Shining a Light on the Excitement of Physics in Jordan

Hanan Sa’adeh, a physics professor at the University of Jordan (UJ), founded the LAMBDA Physics Group in 2015 to inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and engineers in Jordan to spread the excitement of physics.

While a student working toward her bachelor’s degree at UJ, Sa’adeh sought to initiate an outreach organization. And although her plans didn’t reach fruition at that time, she didn’t give up on her goal. After returning to UJ years later as a faculty member, Sa’adeh’s dream became a reality.

“The aim of the LAMBDA Physics Group is clearly not to teach physics but to inspire gifted students to find their creative way in delivering physics to the public,” she said. “Engaging with the public makes physics more human and more accessible.”

As founding supervisor of the LAMBDA Physics Group, Sa’adeh has been instrumental in organizing myriad outreach activities at UJ, including "Light Up with Physics,” a part of the worldwide celebration of the International Year of Light in 2015; "Marie Curie Day at UJ,” featured in the global celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of two-time Nobel Laureate Marie Curie in 2017; and “Nikola Tesla: The Scientist behind the Genius,” included in the worldwide celebration of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development in 2022-2023.

“Through such activities, we’ve managed to shine a light on the creativity in physics,” Sa’adeh said.

An APS member since 2017, Sa’adeh said she’s thankful for being recognized as a Global Spotlight Member and added that she enjoys being a member of the following APS forums: Outreach and Engaging the Public, History and Philosophy of Physics, and Physics and Society.

“I find it beneficial and inspiring to see what physicists do with enthusiasm around the world to engage the public,” she said.

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