Alphanaut orientation
Welcome to AlphaX
Your guide to being an Alphanaut: our values, our sections, your role and what we expect from each other.
Part 1
What is AlphaX?
AlphaX is a volunteer research collective in Damascus. We believe the Arab world can produce science, not only consume it.
We are researchers, translators, designers, engineers, writers and organizers. Some of us are students, some are graduates and some are professionals.
Alpha stands for doing excellent work. X stands for the questions nobody has answered yet. Our members are called Alphanauts: explorers of knowledge.
Part 2
Vision and mission
Vision
Arabic-speaking researchers have equal access to global knowledge. Research from Syria is published and read worldwide.
Mission
We publish original research, explain new science in simple Arabic, and train young researchers on real projects.
From knowledge consumers to knowledge creators.
Part 3
What we do
Original research
We produce original research, not only translations. The Research Lab runs studies, works with international researchers and submits to peer-reviewed journals.
Our groups work on medical AI, federated and edge AI, neuroscience and space systems.
Science in Arabic
Most research is published in English. That is a real barrier for Arabic-speaking students and researchers.
Knowledge Bridge picks high-impact papers, translates them into clear, accurate Arabic and explains them in Bridge Stories. Everything is free to read.
Growing researchers
We train every Alphanaut through this orientation, workshops, mentoring from Navigators and work on real projects.
Beginners become capable researchers and contributors by doing the work.
Part 4
Our sections
AlphaX has 8 sections. Each one has its own work and its own Navigator. You can belong to more than one.
Research Lab
Original research in medical AI, federated and edge AI, neuroscience and space systems.
Knowledge Bridge
Explains new science in simple Arabic, through translations and Bridge Stories.
Engineering
Builds and runs the AlphaX website, the member portal and our tools.
Design Studio
Visual identity, design and scientific figures.
Media
Social media, outreach and our community.
Partnerships & PR
Partners, sponsors and press relations.
Events & Logistics
Courses, Open Days and the logistics behind them.
People & Comms
Recruitment, onboarding and communication inside the team.
Part 5
Roles
Co-Captain
Leads AlphaX as a whole, sets direction and makes the big decisions. Co-Captains can see every section and portal.
Captains Council
The Co-Captains and the section Navigators. The council meets to plan the work across sections.
Navigator
Leads one section. Navigators approve work, assign tasks, mentor members and represent the section on the council.
Deputy Navigator
Supports the Navigator and leads the section when the Navigator is away.
Alphanaut
Every new member starts as an Alphanaut. As you contribute and grow, you can be considered for a Navigator seat.
Expert Fellow
An experienced researcher or professional who supports a section with their expertise.
Alumni
Former Alphanauts who stay connected to AlphaX.
Part 6
Becoming an Alphanaut
- 01
Apply
Fill in the form on the Join page. Tell us who you are, what you want to do and which sections interest you.
- 02
Review
Our team reviews your application within 1 to 3 working days.
- 03
Acceptance
If you are accepted, you receive your access code (AX- and 8 characters). It opens the member portal.
- 04
Orientation
You are reading it. Finish this page before you start work in your section.
- 05
Onboarding
Your Navigator welcomes you, explains your first tasks and introduces you to the team.
Part 7
Your responsibilities
Take part
Contribute regularly. If you need a break, tell your Navigator.
Meet deadlines
Respect the dates on your tasks. A delay affects the whole team.
Speak up
If you are stuck, overloaded or have an idea, say so. We support each other.
Keep learning
Attend workshops, read the materials and stay curious.
Work together
Help teammates, share what you know and credit other people’s work.
Represent AlphaX well
When you speak in public as a member, you speak for all of us.
Part 8
Our values
Scientific integrity
We care about truth, accuracy and sound methods. We never trade them for speed.
Open access
Knowledge should be free. Our translations are free to read.
High standards
Anything that carries the AlphaX name should be our best work.
Community
We celebrate each other’s wins and help each other through problems.
New ideas
We try new approaches and question our assumptions.
Real impact
We ask of every project: who does this help, and how?
Part 9
Code of conduct
- 1
Treat every member with respect, whatever their background, experience or role.
- 2
Never plagiarize or misrepresent work in translations, research or anything else.
- 3
Keep internal discussions and sensitive information private.
- 4
Do not use the AlphaX name or resources for personal gain without approval.
- 5
Report any breach of this code to a Navigator or Co-Captain straight away.
- 6
Harassment, discrimination or intimidation of any kind means immediate removal.
Breaking this code can lead to removal from AlphaX without notice.
Part 10
Questions
- Is AlphaX paid?
- No. AlphaX is a volunteer collective.
- How much time does it take?
- It depends on your section and role. Most active Alphanauts give 3 to 8 hours a week. In a busy period, tell your Navigator.
- Can I join more than one section?
- Yes. You can ask for access to more sections in the portal. We suggest you start with one.
- I am a beginner. Can I still join?
- Yes. You will work with more experienced members on tasks that match your level.
- Do I need to be Syrian?
- No. Our roots are Syrian, and we welcome anyone who shares our goals.
- What if I lose my access code?
- Ask a Navigator or Co-Captain. They can find your code in the admin panel.