Refugee, Inventor, Astronaut

Syrian, from Daraa; seeking Undergraduate degree in Physics and is enrolled at Cambridge International College.  

My name is Abbas Al-Faouri, born in Syria in 1997. At seventeen, I was forcibly displaced by war and became a refugee in Jordan. Despite losing access to higher education, I refused to give up on learning. Through self-study, I immersed myself in mathematics, physics, and cosmology, turning hardship into a life mission: to seek knowledge and share it with others.

In 2016, I earned a scholarship to study civil engineering at Al-Quds College, graduating top of my class with a perfect 100% average. Yet my true passion remained in physics and mathematics. I began building microscopes and scientific instruments from recycled materials, one of which won second place in a national innovation competition and was exhibited at Amman Design Week. Later, I built advanced prototypes including telescopes, microscopes, and even a small particle accelerator with my students.

As a researcher, I am developing new equations in number theory with the University of Petra and co-authored a paper on neutron stars currently under peer review. As an educator, I serve as Technical Supervisor of Scientific Laboratories at Ibn Rushd International Academy, where my students won first place in NASA’s Junior Applications Challenge in Jordan. I also co-founded We Love Experiments, bringing science to refugee children.

Since childhood, I have dreamt of studying at Cambridge University—the place where Newton began his theory of gravitation. Recently, I was awarded a scholarship as the first Syrian astronaut candidate in research and development, preparing for a space mission in 2029. At Cambridge, I hope to advance number theory and cosmology and contribute discoveries that carry the name of the Arab world to humanity.

Why Would Donors Fund You?

I deserve funding from donors because I turn challenges into opportunities, contribute to advancing science and innovation through self-directed learning, mentor refugee children, lead projects, and explore the world with passion. My work empowers future innovators and transforms communities, and I believe that people like me leave an indelible mark on this world.

How Do You Plan to Payback?

I plan to give back by advancing research in mathematics and physics, sharing discoveries with the global community, and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Through teaching, innovation initiatives for refugees, and building bridges between Arab youth and world-class science, I will ensure that donor support creates lasting educational and scientific impact beyond my own journey.

Volunteer Work/Social Capital

I engage my students in school volunteer activities to support the underprivileged, provide food, assist orphans, organize events, and participate in initiatives that support children with Down syndrome through the school’s CAS program. I am also working to establish the “We Love Experiments” initiative to provide hands-on science education to children in refugee camps, aiming to inspire curiosity and creativity.

What Have You Done to Improve Yourself? Awards and Achievements

I have pursued continuous self-directed learning in science, physics, mathematics, and design thinking. I hold certifications including NVQ Level 3 in Civil Engineering, ICDL, Build Your Business, and Aptis English B1–B2. I have supervised graduate student projects using Arduino, led school participation in NASA Space Apps, and designed hands-on experiments and educational tools. As a fossil hunter, I explore and study fossils in the field, applying scientific methods and observation skills. Founder of “We Love Experiments,” I mentor children in refugee camps, communicate science publicly, and guide innovative projects. My achievements reflect dedication to lifelong learning, research, and nurturing future innovators.