To ensure robust regional outreach and networking, the ACSS has established focal points in select countries of the region.At the moment, the ACSS has two focal points in Palestine (established in 2015) and Algeria (established in 2017). Each of the two focal points includes a lead consultant, an administrative assistant, and a steering committee.
The basic role of the focal point is to empower and facilitate the work of the ACSS mainly by mobilizing young researchers to engage in academic discussions, and work on critical research that promotes active dialogue and debate around important issues of relevance to their specific contexts as well as the region as a whole. The focal points also help in disseminating funding opportunities and assisting potential applicants in applying to them; planning training and networking events; and providing feedback to ACSS Secretariat and Board of Trustees on local/national thematic and programmatic priorities.
Associate Professor in Sociology and Women Studies Associate Professor in Sociology and Women Studies, Birzeit University, Palestine; studied Sociology at the AUB and Birzeit University, graduating with a BA in 1976; has an MA in sociology from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, 1981; founding member and coordinator of ‘Our Production is Our Pride’ (a cooperative organization established in conjunction with Birzeit University) from 1985-94; co-founder of the Bisan Center for Research and Development, Ramallah, in 1990 (until 1995); served as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Al-Haq – Law in the Service of Man, Ramallah, from 1994-97; founding director of the Women Studies Institute at Birzeit University from 1996-7 and director of the Institute from 1998 to 2002. Has widely published on gender and development, Palestinian women’s movements and education as a vehicle for change.
Firas is a co-founding member and researcher at Al Marsad – Social and Economic Policies Monitor. He has completed several studies and published multiple books, supervised a series of public opinion polls and a number of survey-based research studies. He is a member and a leader of research teams in studies related to needs assessment studies, capacity building, participatory applied studies and gender related issues. He also conducted several studies on development in the Arab world, in cooperation with specialized Arab research institutions. He earned his Master’s degree in Sociology from Birzeit University and he holds a BA from Bethlehem University.
Director of the Algerian Institute for Social Research and Studies and the senior consultant of the Focal Point for the Arab Council for the Social Sciences in Algeria. He teaches political sociology at the University of Algiers. He wrote several books and conducted many studies about political elites, social movements, and trade unions. His most recent publications explored the Amazigh Movements in North Africa, the unions in Algeria, and the Algerian Spring.