Professor Sima Hamadeh, Head of the Department of Public Health Nutrition – Media and Communication at Haigazian University, participated in the Arab Forum of Science Media and Communication (AFSMC 26), held on February 3–4, 2026, at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
The Forum was organized by SciComm X and Arab Forum of Science Media and Communication, and hosted by the University of Sharjah. This special edition, “AFSMC–PCST Symposium 2026,” was held in partnership with the International Network on Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST Network), bringing together leading scholars, educators, journalists, and practitioners to advance science communication in the Arab world and beyond.
As a faculty affiliate, Prof. Hamadeh contributed to the symposium through multiple distinguished roles, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to academic leadership, interdisciplinary engagement, and regional impact in science communication.
In the plenary session, Prof. Hamadeh delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Beyond the Page: Exploring Extended Reality (XR) Landscape in Science Journalism.” Her talk examined how immersive technologies—including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR)—are reshaping science storytelling, enhancing public engagement, and fostering trust in scientific information. The presentation highlighted the transformative potential of extended reality in bridging complex scientific knowledge with diverse audiences in innovative and accessible ways.
Prof. Hamadeh also served as a panelist in the session titled “Co-Creating a Curriculum in Science Media and Communication in the Arab World.” Joining expert voices from research, professional practice, and academia, she contributed to a forward-looking discussion centered on curriculum development that is contextually relevant, innovative, and responsive to regional needs. The panel underscored the importance of aligning global standards in science communication education with local cultural, social, and institutional realities.
In addition, Prof. Hamadeh was appointed as a Guest Editor within the teaching track of the symposium, serving as a member of the editorial team for a forthcoming Special Issue of the Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) on “Science Communication in the Arab World.” The special issue aims to showcase regional perspectives, address local challenges, and contribute substantively to the global discourse on science communication research and practice.
The AFSMC–PCST Symposium 2026 provided an exceptional and forward-looking platform for meaningful dialogue, collaborative learning, and strategic networking among regional and international stakeholders. Haigazian University views Prof. Hamadeh’s multifaceted participation as a testament to the University’s active role in shaping the future of science media and communication, strengthening bridges between international scholarship and regional practice, and advancing impactful public engagement with science across the Arab world.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director