass guiding scientific progress, thanking HRH Prince El Hassan for his continued support of intellectual and knowledge-driven endeavors. He affirmed that Jordan, under its wise Hashemite leadership and the awareness of its people, will remain a beacon of science and creativity.
In the same context, Dr. Nidal Ershidat, Director of the 11th Petra International School of Physics, announced that this year’s edition is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence in the natural sciences, describing it as a field undergoing an unprecedented transformation in our understanding of the world. He emphasized that the school provides a space for learning, collaboration, and idea exchange, hoping it will inspire participants and open new avenues for research and discovery.
He added that this year’s conference highlights the central role of physics and its principles—such as quantum computing, materials science, and computational biophysics—in advancing AI and machine learning. This relationship is shaping the future of technology not only through computational models and algorithms but also by offering deep insights into the nature of learning, information, and complex systems.
Dr. Mahmoud Al-Jaghoub, Dean of the Faculty of Science at The University of Jordan, stated that AI enhances science and equips researchers with tools to uncover nature’s secrets and accelerate progress across fields—from physics and chemistry to environmental and energy sciences. He noted that what distinguishes this gathering is its ability to bring together a select group of scientists from around the world to exchange expertise and build collaborations that transcend borders and disciplines. He emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry to transform knowledge into practical solutions.
The sessions address a range of advanced scientific topics that underscore the strong connection between AI and physics, including the evolution of AI and machine learning concepts and their applications in various sciences—particularly data-driven materials science and gene discovery related to material properties.
The conference also covers subjects such as graph neural networks, smart databases, active learning, computational biophysics, molecular dynamics, energy-based generative models, intelligent prediction of atomic structures, and the future of quantum data science, quantum computing, and molecular bio-systems.
