Team Members

Rawia Awadallah is a SAR (Scholar at Risk) Fellow and Researcher at the Department of ABI, Faculty of Social Sciences, OsloMet. She has been an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at The Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) since 2013 and currently serves as Vice Dean of Continuing Education and Community Service. Previously, she was Vice Dean of Scientific Research. Her research interests include Information Retrieval, Data Science, and Digital Libraries. She managed IUG’s Institutional Repository (IUGSpace) and has contributed to curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic planning at IUG. She has been involved in World Bank and EU-funded projects (Freesoft, eMWRE, PALLIB, ROMOR) on outsourcing, e-learning, digital libraries, and digital preservation. She was the main manager of the ROMOR project (EU Erasmus+), which built open-access institutional repositories for Palestinian universities. Awadallah earned her B.Sc. in Computer Science, an M.Sc. in Information and Knowledge Management, and a Ph.D. in Informatics.

Head of ABI department and Associate Professor
Interactive information retrieval, knowledge
organization, scholarly communication, open
science, open access.

Professor Department of ABI
Interactive information retrieval, knowledge
organization, scholarly communication, open
science, open access

MA in Media Studies. Producing digital learning
resources for OsloMetX (x.oslomet.no).

University Library OsloMet, Research Support
Services

Maria Gabriella Trovato is an Associate professor at the Department of Landscape Architecture, the Faculty of Landscape and Society at NMBU. She has worked in several countries across Europe, Canada, Africa, and the Middle East. Her most recent research focuses on Landscape in Emergency, Landscape and Socio- environmental justice in Europe and across several regions in the world. Maria Gabriella Trovato is also interested in investigating new forms of urban living in a world of change and fluxing conditions with new challenges, like climate change, depletion of natural resources, conflicts between globalization and local development, and re-localization of war refugees. 

Ramzi Hassan is an Associate professor at the Department of Landscape Architecture, the Faculty of Landscape and Society at NMBU. He is the founder and leader of the Virtual Reality Lab (VR-lab), which is an arena for experimentation in 3D advanced computer visualization technology for the communication of design project scenarios, cultural heritage preservation, environmental studies and construction. His research, teaching and publications focus on digital applications for landscape and urban design in Europe and across borders, and he has notable initiatives in the establishment of VR-labs in West Bank, Palestine. His current research involves interactive environments, exploring the potential for virtual technologies as a storytelling medium when used in the context of cultural heritage and historically important landscapes. 

Anwar Awadallah is a SAR (Scholar at Risk) Fellow at the Department of Landscape Architecture, Senior Lecturer the Faculty of
Landscape and Society- NMBU. He is originally an Assistant Professor of Landscape Planning and Management at the Department of Architecture at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) – Palestine. His main interests are in landscape planning and solving natural resource problems in the Gaza Strip, where he has led courses of a theoretical and experimental nature based on data collection and analysis, in addition to participating in the planning and design of regional development projects in the Gaza Strip.

Senior Advisor

Programs advisor in SAIH with years of experience from civil society and governmental organizations. 

Member of leadership at the organization, years of experience in solidarity work and international development. 

Member of leadership at the organization, years of experience in solidarity work and international development, with a special focus on higher education. 

Senior Researcher in Architectural Design 

Full professor in Urban Planning

Full professor in Hydrology.

Young Researcher in Urban Planning.

Administrative Manager.

Young Researcher in Building Technology and Preservation 

Researcher.

Financial Manager.

I am Zahraa Zawawi, an architect and urban planner with a BA in Architecture (Birzeit University), an MSc in Urban & Regional Planning (An-Najah National University), and a PhD in Urban Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel).
I have extensive experience in urban planning and conservation in Palestine, and have held academic leadership roles at Bard Al-Quds University and An-Najah National University. Currently, I am an Associate Professor at An-Najah National University and Director of the Architecture Conservation Unit, and previously served as President of the Palestinian ICOMOS Committee.

Dr. Abdelhaleem I. Khader is an Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering and the Assistant Dean of Scientific Research and Global Rankings at An-Najah National University in Palestine. A Fulbright Fellow with a Ph.D. from Utah State University, he is a leading expert in water and wastewater treatment systems, focusing on sustainable water management and groundwater quality monitoring. His work bridges academia and practice through expert consultancy on major infrastructure projects and interdisciplinary research funded by international agencies

Professor Allam Mousa is a leading academic and researcher, currently serving as Director of the Innovation Park and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at An-Najah National University, with nearly 30 years of experience spanning academia, government, and technology.
He is a pioneer in digital transformation and emerging technologies, having led major initiatives in virtual reality, higher education quality assurance, and national ICT strategies, including launching ANNU’s Virtual Reality Center and serving as Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology and Minister of Transport.
Internationally recognized, Prof. Mousa has collaborated with global organizations, led numerous funded projects, published over 45 peer-reviewed papers, and continues to drive innovation-focused ecosystems that link education, technology, and public service.

Iyad AlAgha, a Computer Science professor in the Department of Computer Science, focuses his research on data analysis and deep learning. He also serves as a data analyst and trainer in data science.  
With a background in various Erasmus+ projects as a researcher and co-manager, he notably participated in establishing the institutional data repository for IUG and supervised the implementation of FAIR and open science best practices for research data management at IUG. Given this experience, Prof. AlAgha will primarily represent IUG in the project management team by overseeing all tasks in WP1 (Project Management). He will monitor progress across all WPs, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of project outcomes, reports, and plans from the IUG side.  
Leveraging his expertise in digital repositories, he will also contribute to cross-WP tasks such as assessing FAIR and CARE data management (T2.2) and technically supporting the setup and configuration of the digital repository (T3.2).  
Drawing on his data analytics background, he will also actively engage in developing practical case studies for urban resilience modules (T4.5). This involvement includes utilizing statistical tools and techniques to analyze data, extract insights related to urban resilience, identify trends and patterns, create visualizations, and possibly develop predictive models using machine learning algorithms to aid in crisis decision-making. 

Full professor in Sustainable Urban Planning 

Professor

Bilal Al-Nabris is a senior web developer with extensive experience in eLearning infrastructure at IUG since 2002. His involvement in the project will mainly focus on the technical development, integration, and management of various aspects of the eLearning infrastructure, online platforms, and project dissemination.

Media Designer.

Ahmed Faris has been serving as a Computer Networks Architect and Server Administrator in the Computer Maintenance and Networks Department at IUG since 2006.

PhD in Sociology, is Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Sociology and Mediacommunications, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Sociology, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Her research focuses on social inequality, gender studies, social values, political sociology, higher education, and urban food policy, with particular attention to societal transformations under conditions of war and international comparative research. She has extensive experience in coordinating and managing international research and educational projects within the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe framework.

Ruslan is a PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor at Political Sociology Department, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. His research focuses on social relations and processes, social inequalities, power and hegemony, imperialism and empires, the Russian-Ukrainian war, contemporary Ukrainian politics. His articles have been published in peer-reviewed international journals such as Journal of Political Power, Ideology and Politics Journal, Europe- Asia Studies, Russian Politics, Problems of Post-Communism, and Journal of Southeast European and Black Sea Studies.

PhD in Sociology (Candidate of Science) in Sociology , Associate Professor at Political Sociology Department. He has been active in sociological research and education for over twenty years. His research interests include critical sociology, discursive processes and social change, and the sociology of ideologies. His research also frequently focuses on issues of sociopolitical space, discursive power, and deeply divided societies.

PhD in Sociology, Senior Lecturer at the Political Sociology Department, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Her core expertise lies in values change, social resilience, and the functioning of higher education institutions in frontline and crisis-affected contexts. Her researches focuses on transformations of social values, social tolerance, collective action, and staff motivation in higher education under conditions of instability. 

PhD in Sociology, Associate Professor at Political Sociology Department, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Her research focuses on the social transformations of Ukrainian society in the context of war and European integration, comparative sociology, gender studies, and social policy. She pays particular attention to empirical research, the methodology of sociological measurement, and the analysis of value orientations, social cohesion, and the institutional capacity of communities. A distinct strand of her scholarly interests concerns the study of language and discourse as key mechanisms in the construction of social reality, identities, and power relations.

PhD in Sociology, since 2023 – Head of Political Sociology Department, Associate Professor at Political Sociology Department, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. He studies issues of various forms of inequality, symbolic struggle and structural violence, and is also interested in the sociology of things and the sociology of consumption.

Doctor of Economics (2015), Professor (2017), Professor of the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism of the Kyiv National University of Economics, First Vice-Rector of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine (2016-2021), Director of the Research Institute of Fiscal Policy of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine (2021).Research interests: unban economics, municipal finance, local development, taxation. Participant (researcher, co-author of the report):- Research project No. 012U111621 “Ways to increase the efficiency of control over the production and circulation of alcohol, alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in Ukraine” (2021) funded by the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. 

Doctor of Economics (1997), Professor (2003), Academician of the National Academy of Ukraine (2009), Head of the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism of the Kyiv National University of Economics, Chairman of the Council for the Study of the Productive Forces of Ukraine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Minister of Economy of Ukraine (2007-2010), President of the European Institute for Economic and Political Studies of the Development of Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine (2012-2015) (Prague). Chairman of the Council of the National Bank of Ukraine from (2016-2022), Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the State Land Bank of Ukraine. 

Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. Municipal Finance advisor for U-LEAD with Europe Programme (GIZ).  Author of more than 100 publications in periodicals and monographs. Research interests: unban economics, municipal finance, local self-governance, local development, taxation.

Architect, expert in the development of urban planning documentation, spatial planner. Senior Lecturer at the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. 
Master of Architecture (2015, Diploma with honours). Postgraduate student (PhD dissertation defense is scheduled for April 2025).  
Certified architect (AA certificate No. 004261); 
Certified expert in the field of urban planning documentation expertise (certificate AE No. 007439); 
Engaged in the development of urban planning documentation at the local and regional level (chief architect of projects at Kyiv-Project Research and Design Institute LLC). 
Research interests: spatial planning, local development, gender aspects of urban development, management of human settlements development. 

PhD (“Candidate of Sciences”) in Economics, Associated Professor of the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. Recent research: «Economic recovery of territorial communities» (0123U103990). Research interests: environmental economics, eco-urbanism, GIS, regional and local policy, socio-economic development of regions and cities, urban trends in Ukraine. Author of more than 60 publications in periodicals and monographs. 

Sc.D. in Economics, Professor of the Department of Regional Studies and Tourism, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. Recent research: «Economic recovery of territorial communities» (0123U103990) Her teaching and research interests include regional and local policy, socio-economic development of regions and cities, urban trends in Ukraine, implementation of the EU regional policy framework in Ukraine, and the spatial dimension of the EU cohesion policy. She led the preparation of development strategies for individual regions and cities of Ukraine, as well as research projects on state regulation of regional development and participation of Ukrainian regions in programmes financed by EU funds. She has participated in the preparation of three Public Strategies for Regional Development in Ukraine and some strategies for the development of regions and cities of Ukraine. Prepared expert assessments of draft legislative acts on regional development policy. Prepared grant projects on regional and local development. 

Yuliya IDAK is Head of the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Lviv Polytechnic National University, where she has been teaching and supervising students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels since 2007. She holds a Doctor of Science in Architecture degree, with research focusing on urban planning theory, particularly urban morphology and urban history, as well as the relationship between historical urban structures and contemporary planning practices. Her work combines academic research and publications with practical expertise, including the use of contemporary analytical and visualization approaches in the formation and development of urban environments.

Iaryna ONUFRIW is Deputy Head for International Education of Urban Planning and Design Department at Lviv Polytechnic National University. She has been teaching and supervising students at bachelor’s, master’s levels since 2014. She holds a PhD in Architecture degree, with research focusing on the theory of urban planning, particularly landscape and planning organization of recreational complexes and territories, architectural and landscape heritage preservation and participation in urban planning. Her work combines academic research, publications, and practical expertise in architectural and landscape heritage preservation in historical settlements.

Roman LIUBYTSKYI is Associate Professor at the Department of Urban Planning and Design, Lviv Polytechnic National University. He has been teaching and supervising students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels since 2015. He holds a PhD degree, with research focusing on the sustainable development of urban transport networks in the context of sustainable city development, as well as the application of geographic information systems (GIS) in urban planning research. His work integrates academic research, teaching, and applied expertise in the planning of sustainable urban transport systems and the broader implementation of sustainable urban development principles.

Roman FRANKIW is Associate Professor at the Department of Design and Fundamentals of Architecture, Lviv Polytechnic National University. He has been teaching and supervising students at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels since 2005. He is interested in architectural theory, with a particular focus on the study of historical and contemporary architectural processes, as well as on the interaction between traditional spatial concepts and contemporary architectural practice. He pays special attention to the application of advanced digital technologies in architectural design and visualization, including virtual and augmented reality tools. In his work, he combines theoretical analysis with experimental digital methods for presenting architectural and urban design solutions.

Volodymyr KOVPAK is Assistant at the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Lviv Polytechnic National University. In this position, he has been teaching and supervising bachelor’s and master’s students since 2025. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, with his studies centered on the effects of the Olympic Games as a mega-event on city planning. His professional activities combine academic research, publications, and practical expertise in urban events and the sports function of cities

Olha MALYNOVSKA is Assistant of the Department of Urban Planning and Design at Lviv Polytechnic National University, where she has been teaching and supervising bachelor’s projects since 2024. Her work supports academic research, course development, and practical projects in the study and development of urban environments.

Deputy Director General / Director of Technical Affairs and a senior water and environmental engineering professional with extensive expertise in managing Gaza’s critical water and wastewater infrastructure. As a key leader at the CMWU, he plays a pivotal role in addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian and environmental challenges in the Gaza Strip: ensuring access to safe water and sanitation under complex and constrained conditions. At CMWU, Mr. Shatat oversees the technical planning, development, and maintenance of water supply networks, wastewater treatment plants, and desalination facilities. His work is central to mitigating Gaza’s severe water crisis, characterized by aquifer depletion, salinity, and contamination. He is deeply involved in strategic projects aimed at enhancing water security, improving treatment capacity, and implementing sustainable solutions for a population facing chronic shortages.

Moutaz F. Abu Al Qomboz (born in 1981) is an experienced civil engineer and water resources specialist with more than 20 years of professional experience in designing, managing, and supervising water, wastewater, stormwater, and desalination infrastructure projects. Holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Water Resources Engineering, and currently works as Design Department Manager at the Coastal municipalities Water Utility (CMWU).

Ali Ahmed Al Shayyah (born in 1982) is an experienced civil engineer with more than 15 years of professional experience in supervising of water and wastewater projects. Holds a MSc in Water Resources Engineering and has led WASH projects funded by international donors. and currently works as Head of Section- Supervision Department at the Coastal municipalities Water Utility (CMWU)

Hanaa A. Awad is an experienced civil engineer with over 15 years of professional experience in water and wastewater projects development and implementation, including preparation of projects proposals, donor reporting and follow up on M&E requirements for CMWU partners. Holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Water Resources Engineering. Currently works as Head of Section, Design Department, at the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU).

Co-Founder & General Coordinator. Ahmed Sourani is a food security and resilience expert with extensive experience in urban agriculture, sustainable food systems, and crisis recovery. He co-founded GUPAP to promote community-led food sovereignty in Gaza and has led numerous initiatives integrating urban agroecology, policy advocacy, and participatory action research. 

Projects & Community Participation Coordinator. Alaa Jayab leads community participation initiatives, working closely with urban farmers and agripreneurs to implement resilience-focused agricultural projects. She has extensive experience in participatory learning methodologies, capacity-building, and grassroots mobilization.

MEL & Cooperation Coordinator. Specializing in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Muhammad Zimmo ensures the effectiveness of projects through assessment, knowledge management, and international cooperation. He has expertise in developing projects’ frameworks, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement to advance urban food resilience strategies. 

Projects & Community Participation Consultant. Faten Nabahin is a gender and community development specialist, providing consultancy on participatory urban agriculture projects. She ensures the integration of gender-responsive approaches and contributes to policy advocacy and resilience-building strategies.