Here at OGA, we center voices in their own words. We share Abbas Al-Faouri’s story as part of our Voices series, honoring first-person narratives as vital forms of knowledge. This piece is presented unaltered, as an expression of lived experience, self-determination, and the power of learning beyond imposed limits.
By: Abbas Al-Faouri
My name is Abbas Al-Faouri, born in 1997. I am a Syrian refugee currently living in Jordan. Due to the war, I was unable to pursue formal university education, but I have developed an independent path in science, mathematics, and experimental research, contributing to educational, technical, and scientific initiatives at multiple levels.
I was born in the town of Sheikh Miskin in southern Syria. In 2013, after my home and school were destroyed, I was forced to leave the country. I entered Jordan with my family and initially settled in Za’atari refugee camp, before moving to Madaba. There, I began working in construction alongside my father to support our basic needs, and I made the decision to pause formal education in order to help sustain the family.
Self-directed learning journey
In 2014, I purchased my first computer, which marked the beginning of my self-directed learning journey. I systematically studied physics and mathematics, progressing from foundational concepts to calculus, number theory, and cosmology using books, open resources, and online courses.
Academic achievement
In 2016, I received a scholarship to study civil engineering at Al-Quds College. Despite balancing work and study, I graduated within one year as the top student in my class with a 100% average and received recommendation letters to work as a teaching assistant.
From study to experimentation
After graduation, I shifted toward applied and experimental science. I began designing and building scientific instruments using recycled materials. My first project, a laser-based microscope, was followed by multiple models, including infrared and ultraviolet microscopes, as well as computer-connected systems. One of these projects won a national innovation competition organized by Fab Lab Irbidin collaboration with UNICEF.
Building a home laboratory
With the funding I received, I established a fully equipped home laboratory. My projects included building a telescope, analyzing stellar spectra, imaging Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons, and conducting biological experiments on microorganisms under varying environmental conditions. I also delivered scientific lectures, including one at Al-Balqa Applied University on stellar temperatures and the Doppler effect.
Education leadership and mentorship
In 2021, I was appointed to manage the science laboratories at Ibn Rushd National Academy. There, I led and implemented advanced student projects, including building electric cars and trains, constructing a functional educational roller coaster, and developing a particle accelerator model. My students and I won the NASA Space Apps Challenge at the school level and qualified for the ISEF. We also developed a concept for noise reduction in particle accelerators inspired by research at CERN.
Research and scientific contribution
At the research level, I served as the lead author on a scientific paper about neutron stars in collaboration with Professor Ali Ta’ani, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Community engagement
In community engagement, I co-founded the initiative “We Love Experiments,” which provides hands-on science activities for children in refugee camps and underserved areas, including Za’atari camp.
I have also supervised master’s students from the University of Petra, guiding projects in water sustainability and agricultural innovation for presentation at entrepreneurship conferences.
I was honored by the Jordanian Astronomical Society for my contributions to astronomy outreach, including developing educational telescopes and conducting local astronomical observations and analysis.
Looking toward space and the future
In 2025, I was selected as a candidate in space research and development in collaboration with a U.S.-based private space company working toward launching its systems by 2030. I have also begun engaging with Syrian governmental entities to contribute to the development of a national space program focused on satellite manufacturing and infrastructure.
Currently, I am working independently on research in pure mathematics, particularly in number theory, with multiple ongoing ideas and results under development. My goal is to study pure mathematics at Trinity College Cambridge and contribute to fundamental problems such as the structure of prime numbers and the Riemann Hypothesis, as well as developing a mathematical framework connecting quantum mechanics and relativity.
This is my journey
This is my journey: from displacement and labor to a self-driven scientific path grounded in learning, experimentation, research, and education, with measurable achievements in innovation and academic contribution.
Call to action
If this story resonates with you, we invite you to support, share, and amplify voices like Abbas’. Access to education, tools, and networks can transform individual paths and collective futures.
Connect with Abbas and follow his work:
Abbas´s Facebook Profile
Learn more:
Life in Za’atari, the largest Syrian refugee camp in the world
Abbas Al-Faouri: pioneer Syrian refugee
Explore more Voices and initiatives here at OGA.
