Advancing Collaboration with Al-Mustansiriya University – Iraq

The University of Duhok (UoD) has taken a significant step toward fostering academic collaboration and research excellence by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad. This agreement aims to enhance scientific cooperation, faculty exchange, and accreditation initiatives between the two prestigious institutions.

Official Visit & High-Level Discussions

On November 26, 2024, a distinguished delegation from Al-Mustansiriya University, led by Dr. Maha Jamal Al-Ani, Dean of the College of Dentistry and an Iraqi National Council for Accreditation of Dental Colleges, visited UoD. The delegation engaged in discussions with:

✔ Dr.  Dilshad AbdulHalim Jabbar, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs,
✔ Dr. Nizar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations (DOIR)
✔ Dr. Saeed Ali Mohammed, Dean of the College of Dentistry, UoD

The primary focus of the meeting was the signing of an MOU between the Colleges of Dentistry at both universities, marking the beginning of a long-term academic and research partnership. This agreement is a testament to the commitment of both institutions to advancing higher education, knowledge sharing, and research collaboration.

Workshop on Accreditation & Quality Assurance

As part of the visit, a two-day workshop was conducted on November 25-26, 2024, featuring key discussions on raqi National Council for Accreditation of Dental Colleges. The workshop brought together experts from both institutions, including:

🔹 Dr. Bilind Muhammad Salim, Vice Dean of the College of Dentistry, Al-Mustansiriya University
🔹 Dr. Nour Natiq, Head of the Quality Assurance Unit, Al-Mustansiriya University
🔹 Council Members from UoD’s College of Dentistry
🔹 Head of Postgraduate Studies, UoD
🔹 Head of the Quality Assurance Unit, UoD

The sessions focused on the fundamental requirements for national accreditation and the eligibility criteria for the College of Dentistry at UoD to obtain recognition from the Iraqi National Council for Accreditation of Dental Colleges.

Key Provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

This MOU formalizes cooperation between UoD and Al-Mustansiriya University, laying the foundation for academic and scientific collaboration through the following key initiatives:

• Joint Research & Supervision: Faculty members from both universities will collaborate on scientific research projects and jointly supervise master’s and PhD theses.

• Academic Exchange: Professors and researchers will be invited to participate in doctoral thesis discussions and postgraduate research evaluations.

• Scientific Conferences: The two institutions will organize joint scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops, creating platforms for knowledge exchange and research dissemination.

• Faculty & Student Mobility: The agreement facilitates faculty exchanges, allowing academic staff from both institutions to engage in teaching, mentorship, and collaborative studies.

• Institutional Development: The collaboration supports capacity-building efforts, helping UoD enhance its quality assurance framework and meet accreditation standards.

A Step Towards Academic Excellence & International Recognition

This partnership aligns with the University of Duhok’s strategic goals of fostering internationalization, academic excellence, and institutional accreditation. By working closely with Al-Mustansiriya University, UoD strengthens its research ecosystem, faculty expertise, and global visibility.

The DOIR at UoD remains committed to facilitating meaningful partnerships that elevate educational standards and create new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members.

For more updates on our academic partnerships and international collaborations, visit DOIR’s official website.

This MoU represents a milestone in higher education cooperation in Iraq, reinforcing UoD’s commitment to quality education, accreditation, and academic excellence.