One Language for Seven Speakers
As conflict and division continue to strain academic engagement, it is more essential than ever to find common ground and ways to connect. Instead of putting its activities on hold, the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics at LAU’s School of Arts and Sciences turned to the one language that is undisputedly universal: Mathematics. On March 27, 2026, they launched the First Virtual Scientific Day, titled “New Trends in Mathematical Biology.”The event brought together seven distinguished international speakers from diverse fields of expertise to discuss groundbreaking applications of mathematics in the life sciences. What began as an initiative quickly transformed into a vibrant global gathering as LAU Professors Dumitru Baleanu and Seifedine Kadry joined Professors Praveen Agrawal, Ali Akgul, Shumaila Javeed, Yeliz Karaca and Soukaina Zayat in sharing their insights with a captive audience.
For six hours straight, ideas flowed seamlessly across screens and continents as the speakers took 125 participants from 33 countries on deep dives into cutting-edge topics: Fractional calculus shaping biological systems, mathematical models decoding life processes, data science transforming healthcare, neural networks mimicking intelligence, and new approaches to understanding infectious diseases.
For Dr. Kadry, “this was more than an event—it was a statement. A statement of resilience, a commitment to academic excellence, and a vision for global collaboration.” He and Drs. Baleanu and Zayat reported encouraging feedback: Participants praised not only the depth and relevance of the presentations, but also the seamless organization and interdisciplinary spirit of the event.
Inspired by this achievement, the organizers are already looking ahead—a second edition is on the horizon, one that, in their words, “promises to further elevate the university’s role in advancing interdisciplinary research and strengthening international academic ties.”
In a world that often feels divided, this event served as a powerful reminder that when knowledge is shared, connections are built, and when connections are built, innovation thrives.