Benjamin Plackett
Since 2013, Benjamin has been travelling to the Arab world to tell stories of science and research, sometimes in recent post-conflict zones. He’s met researchers, who at great personal risk, hurriedly buried their expensive lab equipment as ISIS approached Mosul and he’s interviewed university administrators attempting to rebuild the region’s answer to Oxbridge even as terrorist attacks continue to threaten the campus. His work has been published by Scientific American, Associated Press, CNN, and Engadget amongst others. He has an M.A. in journalism from New York University and a B.Sci. in biology from Imperial College, London.
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News & Reports
New Foundation Seeks to Give 15,000 Arab Students Scholarships
A new scholarship fund hopes to send thousands of Arab students to university—but only in science, technology, and mathematics.
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News & Reports
One Global University Model: A Network of Equals
New York Institute of Technology was the first licensed American university in Abu Dhabi, and it’s been a pioneer in…
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News & Reports
The Difficulties of Spinning Research Ideas Into Gold
A man who made millions from a university spinoff in the United Kingdom is trying to do the same in…
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How to Break the Informal Ban on Studying Evolution
Despite the strong bias in many Arab countries against the study of evolution, some scientists find a way. Their secret?…
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In Jordan, a U.K. University Tries a New Twist in Internationalization
To serve Syrian refugees in Jordan is just one part of the University of Bath’s broader strategy here.
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Farm Workers, Unaware of Risks, Are Exposed to Pesticides
A survey of farm workers in Qatar revealed their vulnerability to illnesses caused by the mishandling of pesticides.
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A Yemeni Youth Becomes a Science Superstar on Facebook
Science communicator Hashem Al-Ghaili went against his parents’ wishes to pursue a science career.
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Researcher in Qatar Scrambles To Document Early Doha
Little traditional Qatari architecture remains, but one social scientist is trying to document it.
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Instagram and Broadband Use Are Reshaping Arab Social Media
Photo and video social-media channels are on the rise in the Arab region, but users are still worried about their…
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Researchers Search Arabian Waters For Cancer Treatments
Experts think sponges may contain compounds that could halt the growth of cancer cells.
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