On May 16, 2017, Professor Omar M. Yaghi, James and Neeltje Tretter Chair Professor of Chemistry and Founding Director of the Berkeley Global Science Institute (BGSI), was received by His Majesty King Abdullah Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman, Jordan. Professor Yaghi was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), and Mr. Kyle E. Cordova, Associate Director of BGSI.
During the audience with his Majesty, Professor Yaghi proposed the establishment of an innovative center of global science at the Royal Scientific Society in Jordan. This center will provide opportunities for emerging Jordanian scholars to carry out internationally-competitive research in the chemical and material sciences fields without having to leave their home country to pursue opportunities abroad. Professor Yaghi also discussed his plans to launch a national initiative to fundamentally transform the science and technology research landscape in Jordan, which will carry His Majesty’s name (King Abdullah II Global Science Initiative).
At the culmination of the meeting, His Majesty expressed his pride in the achievements of Jordanian expatriates and bestowed upon Professor Yaghi the highest of honors: the King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein Order of Distinction, First Class in appreciation for his efforts in scientific research, education, and contributions to chemistry.
During his visit to Jordan, Prof. Yaghi also had extensive meetings with HRH Princess Sumaya to continue detailed discussions on the developmental plans for the UC Berkeley – RSS joint partnership. Additionally, Prof. Yaghi was invited as a distinguished member of the Jordanian delegation for the opening ceremony of SESAME (Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) - the first synchrotron in the middle east region.
Congratulations Prof. Yaghi!