Deutsch-Syrian Research Foundation
Syrian Women’s Academic Network (SWAN)
Discover the Syrian Women Academic Network (SWAN), a DSFG initiative.
A leading platform connecting Syrian female researchers globally to foster knowledge exchange, professional development, and academic empowerment.
A leading platform connecting Syrian female researchers globally to foster knowledge exchange, professional development, and academic empowerment.
Syrian Women Academic Network (SWAN) An Initiative of the Deutsch-Syrian Research Foundation (DSFG)
The Syrian Women Academic Network (SWAN) serves as a leading academic and social platform, uniting Syrian female researchers across various disciplines and academic degrees. Founded on the belief in the vital role of feminist alliances in supporting research and higher education, the network is dedicated to fostering communication, exchanging expertise, and advancing the professional careers of its members.
About the Initiative
SWAN operates as a key initiative of the Deutsch-Syrian Research Foundation (DSFG).
Its mission is to establish a comprehensive professional platform connecting Syrian researchers both inside Syria and abroad.
The network provides a supportive space for rigorous knowledge exchange, discussing academic and social challenges, and building bridges for fruitful research collaboration among members.
Its mission is to establish a comprehensive professional platform connecting Syrian researchers both inside Syria and abroad.
The network provides a supportive space for rigorous knowledge exchange, discussing academic and social challenges, and building bridges for fruitful research collaboration among members.
Strategic Objectives
- Enhancing Academic Communication: Supporting connectivity between Syrian researchers across different disciplines.
- Resource & Experience Exchange: Facilitating the sharing of expertise and research resources within a trusted professional network.
- Professional Support: Organizing workshops and academic mentoring programs designed to enhance professional well-being.
- Work-Life Balance: Highlighting issues regarding the balance between work and life, as well as motherhood responsibilities within the academic sphere.
- Equal Opportunities: Raising awareness about the importance of equality in academic opportunities and women's roles in scientific leadership, in alignment with UNESCO recommendations on women in science.
Methodology and Activities
SWAN implements a focused approach that combines academic and social dimensions through a variety of activities:
Periodic Meetings (PENs Jour Fixe)
A series of open periodic meetings designed for dialogue, exchange, and support. These sessions allow participants to discover the inspiring stories of female researchers from Syria and the Arab world.
"Odette" Meetings
A narrative project documenting the career paths and experiences of Syrian and Arab female scientists. These meetings aim to uncover stories of inspiration and knowledge, fostering constructive dialogue.
Development & Empowerment Programs (Workshops)
- Academic and Social Well-being Workshop (Frankfurt): An event dedicated to supporting Syrian researchers in Germany and enhancing their academic well-being.
- Opportunity Creation & Advancement Workshop: A program designed to empower Syrian academics and professionals to access untapped professional opportunities, enhance communication skills, and build effective professional networks to support their development in Germany.
Join Us
We invite you to join the Syrian Women Academic Network (SWAN) and contribute to building an integrated academic community aimed at empowering women in research and higher education.