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Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie (PTUK) has achieved another scientific milestone, strengthening its academic and research presence internationally. Three of its researchers—Prof. Jihad Hassan Asad, Prof. Shaher Zyoud, and Dr. Mohammed Amer—have been included in the 2026 edition of the World’s Top 2% Scientists list, compiled by Stanford University in the United States in collaboration with the international academic publisher Elsevier, based on scientific indicators and data from the Scopus database.
This recognition highlights PTUK’s international presence and the contributions of its researchers in physics, environmental sciences, and energy. It further reinforces the University’s standing as an academic institution that brings together technical and applied education with scientific research, contributing to knowledge creation and keeping pace with global scientific developments.
On this occasion, PTUK President Prof. Hussein Shanak, on his own behalf and on behalf of the University community, extended his warmest congratulations to the three researchers in recognition of their scientific and research contributions. He wished them continued progress and success, along with further achievements that would enhance the University’s standing and strengthen the international presence of Palestinian scientific research.
Prof. Shanak affirmed that the inclusion of three PTUK researchers in this international ranking is a source of pride for the entire University community. He noted that it reflects the University’s outstanding academic and research talent and its ongoing efforts to develop the research environment and encourage high-quality scientific output.
He added that this achievement aligns with the University’s vision of consolidating its academic and research standing and strengthening its competitiveness in the international scientific community. Investing in outstanding human resources, supporting researchers, and fostering an environment conducive to creativity and innovation, he stressed, are fundamental pillars of developing the University’s research ecosystem.
Prof. Shanak further explained that the University is working to improve the quality of its scientific output and increase publication in internationally peer-reviewed journals, while expanding research partnerships and cooperation with academic and scientific institutions. These efforts aim to broaden the reach of PTUK researchers’ work, increase its citation potential, and strengthen the University’s presence in international academic databases and rankings.
He also noted that these efforts complement the University’s ongoing work to develop its scientific journal and enhance its quality and visibility within the research community. This will further strengthen PTUK’s position as a knowledge-producing institution and enable its academic expertise to contribute to addressing scientific and development challenges while linking research to the needs and priorities of Palestinian society.
Prof. Shanak emphasized that researchers’ presence in international rankings represents more than an individual achievement; it adds value to the University and its research ecosystem. It also serves as an incentive to continue supporting early-career researchers, encouraging high-quality scientific publishing, and developing collaborative research projects that improve the University’s research output and strengthen the international standing of Palestinian scientific research.
Outstanding Researchers
Prof. Jihad Hassan Asad – General Physics
Prof. Jihad Hassan Asad (Jihad H. Asad) was included in the General Physics category for the fifth consecutive year, ranking 287,215th worldwide and 1,479th in his specialized field, among 87,024 researchers, according to the ranking data. This marks the fifth time he has appeared in Stanford’s ranking.
His research focuses on theoretical and mathematical physics, nonlinear dynamical systems, fractional calculus, computational physics, and numerical modeling. His work also examines the electronic and magnetic properties of materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT).
Prof. Shaher Zyoud – Environmental Sciences
Prof. Shaher H. Zyoud was listed in the Environmental Sciences category, ranking 10,125th worldwide and 2,432nd in his specialized field, among 140,934 researchers, according to the ranking data.
His research interests include civil and environmental engineering, sustainable water resource management, hydrological modeling, environmental impact assessment, sustainability, and smart cities. He also applies decision-making methods and bibliometric analysis in scientific research.
Dr. Mohammed Amer – Energy
Dr. Mohammed Amer was included in the Energy category, ranking 184,102nd worldwide and 5,930th in his specialized field, among 371,959 researchers, according to the ranking data.
His research focuses on energy engineering and thermal systems, electronics cooling, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in engineering.
The World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking draws on bibliometric indicators, including scientific citations, the h-index, and other measures of research impact. It assesses researchers’ scientific influence both over their entire careers and within a specific year.
Clarify the ranking’s two assessment categories
