The Faculty of Engineering (FOE) proudly announces that two of its distinguished faculty members have been selected for the Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN – 2025) program, a competitive initiative supported by the Ambassade de France au Liban, the Institut français du Liban, and the Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires Étrangères.

Out of only 31 candidates selected nationwide, FOE stands out with two awardees:

• - Dr. Makram El Bachawati (Associate Professor at the Chemical Engineering Department) who is currently undertaking a one-month research stay at La Rochelle University (ULR).M
• - Dr. Marianne Saba (Assistant Professor at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department) who will begin her research visit in September 2025 at the same host institution.

Launched in 2017, the SSHN program targets Lebanese researchers, post-doctoral fellows, and PhD students, aiming to initiate or reinforce high-level scientific cooperation between France and Lebanon.

Reflecting on his ongoing research stay, Dr. Bachawati stated: “Being hosted at the LaSIE Laboratory (Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Ingénieur pour l’Environnement) at La Rochelle University under the supervision of Prof. Rafik Belarbi provides a valuable opportunity to deepen the scientific collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and LaSIE, and to advance research on sustainable urban systems. My work focuses on exploring in greater depth the possibility of optimizing green infrastructure performance in Mediterranean climates. I’m truly grateful for the support of the SSHN program, which makes this research possible.”

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud congratulated Dr. Bachawati and Dr. Saba for being chosen to represent FOE and the UOB, and for contributing to our mission for research excellence. ​​