International Research Center for Water, Environment, and Energy

The International Research Center for Water, Environment and Energy (IRCWEE) is one of the specialized research centers at Al-Balqa Applied University. It was established in 2009 through a collaborative initiative between the University and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote applied scientific research and provide a specialized research environment in the fields of water, environment, energy, sustainability, and climate change. Since its establishment, the Center has continued to support scientific knowledge and develop innovative and practical solutions that contribute to addressing environmental and developmental challenges while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources at both the national and regional levels. The Center aims to support excellence in applied scientific research, strengthen scientific partnerships with academic, research, and development institutions, and contribute to the development of practical and science-based solutions to challenges related to water, environment, and energy. It also seeks to build national capacities, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, and provide a supportive environment for researchers and students, thereby enhancing the role of Al-Balqa Applied University in community service and the achievement of sustainable development goals. The Center's core functions include the preparation, implementation, and management of research and applied projects; conducting scientific studies and technical reports; carrying out environmental assessment and auditing activities; developing environmental, hydrological, and geographical models and decision-support systems; establishing specialized research databases; and attracting funding for research and development projects from national and international sources. In addition, the Center provides specialized technical consultancy services and laboratory analyses to both public and private sectors and contributes to the development and application of innovative technological solutions that support research, education, and sustainable development. As part of its role in capacity building and workforce development, the Center delivers specialized training programs in water, environment, energy, sustainability, and climate change. It has obtained a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) License from the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission for Higher Education Institutions, enabling it to offer professional and technical training programs in accordance with approved national standards and contribute to meeting labor market needs while enhancing the competencies of technical and professional personnel. The Center includes a Technical Division responsible for supervising scientific, research, and technical activities. The Division comprises the Department of Studies, Research and Projects, which is responsible for the preparation, implementation, and management of research and applied projects, as well as the development of technical and scientific studies and reports related to water, environment, energy, sustainability, and climate change. The Technical Division also includes the Department of Research and Technical Laboratories, which oversees the Environmental Modeling and Climate Change Laboratory Unit responsible for developing environmental, hydrological, and geographical models and decision-support systems, as well as the Water and Food Testing Laboratories Unit responsible for conducting laboratory analyses and testing of water and food samples in accordance with approved standards and specifications. These facilities support the Center’s research activities and the technical and consultancy services it provides. The Center also manages Al-Balqa Applied University Station for Excellence in Water and Environmental Engineering and Technology / Fuheis, which provides a specialized environment for scientific research, applied training, and experimental studies in the fields of wastewater treatment, water reuse, and modern environmental technologies. The Station supports research projects and practical training activities for students, researchers, and professionals from Jordan and abroad. In addition, the Center oversees the Allan Smart Environmental Park, established with support from the Ministry of Environment as an educational, awareness-raising, and training platform in the fields of sustainability, green economy, and environmental management. The Park will include specialized facilities to support community initiatives and educational and training activities, as well as smart applications for waste management and recycling. Through these initiatives, the Park contributes to enhancing environmental awareness, promoting sustainable development concepts, and serving the local community. Objectives : **a.** Conduct research related to water, environment, and the energy sector in Jordan, including studies on water resources, environmental resources, energy resources and their management, natural and human resources, environmental impact assessment of projects, and the provision of services in environmental awareness, environmental monitoring, environmental modeling, climate change, climate justice, environmental engineering design, participation in the development of environmental legislation, organization of conferences, workshops, training programs, and professional diploma programs leading to certification in the fields of water, environment, and energy. The Center also provides laboratory analysis services for water, food, environmental samples, and energy efficiency assessments. **b.** Cooperate with research centers, institutions, organizations, councils, and relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors at the local, regional, and international levels in the fields of water, energy, and environment in support of the Center’s objectives. **c.** Establish, maintain, and manage databases for studies and research related to water, environment, and energy. **d.** Develop, manage, and implement research, development, innovation, and applied projects related to the Center’s objectives and secure financial support for such projects through national and international funding agencies. **e.** Engage with donor organizations and research institutions at the national and international levels to explore opportunities for collaboration and support for the Center’s activities. **f.** Provide technical consultancy services and specialized studies to governmental entities and the private sector within Jordan and internationally, and participate in tenders related to the Center’s fields of expertise. **g.** Promote innovative technological solutions in education, scientific research, and capacity building, while contributing to the University’s international rankings and reputation. **h.** Provide an applied learning environment for academic courses related to water, environment, energy, climate change, and sustainability.