Sabri Mourad: Zapping Syrian industry into shape

With the congratulations of the jury, the highest degree possible in France, Sabri Mourad received his PhD in mechanical sciences from the University of Nancy in eastern France in the year 2000. As a Syrian scientist working in France, he will soon introduce laser technology in Syria. As a member of NOSSTIA (The Network of Syrian Scientists, Technologists and Innovators Abroad) he is keen on giving something back to his native country. Currently, he is working for Albany International, an American company specialized in technical textiles used in the manufacturing of paper and high performance composites. 

What are you doing as head of the research and development department for Albany International?
If you look at an industrial plant, you may ask yourself “who designed and built these incredible machines performing the manufacturing tasks?” This is exactly my job: designing and building new machines dedicated to special applications. I’m managing a team of engineers and technicians. We use high-tech solutions to make products in many areas, mainly technical textiles using weaving or laser technologies.  
In simple words, what is laser? 
Laser is an abbreviation for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiations.” Laser rays are created through a physical mechanism, which transforms the electrical power into light. Afterwards, the laser beam is focused with a special lens to create a very small spot, less than 1 mm in diameter. The energy in the focal point is so huge that it can burn out any material immediately and remove it. In a mechanical machine, a metallic knife is used to cut, to make holes and to create new shapes. With laser technology, the laser spot is used for the same tasks.
What about introducing laser technology in Syria?
At this stage, I am still looking for interested partners. The heavy investment associated to this technology makes it necessary to spend a long time before implementation. In the framework of NOSSTIA, I have presented the technology to several industries in Syria, with the message that without laser technology they will not be able to achieve high quality products. The main problem I am facing is establishing contacts with those who could potentially use this technology. It is really difficult to communicate with Syrian partners as an expatriate, due to the distance.
In which areas can laser technology be used?
There are three main areas of interest for Syria. Mechanical industries could use lasers to cut and weld mechanical pieces. Packaging is improved with lasers, as it prolongs conservation of products and is used to make smart packaging. With lasers you can make very small holes in packaging, which allows air to circulate around the food to avoid its degradation. It is also used to make packaging easy to open. The third area is the medical sector, especially for complicated eye surgeries.  
How will laser technology affect the Syrian industry?
If the Syrian industry wants to meet international standards and compete against international suppliers, it needs laser technology to have competitive products. In the industry today, three tasks are important: to perform more precise actions, to increase the production speed and to maintain constant quality. Laser is a technology widely used for these purposes.  
How can the Syrian industry improve in the field of innovation?
The first important thing is to accept that we do not have to invent everything. Instead, we have to maximize the use of products already available on the market and customize them to create an advantage compared to competitors. Industries have to investigate how they can bring, adapt and use new technologies in Syria. This means huge intelligence efforts and continuous investment efforts to renew equipments and to train people in new technologies. NOSSTIA has exactly the needed skills to help Syrian industrials to achieve this vision 
What role can NOSSTIA and scientists like you play?
NOSSTIA is a real think tank of the technically skilled. All members are acting in the top of their fields in Western countries. We need to link these expatriates to Syrian industry, investors and entrepreneurs. I believe that close cooperation between NOSSTIA, investment funds like Cham Funds, and entrepreneurs like SYEA and Chambers of Industry is the best method to push Syrian innovation and economic growth forward. In these institutions, you have knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, industrial partners and investors. In other words, all the components needed to build a future for our country. A lot of effort and time is needed. We will make all the necessary efforts because this is the only way to reimburse a part of the debt we have towards our mother country.  
Would you consider moving back to Syria?
Yes. I have acquired a high level of technical and managerial skills in France that are perfectly used by a France-based American company. All this was possible thanks to the strong and efficient education I had in Syria. I would be glad and honored to put these skills in the service of the Syrian economy.