The butterfly effect is a concept that states “small causes can have larger effects”. This concept was initially used in theories about weather prediction but later the term became a popular metaphor in science writing in general.

In this TEDx speech, the Jordanian Muslim geneticist Dr. Rana Dajani is speaking about the Butterfly Effect, how it works, and how does it affect our universe and lives.

Who is Dajani?

Dajani is a molecular biologist associate professor at Hashemite University in Jordan. The UK-based Muslim Science Magazine has praised her as one of the most influential women scientists in the Muslim World.

In fact, she was instrumental in establishing the terms of law for the use of stem cell therapy in Jordan, which opened the door for regulation in the Muslim World. Moreover, Dajani founded and directed the ‘We Love Reading program’ that advocates for child literacy across 30 countries. The outcome of this led to the establishment of 330 libraries throughout Jordan. In addition to enriching the literacy of over 10,000 children, 60% female and 40% male.

For this work she received the Library of Congress Literary Award for Best Practices in 2013. Furthermore, Dajani is a member of the UN Jordanian Women Advisory Council.

She has published in several peer reviewed journals and in Science, and in Nature journals. Among her speaking engagements is the Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowship symposium at the University of Cambridge; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, McGill University, and at the British Council Belief in Dialogue conference.