October 20, 2025 – Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) and the Municipality of Bcharre signed a pioneering agreement advancing scientific research while promoting Lebanon’s astronomical tourism. Through this collaboration, the “NDU Observatory” will be constructed on Mount Makmel and will feature a state-of-the-art telescope, operating under the supervision of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS).
Present at the signing ceremony were NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury; Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michel El Hayek; Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Najib Metni; Dr. Antoine Farhat, Advisor to the President for Presidential Affairs and Assistant Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies; Dr. Roger Nakad, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences; Dr. Nancy Rahbani, Chairperson of the Department of Physics and Astronomy; Dr. Bassem Sabra, Professor of Physics and Astronomy; Dr. Charbel Zgheib, Dean of Students; Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol; Joe Keyrouz, President of the Municipality of Bcharre; as well as municipal board members Toni Tawk, Gaby Tawk, Pola Yamine Geagea, and Dolcy Lawoun, who also serves as Chairperson of the Department of Music at NDU.
“NDU has positioned itself among the leaders in the field of astrophysics thanks to our existing observatory. We sought a partner who shares our spiritual and historical values, such as Bcharre, to establish the NDU Observatory,” confirmed Fr. Khoury.
For his part, President Keyrouz affirmed his readiness to see the project through, declaring:
“The municipal board will invest its logistical and legal resources in the best and fastest way possible for the observatory to see the light.”
Donated to NDU by the Prefecture of Kochi, Japan, the 60-cm telescope will be used to observe comets and asteroids and to conduct innovative research in the field. According to a study conducted by NDU scientists and funded by the National Council for Scientific Research, Mount Makmel is the ideal location for building the observatory, being one of Lebanon’s highest peaks; geographically expansive, naturally preserved, and isolated from urban pollution.
Since the area is protected by the Ministry of Environment, and with the aim of preserving its groundwater and unique botanical resources, the NDU Observatory will be constructed following green building guidelines, making it a model of eco-friendly and sustainable development. The construction will include a control room and a mechanical dome to properly maneuver the telescope, in addition to facilities that will encourage researchers to stay on site.
Under this project, the Mount Makmel area will be named the “Dark Sky Reserve,” a title that will not only advance scientific research at NDU and nationwide but also help reconnect Lebanese students with their natural and cultural heritage. While funding remains essential, the successful implementation of this agreement rests on both parties’ shared commitment to community and students, ensuring a win-win outcome for a more sustainable future.