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.
-
News & Reports
Another Arab University Ranking is Out. But Is It Needed?
Arab universities are now judged by three rankings companies, but some experts doubt the value of the exercise.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Arab Researchers Suggest Solutions to Slums
The prolific spread of unregulated housing is a common site in Cairo and some other Arab cities. Morocco may have…
Read More » -
News & Reports
Authorities Shut Down A Global Network of Fake Universities
The websites of a group of fake universities are silent after Pakistani law enforcement officials went after the network’s alleged…
Read More » -
Opinion
A Conversation with Hanan Badr: Journalism’s Future in Egypt
A journalism professor at Cairo University discusses the profession’s outlook in the North African nation.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Egypt’s New Science Advisor Wants to Dig For Gold
A new science advisor to Egypt’s prime minister is reviewing research proposals and advocating for a revival of gold mining.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Prominent Egyptian Scholar Sentenced to Death in Absentia
Emad Shahin says “draconian injustice” prevails as he and over 100 others face capital punishment in Egypt.
Read More » -
Tips & Resources
Arab Youth Doubt Democracy Will Be Delivered
Findings from a region-wide survey reveal the hopes and concerns of university-age adults.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Research Could Shed Light on Messy Wars
A researcher has tested a way of collecting data on civil wars by enlisting civilian reporters who send text messages.
Read More » -
News & Reports
Lousy Internet Speeds? Not for Researchers in the UAE
The U.A.E.’s high-speed computational network is helping researchers and educators collaborate.
Read More » -
News & Reports
NYU Professor Blocked From Traveling to UAE
A consistent critic of the NYU Abu Dhabi campus who was planning on interviewing laborers was not permitted to board…
Read More »