Office of Communications, communications@aub.edu.lb
The American University of Beirut (AUB) recently launched the H2Obs – Water Observatory, initiated by the university’s School of Computing and Data Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Earth Sciences. Attended by partners and supporters of scientific research, policymakers, and experts in the field, the event shed light on this multilateral effort that promises the founding of a national research platform and included thematic presentations and actionable insights.
The water observatory builds on more than 15 years of hydrogeological research rooted in research conducted at AUB. It is dedicated to deploying sensor networks and real-time data platforms to support hydrological and groundwater models and evidence-based water management in Lebanon. The initiative reflects the core of the mission of the School of Computing and Data Sciences for reliable data production, computation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle urgent challenges facing Lebanon.
“Water is not just a research topic here. It touches public health, food security, the environment, the economy, and social stability. What H2Obs represents is a shift from isolated studies to an impactful problem solving entity,” said Dr. Wissam Raja, associate dean for research and innovation at AUB’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadi and Minister of Environment Tamara El Zein, represented by her advisor, Dr. Elise Njeim, spoke about the key role of initiatives such as H2Obs in meeting Lebanon’s needs. Aligned with the goals of H2Obs was also Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi, who was represented by Director General of Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Establishment Rabih Khalife. Policy representatives expressed support for utilizing data, science, and infrastructure for sustainable national resource management.
The launching event also included a presentation by Professor Jihad Touma, founding director of the School of Computing and Data Sciences, who gave an overview of the project and explained the vision behind the initiative and the school.
The launching event concluded with a lecture by Dr. Joanna Doummar, principal investigator of H2Obs, associate professor of groundwater hydrology, and chair of the Department of Earth Sciences at AUB. She presented the work that was conducted by her team to monitor Lebanon’s aquifers—combining field observations, numerical modeling, and AI-driven prediction—and to create reliable sensors and other tools that will contribute to a better understanding and management of Lebanon’s water resources. Speakers, supporters, and partners agreed on the key role of generated knowledge in making sustainable national impact.
“In a country often defined by its crises, initiatives like H2Obs remind us of another narrative: one of continuity, of intellectual integrity, of young scientists and engineers designing solutions, and of institutions choosing to seek answers rather than turn away from problems that may seem too large,” said AUB President Fadlo Khuri. In his opening remarks, Khuri also emphasized that the initiative will be woven into AUB’s academic programs in environmental data sciences and, with AI innovation, will link disciplines such as earth sciences, engineering, computing, public health, economics, and food security.