Rana Dajani

A Jordanian scientist and educator pioneering women's empowerment through science education in conflict zones

Rana Dajani is a molecular biologist and professor at Hashemite University in Jordan who has made extraordinary contributions to science education and women's empowerment in conflict-affected regions. Since 2020, she has led the Science from Above initiative, using drones to deliver educational materials to Syrian refugee camps and war-torn areas. Her work has enabled over 10,000 girls in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen to continue STEM education despite ongoing conflicts.

Dr. Dajani's Women in Science program provides scholarships and mentorship networks specifically for female researchers from marginalized communities. She developed a mobile lab concept that travels to refugee settlements, offering hands-on science experiences through ScienceMobile units equipped with solar-powered equipment. This initiative has been replicated in 15 countries across Africa and the Middle East.

In 2023, she co-founded the Global Girls Innovation Network, connecting young women scientists from 42 countries through virtual labs and collaborative projects. Her research on genetic diseases among displaced populations has led to breakthroughs in understanding inherited conditions in refugee communities. Dajani's TED Talk Science is a Human Right (2022) has over 3 million views, inspiring global advocacy for equitable STEM access.