Bethlehem University, Hebron University, and An-Najah University held a joint regional meeting on Monday, 24 March 2025, to establish the Palestinian Network for Child Neurodevelopment. This meeting is part of the NeuroDev project, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to establish university centers specializing in neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental disorders. The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development, the Palestinian Union of Social Workers and Psychologists, and several organizations dedicated to developmental disorders.
Dr. Ahmed Fasfous, Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of cooperation between academic institutions, governmental bodies, and organizations working in the field of developmental disorders. He highlighted the role of scientific research in improving psychological services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. He also presented the project and the network’s vision and objectives.
Ms. Hala Khalawi, a lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences, presented the preliminary results of a needs assessment conducted by the three Palestinian universities. She highlighted the high prevalence of developmental disorders among children in Palestine and emphasized the need to enhance the diagnostic services and therapeutic interventions. Ms. Minerva Jaraysah, also a lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences, stressed the need to establish a platform for communication and cooperation between universities, institutions, and specialists to improve service provision in Palestine.
Participants discussed the network’s objectives and action plan, prioritizing community awareness, research promotion, and the development of diagnostic tools and interventions tailored to the Palestinian context. At the end of the meeting, the Palestinian Network for Child Neurodevelopment was officially established, and membership was opened.
Bethlehem University remains committed to advancing research and education in neuropsychology and developmental disorders, recognizing the growing need for specialized services in Palestine. The university continues to participate in academic and research initiatives that contribute to the development of this crucial field, reinforcing its mission to support scientific progress and social impact in the region.
