The UNESCO Chair in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at BZU  organized the Palestinian Conference on Modern Trends in Mathematics and Physics, held during 28-30 July 2008. It was attended by the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Mrs. Lamis Alami, BZU President, Dr. Nabeel Kassis and a number of Palestinian and Foreign scientists.

The conference aimed at exploring some of the recent trends in research in the fields of mathematics and physics, providing a venue for Palestinian scientists to present the latest results of their research. It also served as an opportunity for them to interact with each other and with a prominent international group of invited speakers. Another major aim of the Conference is to discuss the idea of establishing a Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Physics in Palestine and to discuss the scientific direction of its research program.

In his opening address, Dr. Kassis explained that the establishment of the UNESCO Chair in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at BZU last year was a preliminary step towards the founding of the Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Physics in Palestine, whereby Palestinian scientists will find suitable premises for their research and be able to exchange knowledge with others on one hand, and will also assist in attracting the expatriate Palestinian scientists on the other hand.

The Conference Coordinator, Dr. Henry Jaqaman, thanked UNESCO for supporting the establishment of the UNESCO Chair, including the UNESCO Higher Education Division and the UNESCO International Basic Sciences Programme. He also thanked the European Physical Society, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Palestine Academy for Science and Technology for providing additional financial support for this conference He concluded by announcing the next major activity by the UNESCO Chair to be held next summer, which is a specially tailored two-month summer school for graduate students in mathematics from all Palestinian universities.