A Strategic Collaboration for Advancing Biomedical Engineering

The University of Duhok (UoD) and Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) in Giessen, Germany, have established a strong academic partnership to enhance education and research in Biomedical Engineering. This collaboration, which began in 2012, aligns with UoD’s strategic goals of internationalization, academic excellence, and quality assurance.

The partnership plays a crucial role in strengthening UoD’s College of Engineering, particularly in the development of the Biomedical Engineering Department. By integrating international expertise, this initiative fosters capacity building, faculty exchange, and curriculum development that aligns with global educational standards.

Key Areas of Collaboration

1. Double Degree Program in Biomedical Engineering

One of the most significant outcomes of this partnership is the double degree program in Biomedical Engineering, allowing UoD students to study part of their curriculum at THM in Germany. This program provides students with:

• Exposure to cutting-edge research and technology in Biomedical Engineering.

• An internationally recognized degree that enhances employability.

• A structured credit transfer system in alignment with the Bologna Process.

2. Faculty and Student Exchange

As part of the BIONIQ Project (Biomedical Engineering in Northern Iraq), professors and researchers from THM have contributed significantly to developing UoD’s Biomedical Engineering curriculum. In return, UoD students and faculty have participated in:

• International Summer Schools (e.g., BIONIQ Summer School in Cyprus).

• Research placements at THM, focusing on innovative biomedical technologies.

• Workshops and study visits in Germany, Turkey, and other European countries.

3. Research and Development Initiatives

This partnership fosters collaborative research in medical technology, focusing on:

• Medical imaging and signal processing

• Development of laboratory facilities at UoD

• Quality assurance in biomedical engineering education

• Joint research publications and conference participation

Milestones and Key Activities

Conference in Duhok

• Hosted discussions on launching the Biomedical Engineering Department at UoD.

• Consultation with THM experts on lab setup and curriculum development.

BIONIQ Summer School (Cyprus)

• Hosted 10 students from UoD and 10 students from THM.

• Focus on Signal and Image Processing in Biomedical Engineering.

Exchange of Ph.D. Students

• UoD Ph.D. students conducted three-month research placements at THM.

• Participation in joint research projects at THM’s Biomedical Engineering labs.

Conference in Giessen, Germany

• Quality assurance evaluation of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UoD.

• Development of research strategies and Ph.D. project frameworks.

Workshop in Istanbul, Turkey

• Reflection on the first BME semester at UoD.

• Discussion on curriculum improvements and faculty training.

• Finalizing the structure for the Double Degree Program.

Impact on the University of Duhok

The collaboration with THM and DAAD has led to:

• Strengthened capacity in Biomedical Engineering education.

• Improved research infrastructure through laboratory and equipment enhancements.

• Internationalization of academic programs, aligning UoD with European higher education standards.

• Enhanced career prospects for graduates through exposure to global expertise and industry connections.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Partnership

The University of Duhok and THM continue to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation, including:

• New research collaborations in medical technology and engineering.

• Increased student mobility for Master’s and Ph.D. candidates.

• Joint funding applications for further educational and scientific development.

This strategic partnership between UoD and THM exemplifies UoD’s commitment to international collaboration, academic excellence, and technological advancement.

For more information, contact DOIR or visit our partnership page.