On 20 June 2024, Jamal El Ouahi successfully defended his PhD thesis at Leiden University.
Under supervision of Ludo Waltman and Thomas Franssen, Jamal worked on his dissertation on top of his job as a consultant at Clarivate. His dissertation entitled ‘The transformation of science systems in the Middle East and North Africa’ analyses the recent transformation of the science systems of the MENA region.
The dissertation draws predominantly on large-scale quantitative methods. Individual studies include an analysis of collaboration and mobility in the MENA region, the changing levels of participation of women in scientific research in the MENA region and the first detailed analysis of the Arabic Citation Index. The latter study urges stakeholders to consider developing a more inclusive research evaluation framework within the MENA region. In addition to studies drawing on large-scale quantitative methods, the dissertation includes a mixed-method study drawing on funding acknowledgments to understand who is involved in funding research in the MENA region. It also includes a qualitative study that explores how research managers in the MENA region use scientometric data and indicators.
In his laudatio after the PhD defence, Ludo Waltman praised the quality and diversity, in terms of topics and methods, of the dissertation, as well as Jamal’s ability to work independently. Jamal has written his dissertation with optimism, passion and engagement. Both at CWTS and at Clarivate, he has become a valued expert on the science systems of the MENA region. We look forward to following Jamal’s future work and achievements and wish him all the best for his future career!
