Rana Dajani

Jordanian geneticist pioneering ethical science education in the Middle East

Rana Dajani's Scientific Mission

Dr. Rana Dajani is a Jordanian geneticist and founder of Know More, a nonprofit transforming science education in Arab countries. Her work since 2018 has trained over 3,000 teachers and reached 200,000 students through hands-on STEM programs emphasizing ethical reasoning. A professor at Hashemite University, Dajani's research on genetic diversity in Arab populations challenges traditional medical assumptions while promoting inclusive science.

Notable Achievements

Key contributions include:

• Developing Arabic-language CRISPR lab kits for high schools
• Creating the region's first bioethics curriculum for secondary schools
• Establishing a regional network of 50 women-led science hubs

In 2021, her book 《The Genealogical Science: Genetics and Identity in the Arab World》 became a bestseller in Arabic-speaking countries. She also co-founded the Arab Women in Science Network, which now includes 8,000 members across 20 nations.

Global Recognition

Recipient of the 2023 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award, Dajani's TED Talk "Teach Science with a Conscience" has over 1.5 million views. Her advocacy led to Jordan's 2024 law requiring ethics training for all STEM students.