20 February 2026
From 3 to 4 February 2026, the AFSMC–PCST Symposium 2026 was held in Sharjah, UAE. Hosted by the College of Communication at the University of Sharjah, it marked a historic milestone as the first PCST symposium held in the Arab region.
Organised by SciComm X, the event represented the sixth edition of the Arab Forum of Science Media and Communication, AFSMC. This special edition focused on “Science Media and Communication Teaching and Research in the Arab World”. The symposium brought together 43 expert speakers and more than 200 online participants from 29 countries.
Programme highlights
- The hybrid programme featured 13 in-person sessions in English and four virtual sessions in Arabic, including keynotes, workshops, panel discussions and plenary presentations.
- Sessions addressed science communication skills and tools, including AI, serious games and citizen science.
- A 45-minute Research Collaboration Lab, designed as a speed networking session, enabled participants to connect based on shared research interests. Attendees are invited to submit manuscripts for a special issue of the Journal of Science Communication on “Science Communication in the Arab World”.
Fabien Medvecky, President of PCST, noted: “PCST is working to increase its presence globally. This collaboration marks the first time PCST has held an event in the Arab region, actively contributing to science and technology communication efforts in this part of the world.”
Bothina Osama, Co-founder of AFSMC, added: “Since its launch in 2021, AFSMC has sought to connect practice, research and education in science media and communication across the Arab world. This sixth edition aims to deepen collaboration and promote shared action. Hosting this gathering in partnership with PCST and the University of Sharjah forms part of our ongoing effort to integrate regional and global expertise while supporting locally rooted research.”
➔ Visit the AFSMC–PCST Symposium 2026 website
