Lina Chawaf
With a career spanning over three decades to give voice to voiceless especially women, I’ve had the privilege of working across TV, radio, and print media since 1992. I’ve created hundreds of TV commercials and numerous clips for UNICEF, and I’ve been deeply involved in the media landscape, establishing two radio stations in Syria, including Arabesque, where I served as the Program Manager for seven years.
My work has extended to writing for newspapers like Baladna in Syria and Almoustakbal in Canada, as well as magazines such as Shabablek and Sabaya in Syria.
Recognized writer for the international media like Washington Post, Globe & Mail, Boston Globe, etc.
As a media consultant with IMS in the Middle East, I’ve been part of several initiatives, including founding radio stations in conflict zones like Libya, Yemen, and Syria.
Training thousands of Arab journalists and media workers. Coaching tenths of media leadership in conflict areas. Public speaker in tenths of conferences, workshops and international events.
One of my proudest achievements is founding Rozana Radio in Paris, a station supported by international organizations that now operates in Paris, Gaziantep, and Syria. I also served as the President of CMFE, advocating for human rights, women’s rights, and freedom of expression through media.
In recognition of my efforts, in fighting for human rights and especially the women ones, I received the 2018 Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Award. Additionally, I’ve shared my knowledge as a teacher at ESJ (Ecole Supérieure de Journalism) in Paris, France.
I got the Nieman fellowship from Harvard for 2024-2025
I 'm a visiting researcher in CMES @Harvard doing research about Women Leadership in Conflict
A visitor Fellow @TUFTS
I'm writing my memoir starting a workshop "Memoir Generator" @GrubStreet
Concept Note: Establishing an Independent Institute for Syrian Research and Studies
Project Title
Establishing an Independent Institute for Syrian Research and studies: A Collaborative Initiative for Evidence-Based Studies, Dialogue and exchange.
Background and Rationale
14 years into the Syrian conflict, the country continues to face deep politic, social, and economic fragmentation. Despite its regional significance, Syria lacks independent scientific and policy-oriented research institutions even for 50 years. Academic research has been heavily restricted, leaving a void filled by external and often politicized analyses. This initiative aims to establish the first Independent Institute for Syrian Research and studies, a platform for rigorous, locally grounded research, open academic dialogue, and informed policymaking.
Purpose of the Initiative
The proposed Institute will serve as an independent, non-profit academic hub dedicated to producing multidisciplinary research on Syria’s science, economic, social, and cultural realities. It seeks to advance free inquiry, promote inclusive dialogue, and empower the next generation of Syrian researchers and students to shape evidence-based policies.
Objectives
- Promote independent, field-based research on Syria’s evolving social and academic structures.
- Create academic opportunities for Syrian scholars and youth to contribute to policy discussions.
- Preserve and digitize Syria’s cultural and historical archives for scholarly use.
- Foster partnerships with universities and international academic institutions ensure high research standards and global engagement.
- Serve as a objective platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among scholars, policymakers, and civil society actors.
Proposed Collaboration with Academic Institutions
The initiative seeks partnerships with leading universities and research centers specializing in conflict studies, public policy, and social sciences. Such collaborations will strengthen academic credibility, enable knowledge exchange, and ensure the dissemination of research outcomes to global audiences.
Areas of Collaboration
- Joint research programs on governance, peacebuilding, and regional dynamics.
- Faculty and student exchanges supporting the capacity development of Syrian researchers.
- Collaborative publication of research papers, policy briefs, and thematic studies.
- Organization of international dialogue forums bringing together scholars and policymakers.
- Support for training modules in conflict-sensitive research, media, and policy communication.
Expected Outcomes
- Establishment of the first Independent Institute for Syrian Research and studies:.
- • Enhanced production of evidence-based research to inform peacebuilding and governance.
- • Improved cooperation between Syrian and international academic communities.
- • Strengthened role of research and studies in promoting dialogue, social cohesion, and institutional reform.
Implementation Approach
The initiative will follow a phased implementation approach, beginning with the establishment of an advisory board, a core research team, and partnerships with university and academic institutions. A digital platform will serve as a hub for publications, dialogue, and archiving efforts. The approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and academic independence.
Conclusion
By supporting the creation of an Independent Institute for Syrian Research and studies: partner universities and research centers will contribute to rebuilding the intellectual foundations necessary for peace, governance, and sustainable development in Syria. This initiative represents a unique opportunity to advance academic freedom, foster evidence-based policymaking, and promote cross-cultural dialogue.