Projects
Incentivizing Acceptability of Climate Change Mitigation Measures in the GCC
Climate change poses major risks for Gulf countries, potentially affecting food security, water processing, and public health to an alarming extent, in a region where temperatures are already critically high. These countries have been undergoing exponential economic and population growth, accompanied by a sustained growth in Greenhouse Gas emissions. To curb climate change, besides switching towards an energy mix with fewer fossil fuels, it is urgent to foster low-carbon lifestyles, for instance, in terms of transportation and energy consumption. The project is in collaboration with the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and forms part of the Academic Collaboration with Arab Universities Programme, funded by the Emirates Foundation.
Tackling Water Scarcity in Kuwait: Promoting Sustainable Household Consumption
A holistic approach is essential to curb unsustainable water demand and reduce unnecessary expenditure for water infrastructure. Water conservation and demand management policies are dependent on a range of factors including consumer behaviour, sensitivity to water and broader environmental issues. Public views and preferences are crucial to designing policies and communication strategies that encourage pro-environmental actions. Despite water scarcity being one of the most pressing issues facing Kuwait – and indeed other Gulf Cooperation Countries – there is remarkably scant information on the topic. This project aims to provide a robust assessment of attitudes, beliefs (including faith), and willingness to resources related to water conservation in Kuwait, by employing a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. It also aims within this framework to test the effectiveness of different behavioural interventions to encourage water conservation in the region, and to investigate the heterogeneity of preferences between different population groups. The results will inform major policy actors, primarily the Ministry of Energy and Water, in time to contribute towards Kuwait Vision 2035, and its Sustainable Living Environment plan. The project is in collaboration with the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), funded by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.
Disinfectant Use and Hand Hygiene during COVID-19: A Comparison Study of Community Awareness and Performance between Jordan and UAE
The aim of the study is to assess the awareness and practices towards hand hygiene and sanitizer use in the public community of Lebanon, Jordan, and the UAE. The expected findings would raise awareness of the safe use of disinfectants based on community-based habits during the prevention of COVID-19 in these countries. The project is in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University, American University of Ras Al-Khaimah, Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Hashemite University
Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease in Modern Offices: A Cross-Sectional Non-Clinical Comparative Study among Lebanon, Jordan, and UAE
The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease (DED) and to investigate the associated risk factors (individual, occupational, and indoor-environmental) of DED at the modern offices of Lebanon, Jordan, and the UAE. Considering an effective investigation of the office-related risk factors will enhance the mission of raising awareness about DED and reducing the impact on work productivity of the academic communities in these countries. The project is in collaboration with the American University of Science and Technology, and Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Prevalence and Behavioral Risk Factors of Symptomatic Dry Eye Disease
A comparative study among university students of Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and the UAE aims to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease (DED) and to investigate the associated risk factors (tobacco and cosmetic use) of DED among the university students of Jordan, and the UAE. The expected findings would raise the awareness of DED and associated risk factors among the university community in these countries. The project is in collaboration with the American University of Science and Technology, and Jordan University of Science and Technology.
Effectiveness of Pesticide Labels (Pictograms and Color Codes): A Cross-Sectional Study of Farmers’ Understanding and Practices in Lebanon
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of pesticide labels (pictograms and colour codes) and the technical sign-related practices among the farming community in Lebanon. The project is in collaboration with Modern University for Business and Science.