The Arab Astronomical Society (ArAS): Developing Astrophysics Research in the Arab World

Abstract

AbstractThe Arab Astronomical Society (ArAS) was officially created during the constitutional assembly held in Marrakech (Morocco) on November 30, 2016, and legally recognized on May 15, 2017. ArAS is composed of a group of Arab researchers and students in the field of astrophysics who aim to develop research in this field in the Arab world (22 countries). ArAS is working on bridging the gap between the Arab astrophysicists in the Arab world and those around the world by organizing collaborative workshops and international scientific meetings, offering scholarships and developing graduate programs in astrophysics. Presently, the Society is working on establishing personal and material scientific infrastructure in the Arab world by training advanced undergraduate and graduate students in astrophysics and stimulating the building of new telescopes on the best sites in the Arab world. This will be accomplished through the hosting of specialized schools and conferences in astrophysics, international collaborations, facilitation of students’ and post-docs’ training in international research centres and universities, the establishment of prizes in astronomy to honour leading Arab scientists in astronomy and to motivate junior researchers to present notable works in astronomy. In this work, we present the on-going ArAS activities as well as future projects. ArAS is a young but energetic organization which is welcoming collaborations and partnership with other groups.