Awan has led and contributed to research-driven initiatives that bridge theory and practice. These include organizing cross-sector conferences on AI and Access to Information with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), as well as co-organizing a conference on climate change, media, and communication with the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut (AUB).

In parallel, Awan produced durable knowledge outputs such as an Arabic-language Environmental Journalism and Climate Change Reporting Guide and an AI Code of Ethics.

These initiatives reinforce Awan’s role not only as a training provider, but as a researcher and producer of reference resources that support responsible, future-oriented journalism.