- Beirut to host next Global Research Council regional meeting as Lebanon highlights the role of science in crisis recovery
Lebanon is set to take a leading role in regional scientific cooperation after its National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L) was selected to host the 2027 Middle East and North Africa regional meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC), succeeding Kuwait, which hosted this year’s gathering.
The decision followed the regional meeting held in Kuwait from November 2 to 4, 2026, hosted by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), where Lebanon participated as a co-host and co-organiser.
The Lebanese Council used the gathering to highlight how scientific research and institutional cooperation can help countries withstand prolonged crises, maintain research capabilities and support recovery.
During the meeting, CNRS-L co-hosted a session and presented Lebanon’s experience in sustaining its research ecosystem amid successive challenges since 2019, including the economic and financial collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion and the repercussions of war.
The presentation outlined the Council’s efforts to support researchers and universities, preserve international scientific partnerships and strengthen national research capabilities. It also highlighted the importance of applying scientific research to practical challenges, particularly environmental monitoring, damage and loss assessment, risk management and early-warning systems.
The Council stressed that scientific research, including fundamental and curiosity-driven studies, remains essential during periods of crisis rather than being a luxury that countries can afford to postpone. Maintaining research institutions and investing in scientific capabilities are crucial to developing evidence-based responses and building the expertise needed for recovery.
Hosting the 2027 regional meeting in Beirut will give Lebanon an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to regional scientific dialogue and expand cooperation with research councils, scientific institutions and funding organisations.
The selection also reflects recognition of CNRS-L’s institutional role and its capacity to lead regional scientific initiatives despite the difficult conditions facing Lebanon.
For Lebanon, the 2027 meeting will represent more than an international scientific gathering. It will provide an opportunity to demonstrate that the country’s research institutions remain active regional partners, capable of taking the initiative, attracting international partnerships and contributing to the future direction of scientific research.
