Lebanon to Host Regional Global Research Council Meeting in Beirut in 2027

A group photo of participants at the Global Research Council (GRC) regional meeting in Kuwait, with the participation of Lebanon’s National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L).

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 9 : Lebanon will host the 2027 Middle East and North Africa regional meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC) in Beirut, following an agreement reached during the regional gathering held in Kuwait from November 2 to 4, 2026.

The National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon (CNRS-L) participated as a co-host and co-organiser of the meeting, which was hosted by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).

The Lebanese council's participation went beyond attendance, with the institution co-hosting one of the sessions and presenting its experience in maintaining scientific research and supporting national research capabilities despite the multiple crises confronting Lebanon.

The presentation outlined the challenges facing Lebanon's research sector since 2019, beginning with the economic and financial collapse, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion and the repercussions of war.

CNRS-L highlighted its role in protecting the country's research ecosystem, supporting researchers and universities, maintaining international scientific partnerships and developing national expertise to ensure that scientific research contributes to addressing the needs of society and the state.

Particular attention was given to environmental monitoring, damage and loss assessment, risk management and early-warning systems, areas considered essential for strengthening national preparedness and responding to emergencies.

The council also emphasised that scientific research, including fundamental and curiosity-driven research, should not be regarded as a luxury during periods of crisis.

Rather, it is an essential investment that enables countries to develop the knowledge, expertise and institutional capabilities needed to confront emergencies, assess their consequences and support recovery.

The Lebanese delegation stressed that research institutions that continue investing in science before crises occur are better positioned to provide evidence-based assessments and practical solutions when challenges arise.

The agreement for Lebanon to host the next regional GRC meeting in Beirut in 2027 marks a significant development for the country's scientific community and reflects confidence in CNRS-L's institutional capabilities and its role in regional scientific cooperation.

Taking over from Kuwait, Beirut will provide a platform for Lebanon to strengthen its scientific engagement with regional research councils, universities, funding bodies and international partners.

The upcoming meeting is also expected to highlight Lebanon's research potential despite the difficult economic and political circumstances facing the country.

For CNRS-L, hosting the 2027 gathering represents more than an organisational responsibility. It is an opportunity to reaffirm Lebanon's position as an active contributor to regional scientific development and demonstrate that its research institutions remain capable of providing leadership, initiating cooperation and attracting international partnerships.