Under the patronage of His Excellency, Minister of Industry, Dr Hussein Haj Hassan, Al Maaref University held the signing ceremony of the "Charter of Ethical Principles for Scientific Research in Lebanon" issued by the National Council for Scientific Research on Tuesday 19 December 2017 at the University campus in Beirut.

The signing ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Hussein Haj Hassan, President of Al Maaref University, Professor Ali Alaeddin, Secretary-General of the National Council for Scientific Research, Professor Moin Hamza, Cultural Attaché at the Iranian Embassy, Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Shariatmadar, President of the Lebanese Association of Scientific Advancement, Professor Naim Awaini, members of Al Maaref University's Board of Trustees, and an audience of Course Instructors, cultural and academic stakeholders including representatives of Lebanese universities and directors of research centers.

After welcoming the attendees, Professor Alaeddine, the University President, declared the university's commitment to the Charter, considering that the "adherence to the ethical principles of scientific research protects the dignity and rights of the human being, contributes to society's development, guarantees having indicators of quality and excellence for the researchers and consolidates the public morals in the country."

Professor Alaeddine stressed that the Charter dealt with "responsible and irresponsible practices in scientific research," pointing out that "the University will form a special committee to supervise what the Charter has stated therein. 

Professor Moin Hamza, Secretary-General of the National Council for Scientific Research congratulated the members of Al Maaref University for signing the charter by stating that "We are proud that an emerging university has initiated to adopt the Charter of Ethical Principles, which we consider today to be the basis of quality systems that guarantee the expediency and transparency of research and practices of academics".

As well, Professor Hamaz pointed out to the Charter's importance with to regard guaranteeing "the transparency and credibility of academics and scientists and enhancing the paths of research, innovation and societal service". 

The sponsor of the signing ceremony, Minister Dr Hussein Haj Hassan, appreciated Al Maaref Univesity and greeted its full commitment to this Charter despite the fact that "it is still in the phase of growth and development". He denoted that the Charter "is not a law or a decree but it can be so" and calling on the National Council for Scientific Research to cooperate with the Higher Education Council to study the issue in pursuance of having the Charter a defacto law. 

The Minister of Industry summoned audience for developing the scale of the national economy to acquire higher capabilities to keep pace with the growth in research and innovation.

At the end of the ceremony, the President of the University presented two medals to HE the Minister of Industry and the Secretary-General of the National Council for Scientific Research expressing their thanks and appreciation for their efforts.