Rana Dajani is a distinguished Jordanian molecular biologist and a tenured professor at Hashemite University. She has made extensive contributions in scientific research and social entrepreneurship. Her work spans human genetics and a global reading initiative, demonstrating a commitment to scientific advancement and societal betterment.
Contributions to Science and Policy
Rana Dajani, who holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Iowa, is a tenured professor of biology and biotechnology at Hashemite University. Her genetics research has focused on the Circassian and Chechen populations in Jordan, who are genetically isolated due to high rates of endogamous marriages. This work explores their genetic similarities, differences, and epidemiological predispositions to diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
Her research extends to genome-wide association studies, investigating genes associated with conditions like cancer, schizophrenia, and type 2 diabetes within these ethnic groups. Her studies have identified genes linked to cancer and schizophrenia in both Circassian and Chechen populations. Dajani’s work also covers broader health issues, including stem cells.
Dajani played a significant role in developing Jordan’s Stem Cell Research Ethics Law, passed in January 2014. This legislation was the first of its kind in the Arab and Islamic region to control research and therapy using human stem cells derived from embryos. The law restricts such work to government organizations or publicly funded academic institutions in Jordan, aiming for higher transparency and supervision by the Ministry of Health. This sets a precedent for ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks for stem cell research.
Cultivating a Love for Reading
Beyond her scientific pursuits, Rana Dajani founded “We Love Reading” (WLR) in 2006, an independent nonprofit organization based in Jordan. The initiative fosters a love for reading among children by training local volunteers, known as Reading Ambassadors, to conduct regular read-aloud sessions in public spaces. This model has led to the establishment of thousands of neighborhood libraries across over 71 countries.
The philosophy behind “We Love Reading” extends beyond mere literacy, aiming to promote reading for pleasure and its broader societal benefits. The program emphasizes social responsibility, civic engagement, and psychological well-being, empowering individuals to become agents of change in their communities. WLR has also developed approximately 38 children’s books covering themes like environmental awareness, empathy, and non-violence, ensuring cultural relevance through collaborations with local writers and illustrators.
The initiative trains local men, women, and youth, particularly in vulnerable communities, to hold these read-aloud sessions. Over 7,000 women have been trained to read aloud in regions including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. This approach not only provides children with a space to enjoy books but also empowers the Reading Ambassadors, offering them valuable skills and opportunities to become leaders. The program’s success led to its expansion into Syrian refugee camps, including Zaatri Refugee Camp.
Broader Impact and Accolades
Rana Dajani advocates for women’s empowerment, particularly championing women in science and leadership roles. She is a member of the United Nations Women Jordan Advisory Council and established a mentoring program to support women scholars in STEM fields. Dajani also organized the first gender summit for the Arab world in 2017, highlighting her dedication to addressing gender inequities in education and employment. Her 2018 book, “Five Scarves: Doing the Impossible – If We Can Reverse Cell Fate, Why Can’t We Redefine Success?”, explores these issues and challenges existing paradigms of success.
Her contributions have earned her numerous awards and fellowships, recognizing her impact across science, education, and social entrepreneurship. She is a two-time Fulbright scholar, an Eisenhower Fellow, and a Radcliffe Fellow at Harvard University. Other recognitions include the UNESCO International Literacy Prize, the Klaus Jacobs Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2018, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Award from the United Nations in 2019. Dajani was inducted into the Women in Science Hall of Fame in 2015, received Jordan’s Order of Al Hussein for Distinguished Contributions of the Second Class, and has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential Arab women.