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In March 2025, discussions began between Dr. Ala’a Azzam and Dr. Zouhair Benkhaldoun to foster future collaboration in planetary and astronomical sciences between the University of Jordan and Cadi Ayyad University.

At the end of April 2025, Dr. Azzam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Jordan, visited Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco. The visit aimed to explore opportunities for a scientific partnership in astronomy and space technology.

During her visit, Dr. Azzam toured the internationally renowned Oukaimeden Observatory, home to the TRAPPIST-North telescope, a key facility for exoplanet observations using the transit method.

Dr. Azzam met with Dr. Zouhair Benkhaldoun, academic staff member at Cadi Ayyad University and Director of Oukaimeden Observatory. Both agreed to proceed with official arrangements to:

• Facilitate the training of Jordanian students in space observation techniques

• Accelerate research efforts at Oukaimeden Observatory by involving Jordanian students in the analysis of observational data

This agreement marks an important step toward strengthening academic cooperation and advancing astronomical research through the active participation of Jordanian students.