Moving to Trier, Germany, from Yemen with my family has been both a rewarding and transformative journey. My wife and I, along with our two sons—one aged 5.5 and the other 18.5—have faced several challenges, particularly in adapting to the cultural differences and navigating the language barriers. The transition was especially difficult for my older son, who had to adjust to a completely new school system. However, with unwavering support from Dr. Beise and Kathrin Franzen, we were able to navigate these obstacles more smoothly.

Their guidance and assistance were invaluable, not only in helping us integrate into the community but also in ensuring that we felt comfortable and welcomed in their new environment. Thanks to this support, both of my sons have now fully embraced their new lives. They enjoy school and kindergarten, have made many friends, and have successfully overcome the initial language barriers. It’s heartwarming to see them thriving and loving their new surroundings.

As for myself, while I have made significant progress in adapting to life in Trier, I still face some challenges with the language. However, I am confident that with continued help, I will overcome this hurdle by the end of the year. Despite these challenges, my family and I have grown to love the city, its vibrant community, and the enriching experiences it offers. Moving to Trier has not only been a period of adjustment but also one of growth, allowing us to learn, adapt and flourish in this wonderful environment.

Germany, and Trier in particular, have left a deep and positive impression on me and my family. The blend of history, culture, and community here has made our stay both enriching and inspiring. We have grown to love the picturesque streets, the welcoming people, and the vibrant academic environment. The past two years have brought about a profound transformation in me, both professionally and personally. The exceptional quality of research and education at Trier University of Applied Sciences, coupled with the abundant support and resources available, has allowed me to grow significantly with each passing month. I have developed strong expertise in machine learning, deep learning, programming, and large language models, expanding my knowledge to meet  the demands of academic research or the industrial sector.

One particularly impactful moment occurred during a research collaboration at Trier University of Applied Sciences. Presenting our findings to an international group of researchers at the LARSIM Anwendertreffen 2024 in Luxembourg was a defining experience and I saw this news in the university website. On a personal level, an equally unforgettable moment happened when my sons began to speak German fluently and started to genuinely enjoy their school experience. Watching them adapt and thrive in their new, safe environment has been incredibly rewarding and fills me with pride. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for Germany and the myriad opportunities it has provided us.  We love Trier, with its vibrant community and supportive environment.

I became aware of the Scholars at Risk Network and  the Philipp Schwartz Initiative through former participants in the program, as well as through my academic network and colleagues who are actively involved in supporting at risk scholars. Additionally, information about these initiatives was shared, which highlighted the critical work being done to protect and support scholars facing threats. This sparked my interest, and I further explored the opportunities they provide for scholars to continue their research in safe and supportive environments.

I am a researcher at risk because of the targeted threats and persecution I faced from Houthi authorities in Yemen. After the Houthis took over the capital city of Sana'a, my colleagues and I were among the first victims of their regime. We faced threats and arrests due to our commitment to keeping educational institutions neutral amidst the conflict. In order to evade arrest, I attempted to escape from Sana'a and Dhamar and devised a plan to reach Marib. This came after a prolonged period of serving at Sana'a University without receiving a salary. Ultimately, we were terminated from our positions at the university by the Houthi authorities.

The situation in Yemen is dire, particularly in Marib, where intense fighting and missile strikes are a constant threat. My family and I live in fear, with violence surrounding us daily. The ongoing conflict has not only endangered our lives but has also severely disrupted our ability to maintain any sense of normalcy. Yemen's political instability, compounded by economic collapse and humanitarian crises, has created an environment where safety and security are almost impossible to achieve, leaving us vulnerable and at risk.

The Philipp Schwartz Initiative has offered me an invaluable platform to advance my research and professional development over the past two years. As the duration of this initiative comes to a close, my focus is on securing a position that allows me to continue making meaningful contributions to the fields of machine learning and AI.

Moreover, the Philipp Schwartz Initiative provided me with access to a comprehensive job training program tailored for IT and AI specialists. Through this program, I have honed my skills in crafting effective cover letters, navigating the job application process, and preparing for interviews. Although I have not yet secured a job, I have gained invaluable insights from each application and interview, learning what is missing and refining my approach. The process has been challenging, especially while balancing my current work, but I am confident that these experiences will lead to a successful outcome in the near future. Looking ahead, I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired to both academic and industrial settings, where I can contribute to innovative projects and further my research.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to The Philipp Schwartz Initiative and all its members for their unwavering support. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to Trier University of Applied Sciences, whose exceptional environment and commitment to excellence have enriched my professional journey. Additionally, I am immensely grateful to the SAR (Scholars at Risk) Network for their dedication to supporting scholars in need, and for playing a crucial role in my continued academic and professional growth.

From the very first steps we took in Germany, we were warmly welcomed by Kathrin Franzen. Her kindness and support were evident from the start, as she had meticulously arranged everything we needed for a smooth transition—organizing our stay, enrolling my younger son in kindergarten, and finding the right school for my eldest son. Her assistance extended beyond just the basics; she has been a constant source of help, always reaching out to assist with visa matters, health insurance, and any other challenges that arose. Her unwavering support made our move to Germany not just manageable, but truly welcoming.

In addition to the personal support we received, the university's commitment to my career development has been outstanding. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Beise, I have been provided with numerous opportunities for research, collaboration, and continuous learning. These opportunities have allowed me to grow professionally and connect with the broader academic community, enriching both my career and personal development.

The combined efforts of Kathrin Franzen and Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Beise have made a profound impact on our lives. Their support has not only facilitated our successful integration into German society but has also laid a strong foundation for my ongoing professional journey.

The application process for the Philipp Schwartz scholarship at Trier University of Applied Sciences was both rigorous and highly supportive. It involved multiple stages, starting with the identification of a host institution willing to support my application. With the encouragement and guidance of Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Beise at Trier University of Applied Sciences, I prepared a research proposal outlining my intended work and its alignment with the university's expertise.

The process required the submission of several documents, including a comprehensive curriculum vitae, certificates, and the research proposal. Throughout this period, the university provided invaluable support, assisting with the preparation of the application materials and ensuring that all requirements were met. Once submitted, the application underwent a thorough review by the Philipp Schwartz Initiative. I was fortunate to receive positive feedback and was ultimately awarded the scholarship, enabling me to continue my research in a safe and conducive environment at Trier University of Applied Sciences.

As a scholar at risk, I faced various challenges, from the difficulties of leaving my country to visa entry challenges in Oman, the only place where I could apply for a German visa and securing visa approval for my wife and children. Fortunately, the Scholars at Risk Network and Trier University stood by me, helping to resolve these issues. I am especially grateful for the unwavering support and cooperation of Prof. Dr. Beise, Kathrin Franzen and Leona Binz from the Scholars at Risk Network, who were immensely helpful and supportive throughout the entire process.

My research primarily focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep learning, and natural language processing. At Trier University of Applied Sciences, I specialize in AI-driven streamflow forecasting and flood prediction. My work involves developing and optimizing machine learning models to accurately predict streamflow and potential flood events. A key aspect of my research is quantifying the uncertainty in these forecasting models, which is essential for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of predictions. In addition to my research, I contribute to scientific publications and collaborate with colleagues on various projects. Currently, I am also exploring Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) in large language models (LLMs).