Anas al-Qanou Carries His Doctoral Work Through War to Defend Science in Gaza

Dr. Anas al-Qanou’s journey from defending his doctoral thesis amid the devastation of war to heading the physics department at the Islamic University of Gaza reflects the struggle to sustain academic life during conflict.

In an interview, al-Qanou discussed completing his doctorate against the backdrop of war and his subsequent role leading the university’s physics department.

His account focused on the challenges of continuing scientific research in wartime, when the pursuit of knowledge must compete with the pressures of survival.

For al-Qanou, preserving his thesis was part of a broader effort to protect science in Gaza. His experience highlights the importance of sustaining research and academic leadership even as war disrupts university life.