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Overview

The Science for Society Centre is committed to advancing sustainable development, human security, social equity, and economic growth in the WANA region through science-driven and evidence-based policy and research. With a focus on addressing critical regional issues, the centre seizes opportunities to drive meaningful change within communities.

Its mission is to enhance communication, educate society, and inspire policymakers to foster a sustainable environment and improved livelihoods. By equipping society with essential tools, evidence, and platforms, the centre aims to enhance social equity, ensure human security, and promote sustainable development. The centre achieves this through novel research, project implementation, training, community engagement, and the production of policy papers, briefs, op-eds, reports, and white papers, all while facilitating open dialogue among diverse stakeholders.

 

Research Programmes & Current Projects

Climate Change and Gender Strategy 2030 – Inclusive, Transparent and Climate Responsive Investments

The project aims to support the development of Jordan’s upcoming Gender and Climate Change Strategy through providing a roadmap for the Ministry of Environment. The roadmap provides an overview of the status quo of gender in the climate change sphere in Jordan, in addition to the analysis of current climate change policies to assess the extent of gender inclusion across several sectors. The project also provides interventions on six different levels (Institutional Arrangements and Partnerships, Policy Alignment and Strategies, Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Gender-Lens Climate Finance, Programming and Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation, Awareness Raising, Knowledge Sharing and Communication) that includes activities on the short, medium and long term that supports the formulation and implementation of the strategy for a more effective and tangible inclusion of gender in the climate change sector.

The project is supported by the World Bank (WB) and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation through the co-chaired Jordan Growth MDTF and the WB-administered CIF MDTF and implemented in collaboration with adelphi.

The Role of Humanitarian Funds Localisation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Jordan

The project aims to explore the question of how can the localisation of humanitarian aid in Jordan, be mobilised for disaster risk reduction and management through developing a policy paper. The project looks at three levels of localisation from 1) donor to government level, 2) government to civil society organisations, and 3) civil society organisations to local communities, understanding challenges of implementation on each level and providing recommendations on how to better facilitate and mobilise humanitarian aid for a better disaster reduction and management activities. 

The project is under the “Legitimacy and Civicness in the Arab World” project, hosted and managed by the Middle East Centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science and funded by the Carnegie Corporation New York.

Revolving Loans Program for Green Technology Adoption

The project aims to enhance the resilience of local communities by improving access to finance for green technology adoption, thereby promoting sustainable resource management and environmental sustainability.

This initiative empowers five Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across Al Mafraq, Irbid, Az-Zarqa, Ajloun, and Al-Karak governorates by building their capacity to manage revolving loan programs. These loans enable beneficiaries to adopt water- and energy-saving technologies, enhancing household efficiency in resource consumption. The revolving loan is designed to rotate four times, allowing multiple sets of beneficiaries to access green technologies in subsequent phases.

By facilitating the adoption of sustainable solutions, the project reduces water and energy consumption, strengthens community resilience, and fosters green innovation. This contributes to long-term environmental sustainability while improving livelihoods in vulnerable communities.

This project is implemented under the "Building Resilience through Circularity: Green Innovations in Host Communities and Azraq Refugee Camp (BRCkA)" program, funded by the European Union and managed by Water, Environment and Climate Change Centre at the RSS.

Navigating Conflict: A Comprehensive Analysis of Water Security and Food Security in Yemen

The project aims to investigate the multifaceted impacts of the conflict on water and food security in Yemen, analysing availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality. This research project conducts a comparative analysis of pre- and post-conflict conditions in Yemen, examining how prolonged instability has disrupted water and agriculture sectors. By identifying critical linkages between conflict, resource insecurity, and internal stability, the study provides actionable policy recommendations to mitigate these challenges.

The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of conflict-driven resource vulnerabilities, supporting humanitarian and development actors in designing targeted interventions. Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen resilience, improve food and water security, and promote stability in conflict-affected regions.

This project is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering and implemented in partnership with the University of Surrey, UK.

Navigating Conflict: A Comprehensive Analysis of Water Security and Food Security in Yemen

The project aims to investigate the multifaceted impacts of the conflict on water and food security in Yemen, analysing availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality. This research project conducts a comparative analysis of pre- and post-conflict conditions in Yemen, examining how prolonged instability has disrupted water and agriculture sectors. By identifying critical linkages between conflict, resource insecurity, and internal stability, the study provides actionable policy recommendations to mitigate these challenges.

The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of conflict-driven resource vulnerabilities, supporting humanitarian and development actors in designing targeted interventions. Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen resilience, improve food and water security, and promote stability in conflict-affected regions.

This project is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering and implemented in partnership with the University of Surrey, UK.

Transboundary Climate Risks in West Asia

The project aims to promote regional cooperation on transboundary climate risks by facilitating sustained science-based dialogues and field-level adaptation initiatives in the field which incorporate both local and transboundary. The project will collaborate with regional partners to learn from adaptation best practices both globally and within the region, and to leverage these partnerships to advance the climate work, despite ongoing conflicts.

Women Peace and Security Systems Strengthening (WPSSS)

The Tamasok Programme, officially titled the “Women Peace and Security Systems Strengthening (WPSSS) Project,” is a strategic programme aimed at bolstering the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) and women's rights organisations (WROs) advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in Jordan.

This project supports internal operational capacities to develop and deliver training on gender balancing and gender mainstreaming, participate in events to promote gender equality, produce knowledge pieces related to the WPS agenda, and offer mentorship.

This programme aligns with the goals of the Second Jordanian Action Plan (JONAP-II) for the Implementation of the UNSCR 1325 on WPS from 2022-2025. It is led by Chemonics UK in collaboration with Generations for Peace and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid for Refugees as Investment in Urban Water and Sanitation

The project investigates water and sanitation provision in a refugee camp and a refugee-hosting urban centre in Jordan. It examines the hypothesis that the extensive resources spent on water and wastewater trucking to and from refugee camps in Jordan since the start of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2012 could have provided significant improvements in the quality and quantity of water available to refugees and host populations in urban centres had it been invested in these areas. It also explores the potential knock-on impacts on health and time (particularly of girls and women) for education, leisure, and livelihoods. In addition, the project explores the issue of displacement and humanitarian aid. Through taking the costs of camps by modelling what can be achieved with the allocated resources for refugees and their host communities in WASH services and infrastructure.

The project is funded by the British Academy and implemented in partnership with International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), University College London (UCL) and Jordanian University for Science and Technology (JUST).

Key People

Our Divisions

The WANA Office

WANA works to promote a transition to evidence-based policy and programming to combat the development of humanitarian challenges facing West Asia and North Africa. WANA aspires to be a trusted source of knowledge, evidence and opinion, and to provide a forum for open debate for leading researchers and policy-makers in the region. We undertake research, host conferences, and conduct training workshops in the areas of social justice, sustainable development, and human security. We believe these three areas represent both the most pressing issues facing our region and the greatest opportunity for our work to create vital impact.

Human Security & Social Equity Division

The Human Security and Social Equity Division advocates for fundamental rights and freedoms as outlined in international frameworks, including human rights, gender equality, social cohesion, protection from discrimination, violence, and racialisation, as well as the essential elements for a life of dignity and well-being. Through evidence-based research and project implementation, the division employs concepts of social justice, legal empowerment, and governance to empower individuals to uphold their rights and become active stakeholders in development.

Socio-Economic Studies Division

The Socio-Economic Studies Division focuses on the impact of socio-economic issues on various societies, particularly vulnerable communities in Jordan. It addresses pressing concerns related to employment, the impacts of refugee influx, social inclusion, with a goal to foster sustainable economic growth, social protection, and cohesion, thereby contributing to a prosperous and equitable society.

Sustainable Development Goals Division

This division promotes social equity and opportunity, while markedly reducing ecological risk and enhancing natural resource management. The division aims to provide analysis and policy support for environmental governance, natural resource management, and a green economy. It is dedicated to advancing lasting development by raising awareness about the region's reliance on natural resources for income sources. Ensuring human dignity through economic opportunities and secure livelihoods, especially for disadvantaged and rural communities, hinges on the sustainable preservation of the region's resource foundations over the long term.

Science Communications Division

The division aims to promote a deeper societal understanding of generated science and its associated benefits, with the ultimate goal of fostering a broader dialogue focused on achieving sustainability. The division will actively engage with various segments of society, including grassroots organisations, educational institutions, policymakers, researchers, the private sector, and beyond. By establishing a dedicated platform, it will facilitate discussions and debates surrounding scientific advancements and their potential as catalysts for sustainability.

Drivers of Change Programme

The programme aims to not only identify the forces influencing the nation's future but also to analyse and understand their impacts on various key aspects such as social dynamics, economic conditions, security considerations, and environmental factors. By closely examining these drivers, the programme seeks to gain insights into their implications and consequences for the nation's development and well-being. This comprehensive approach will enable a deeper understanding of the interplay between different factors and their potential effects on the country's future trajectory.