University of Bedfordshire Leads Global Research Capacity Building in Jordan

The University of Bedfordshire Business School has launched the BEACON Project in Amman, Jordan, a British Academy-funded initiative led by Dr Sanaz Vatankhah. The project empowers Early Career Researchers (ECRs) through mentorship, writing capacity building, and international collaboration.

In partnership with Middle East University, the three-day programme combined immersive writing bootcamps and research training on:

• Creative research idea generation
• Responsible use of AI in academic writing
• Crafting high-impact research narratives

The workshops convened academics and industry representatives to advance research on women’s entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and sustainable development. Priority topics included refugee women’s entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial ecosystems for entrepreneurs with disabilities; digital platforms that enable inclusive entrepreneurship; and responsible entrepreneurship addressing climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity. Delegates also explored the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and robust research methodologies.

Key takeaways: 

• Structured mentorship and collaboration are cornerstones of research excellence and real-world impact.
• Ethical, responsible AI use is integral to research integrity.
• Empowering women researchers strengthens communities and advances the UN SDGs (5, 8 & 9).

Jordan’s hospitality and intellectual curiosity made the visit exceptionally productive.

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to Middle East University for hosting; to Dr. Seham Aljaafreh, Ms. May Abuhamdia, and Saja Al-Makhzomi for outstanding coordination; and to our UK team Professor Levent Altinay, Professor Yanqing Duan, and Professor Paul Jones, for their mentorship and leadership.

More information about the BEACON project