Birzeit University Hosts the Fourth Annual Conference of the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund (PSSF): Innovation and Student Support Amid Ongoing Challenges

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, Birzeit University hosted the Fourth Annual Conference of the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund (PSSF), held under the theme “Innovation and Creativity.” The conference brought together representatives from Palestinian higher education institutions, university presidents, academic and economic figures from both Palestine and abroad, members of Birzeit’s Board of Trustees and administration, and representatives from the PSSF.

This conference reflects a strategic partnership between Birzeit University and the PSSF, aimed at expanding student support and fostering an educational environment grounded in justice and equal opportunity.

In his opening remarks, Birzeit University President Dr. Talal Shahwan stated:
"We are honored at Birzeit University to host the Fourth Annual Conference of the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund—a partnership we deeply value. It embodies a firm belief in the worth of the Palestinian individual and in education as a bridge to generosity, development, and freedom. On this occasion, we remember the suffering of Gaza’s students, who continue to be denied their right to education due to the ongoing colonial aggression against our people. We hope this aggression ends immediately so life may return to normal and educational institutions can resume their academic and humanitarian missions."

He added: "As Birzeit University begins writing the chapters of its second century, it remains committed to national responsibility and academic excellence, continuing to be a space for knowledge and creativity, a beacon of enlightenment, and a platform for defending justice. We believe our students are at the heart of this national and human project, and every investment in their education is an investment in the future of our people and institutions."

Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Nafe’ Assaf conveyed Dr. Amjad Barham’s greetings, affirming that education remains a top national priority. He emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination between the ministry, educational institutions, and supporters to empower outstanding and creative students. He also highlighted the need to support projects that meet local market demands and are capable of competing regionally and globally, especially in today’s era of technology and artificial intelligence.

Dr. Assaf also addressed the systemic destruction facing education in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank by the Israeli occupation. Despite these challenges, the ministry continues working on developing an education-for-development strategy that enhances vocational training, reforms secondary education systems, and updates curricula in line with national priorities.

He expressed gratitude to the PSSF and all the businesspeople supporting Palestinian universities, hoping that the commitment to supporting students will continue to grow. He also thanked Birzeit University, calling it “a distinguished academic and national institution” and saluted all Palestinian students, “who give hope for a brighter future.”

In his speech, Eng. Adnan Samara, head of the Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence, emphasized that empowering youth potential lies at the heart of the council’s vision. He described Palestinian youth as a genuine source of hope in the face of adversity and a symbol of determination and change. He noted that the council continues to support Palestinian innovators and start-ups and is actively promoting creativity and excellence. The council, he added, is financially equipped to back any feasible idea and encourages universities and institutions to develop innovative concepts that can evolve into successful, impactful start-ups, enabling future generations to benefit from today’s foundations of future innovation.

For his part, Eng. Ali Atta, Chairman of the Board of the PSSF, expressed his deep appreciation to Birzeit University and all those who contributed to the success of the conference. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing its programs, especially those focused on supporting students facing exceptional circumstances.
"We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to create a learning environment that enables students to thrive both academically and personally," he said.

On the sidelines of the conference, a roundtable was held with university presidents and their representatives to discuss innovation in Palestine, the major challenges facing students and academic institutions, and the prospects for cultivating an environment that supports creativity and excellence, especially in light of global technological shifts and local political and economic pressures.

The conference also featured several panel discussions exploring the challenges Palestinian students face, strategies for expanding financial support, and the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in improving access to education. In addition, the BZU PSSF EXPO showcased pioneering student projects from various universities.

Nearly 60 projects from different Palestinian universities competed, and a panel of expert judges evaluated them, awarding development grants to the following top seven projects:

First Place:
Project: Eco-Friendly Lightweight Insulating Concrete
University: Al-Quds University

Second Place:
Project: GeeksHub
University: An-Najah National University

Third Place:
Project: Palestine Intellicart
University: Birzeit University

Fourth Place:
Project: Sabeel
University: Bethlehem University

Fifth Place:
Project: Pasta Plus
University: Hebron University

Sixth Place:
Project: Aleint
University: Palestine Polytechnic University

Seventh Place:
Project: Autonomous Smart Food Delivery Robot
University: Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie

The Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence also announced additional projects that will receive seed financing in the form of development grants:

• Saed – Birzeit University
• Design of New BMS – Birzeit University
• Penitive – Birzeit University

This conference is part of the ongoing dynamic collaboration between Birzeit University and the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund. It contributes to building a nationally rooted model for educational support and sustainable development through investment in the potential of the Palestinian people.