UK Partner
Research, mentorship, and collaborative leadership
EMPOWERING WOMEN'S CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE IN MOROCCO THROUGH RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
A collaborative UK–Morocco initiative funded by the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships – Researcher Challenges scheme.
GOING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Going Global Partnerships supports universities, colleges and wider education stakeholders around the world to work together towards stronger, equitable, inclusive, more internationally connected higher education, science, and TVET.
The Researcher Challenges programme supports innovative international collaborations that empower Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to address global challenges through equitable partnerships.
This project brings together researchers, mentors, and innovation stakeholders from the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Morocco to strengthen women’s resilience to climate change through research, technology, and inclusive innovation.
Led by Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Morocco, the project provides a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, linking digital technology, social sciences, and environmental research to co-create sustainable solutions for climate resilience.
WHY IT MATTERS
Aligned with Morocco’s national climate action goals, the initiative ensures that women are not only beneficiaries but active leaders in developing and implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Through research workshops, mentorship, and challenge-based innovation, early-career researchers collaborate to design practical, gender-responsive solutions addressing real environmental and social challenges.
Research Workshops
Co-creating practical climate responses.
Mentorship
Linking early-career researchers and experts.
Innovation Challenges
Developing tech-based, gender-inclusive solutions.
Active LEADERS
This project forms part of the British Council’s global mission to build connections, understanding, and trust through education, research, and innovation—supporting international collaboration that delivers meaningful social, environmental, and economic impact.
PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS
Discover our insightful publications and comprehensive reports. Explore a wealth of knowledge that can inform and inspire your journey.
Latest UPDATES
Funded by the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships Researcher Challenges scheme.
© 2026 | All rights reserved
The UK Closing and Handover Event (Apr 27-28) was hosted at Cardiff Metropolitan University as part of the British Council project Empowering Women’s Climate Change Resilience in Morocco Through Research and Technological Innovation, led by Dr Issam Damaj (Cardiff Met, UK) and Dr Loubna Mekouar (UM6P - University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Morocco). The event also marked the transition into the new phase, Strengthening Climate Resilience in Morocco through Technology-Driven Research and Innovation in Smart Cities, Urban Edges, and Rural Areas, led by Dr Damaj and Dr Youssef Iraqi (UM6P). The event also welcomed Dr Mehmet Aydin (R&I Expert, UWE Bristol).
Across two days, the event marked the successful completion of the 2025 project and the transition into the next phase. The programme brought together partners from the UK and Morocco, with a strong focus on engagement with ECRs in the UK.
The day opened with a networking session, where visitors met with students and researchers from Cardiff School of Technologies (CST) and were welcomed by CST Dean, Prof Jon Platts.
This was followed by presentations on the 2025 project outcomes, providing UK ECRs with an overview of achievements and future directions.
A key highlight was the ECR Projects and Networking Session, where ECRs shared progress updates and outlined their next steps, creating a valuable space for discussion and alignment.
The afternoon session was delivered in a hybrid format, bringing together researchers from both Morocco and the UK. These sessions also included key project collaborators, Dr Chaminda Thushara Hewage (Associate Dean, Research), Dr Imtiaz Khan, Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Redmond, and Dr Fiona Carroll, who contributed to the introduction of the 2026 project (research streams and timelines).
The second day focused on internal planning, enabling project leads to formally close the 2025 activities and carry forward key outcomes into the new programme.
Acknowledgement is extended to Dr Catherine Tryfona (Associate Dean, Partnerships) for her support throughout the two days.
Thanks are also extended to all attendees and visitors for their engagement and contribution. Contributions from ECRs who attended in person included Dr Mary Corcoran, Dr Amrita Prasad, Dr John Macaulay, and Ms Rana Kebbi. Additional participation included Anas Knari, Ph.D., Dr. Songdi Li, Dr Abdelhak Bouayad, Ph.D., Dr Bouthayna El Amine, Ms Safa AMEZYEM, Ms Rachida EL MANSOUM, Mr Imonikhe Ayeni, MBCS, AphA, Ms Mwaka Namwila, and Mr Salah Eslim.
Appreciation is extended to Dr Mamoun Qasem (University of South Wales), and Ms Rumana Faruque, Dr Ginu Rajan, and Dr Shadan Khan Khattak for supporting the sessions.
These projects are funded under the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships, which supports universities, colleges, and wider education stakeholders worldwide to build stronger, more equitable, inclusive, and internationally connected systems in higher education, science, and TVET (British Council HE and TVET). ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
On International Women’s Day, we would like to recognise and thank the remarkable women who have contributed to our project, Empowering Women’s Climate Change Resilience in Morocco Through Research and Technological Innovation.
This initiative has been shaped by the commitment, expertise, and leadership of women across the UK and Morocco — as project leads, mentors, researchers, and Early Career Researchers. Their contributions continue to strengthen collaboration, advance knowledge, and support meaningful impact in climate resilience and innovation.
I would especially like to acknowledge:
Dr. Loubna Mekouar
Prof. Loudyi Dalila
Dr Fiona Carroll
Prof. Rachida EL MORABET
Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Redmond
Dr Amrita Prasad
Dr. Songdi Li
Dr Mary Corcoran
Dr Nudrat Rasool
Dr Meryem MAATOUGUI
Safa AMEZYEM
ZGA Oumaima
Rachida EL MANSOUM
Fatima-Zahra CHBADI
Rana Kebbi
Alaa Houwayji
Dr Bouthayna El Amine
Thank you for your dedication and continued contribution to this collaborative work.
Today is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements and to reaffirm the importance of supporting women in research, innovation, and climate action.
#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInResearch #WomenInSTEM #ClimateResilience #UKMoroccoCollaboration ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Photos from Technology-Driven Climate Resilience Research and Innovation: UK and MA's post ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook