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The SCTS held the first International Summer Program for Tobacco Control Research in the Middle East
14/07/2008
The
Syrian Center
for Tobacco Studies (SCTS), in partnership with University
of Aleppo, University
of Memphis, American
University of Beirut,
and Virginia Commonwealth
University, held their first
International Summer Program for Tobacco Control Research in Aleppo, Syria
during 13-17 July 2008. Announcement
of this course was posted on the SCTS website, GLOBALink, and emails to
listservs. Tuition for attending the course was free for all participants.
Beside, and as a part of its objectives, SCTS offered 12 competitive
fellowships to participants from Arab countries to attend this program.
Fellowships included travel expenses of 500 US dollars each, accommodation
and food expenses in Aleppo
during the course period.  29
participants from 8 Arab countries (Algeria,
Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon,
Palestine, Saudi
Arabia, Tunisia,
and Syria) gathered in
Al-Razi Hall at the University
of Aleppo to share one
another's experiences and knowledge in tobacco control research. Program
participants were from different backgrounds; most of them were medical
doctors, others are working in research centers or tobacco control NGOs. But
all of them showed high interest in tobacco control research either when
sending their application or through discussions during the course.
Speakers
and course
faculty came from partner institutions (University of Memphis, Virginia
Commonwealth University, University of Washington, and American University of
Beirut), in addition to those from the Syrian Center
for Tobacco Studies, in accordance to their expertise and planned themes.
Speakers used different methods for presenting; Power point lectures, group
discussion, and case-study presentations. English was the official language of
the course with Arabic support when necessary. The main topics of the course were designed to meet
the needs of beginning researchers at various levels and roles in governmental
and non-governmental sectors. The course focused on different topics related to
tobacco control; the tobacco epidemic, research methods in tobacco control,
cessation interventions for tobacco users, and a day-long sessions on
waterpipe, a tobacco use method that is witnessing a dramatic surge in the
Middle East. An interesting and special workshop was held in the last day to
learn how to write and publish research and how to apply for funding. Beside
the scientific program, social and entertainment activities were offered to
participants and faculty to introduce them to the rich culture and history of Aleppo, and create
friendly atmosphere for sharing experience and future partnerships. The social
program included dinning in the old city quarter, and in front of the famous
Aleppo Citadel. A very interesting evening involved listening to Aleppian Sufi
music and watching the traditional "Mawlaweyeh" dance in one of the
most beautiful historical houses in Aleppo.
Visits of historical sites included a visit to the Great Citadel of Aleppo, St.
Simon Church and the Museum
of Ma'arat No'oman that
contains very famous Byzantine mosaic dating back to 5th century. It
was an exciting week on all levels as shown by quotes from the event's
participants. "It was truly a remarkable event that exceeded my every
expectation. People here are asking me "How was Syria?"
and I tell them that I have never had a more productive and entertaining trip
in my entire career." Tom Eissenberg- Faculty VCU-US "In my opinion the summer program was a success in many areas: the
organizational part, the scientific part, the personal networking part, and
definitely the place of the workshop was superb!!!" Issam Al-Khatib- Birzeit
University, Palestine "It was definitely a great
unforgettable moment. I wish it will happen again." Alaaeldin
Elkoussi, University of Assiut, Assiut,
Egypt
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