News
Announcements, member achievements and the network's work with Iraqi institutions, documented since 2008.
2024
17 May 2024
A Letter of Support to Student and Staff Protesters
To the courageous students and staff of Columbia University, and to all those protesting at universities across the globe: We stand with you in unwavering support as you raise your voices against the ongoing human rights violations against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Your unwavering commitment to truth and justice in the face of immense …
2023
24 May 2023
NISA Welcomes Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi
I am delighted to announce that NISA welcomes Dr. Bashir Al-Hashimi, a renowned Professor of Computer Engineering from King’s College London, as our latest member. We extend our gratitude to Bashir for joining our network and are eager to benefit from his expertise in delivering optimal support and guidance to Iraqi institutions. Mohamed Al-Rubeai Contact …
30 April 2023
Honorary Doctorate for Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai
The National University of Ireland honorary degree conferring ceremony took place on Tuesday the 7th of March 2023, in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 at 4.00 pm. At the ceremony, the Chancellor of the University, Dr Maurice Manning, conferred honorary degrees on Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai, for his contribution to science …
2022
2021
4 October 2021
Professor Kamal Rashid opens new biopharma center
Professor Kamal Rashid, director of the new Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training (CBET) at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) has been officially opened. The CBET is a $37.3 million training center dedicated to workforce development in the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of …
4 October 2021
Professor Sondos Albadri named new BSPD President
13 February 2021
Agriculture and Natural Genetic Resources in Iraq Seminar Recommendations (held online)
On 13 February 2021 the network held a seminar titled 'Agriculture and Natural Genetic Resources in Iraq: History, Current Situation and Future Prospects', presented by Professor Khidir W. Hilu.
13 February 2021
NISA protest letter to Iraqi Parliament over political interference in universities
We protest the clear interference in the affairs of higher education, the attempts to pressure universities, and everything that damages academic freedom and the independence of academic and scientific decision-making.
2020
5 November 2020
An Open Letter to Presidents of Learned Societies, University Leaders and Academics
On Oct. 28, 2020, The Iraqi National Parliament passed the “Foundations of University Degree Equivalency Act”, which represents a substantial rewriting and expansion of the previous instructions for degree equivalence of Arab and Foreign Certificates and Degrees No. 5 of 1976. The Act has provoked crises within the higher education institutions in Iraq by allowing …
2019
2018
12 November 2018
Letter of Intent and Partnership Agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and NISA
To achieve fruitful cooperation in developing higher education and scientific research, the Ministry and the network reached agreement on 9 October 2018 — covering joint supervision, visiting professorships, quality assurance and accreditation.
12 November 2018
An Open Letter to Members of Iraqi Parliament
We congratulate you on your election as representatives of the people, and call on you to use the current legislative term to increase funding for educational, university and research institutions and to guarantee university independence and academic freedom.
15 September 2018
NISA members participate in the Higher Education and Development in Iraq conference organised by the Iraqi Embassy in London, 14-15 September 2018
مشاركة شبكة العلماء العراقيين في الخارج (نيسا) في مؤتمر التعليم العالي والتنمية الذي اقامته السفارة العراقية في لندن بالتعاون مع الملحقية الثقافية ووزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي والمنعقد في لندن في الفترة بين 14 الى 15 ايلول والذي ساهمت الشبكة في بلورة محاوره. شارك عدد من اعضاء نيسا سواء بالحضور او بالقاء المحاضرات التي تميزت …
6 September 2018
Chairman of NISA presents awards for outstanding Iraqi Research at the Science Day Festival (6 September 2018)
في احتفالية يوم العلم التي اقيمت على قاعة جامعة بغداد يوم 6 ايلول 2018 تم توزيع جوائز شبكة العلماء العراقيين في الخارج (نيسا) لافضل بحث علمي صدر في عام 2017. الجائزة في عامها الثالث وتمنح لاحسن البحوث المتقدمة لنيل ستة جوائز في العلوم الطبية والهندسية والزراعية والصرفة والانسانية والتعاون العالمي. الجوائز عبارة عن شهادة تقديرية …
2 July 2018
NISA Award for Outstanding Iraqi Research – 2017 Award Winners
In the award's third year, more than 250 scientific papers published in 2017 were submitted across the humanities, medical, engineering, agricultural and pure sciences.
21 May 2018
Professor Riadh Al-Mahaid wins the 2018 Research Impact Award
Australian Road Research Board This prize is awarded to an individual researcher or research team, whose research, development and implementation efforts have made a significant improvement to operational quality and/or cost in the last 24 months and has therefore achieved considerable impact within the community and industry.
11 May 2018
Professor Jim Al-Khalili elected Fellow of the Royal Society
The Royal Society recognised Professor Al-Khalili for his work on the neutron halo, as well as his dedicated service to public engagement.
2017
30 July 2017
Taking on the giants – Dr Kadem Al-Lamee (Regen Magazine 2017)
Magazine article available to read here: http://medical-technologies.leeds.ac.uk/case-study/regen-2017/
21 March 2017
Professor Kamal Rashid joins Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) delegation to Cuba
Professor Kamal Rashid, director of WPI’s Biomanufacturing Education and Training Center and a member of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, travelled to Cuba in February as part of the (MassBio) delegation. Please find report link below. Word Document: Biotech Mission to Cuba
3 March 2017
Professor Sabah A. Mushatat Bio
I moved to academia graduating firstly with a Diploma in Architecture before completing his PhD. I has taught architecture for 30 years, overseas and now in the UK as Professor of Architecture at The University of Wolverhampton and Heriot – Watt University, through them I conducted the post of the Head and Director of Schools …
2016
27 April 2016
Professor Nadhir Al-Ansari – The Mosul Dam Crisis: Overview and Solutions
Keynote Speech by Prof. Nadhir al-‐Ansari, Faculty of Engineering, Lulea University of Technology Promoted by PAFI – Peace Ambassadors for Iraq Hosted by the Center of American Studies.
2015
18 January 2015
Professor Al-Rubeai Publishes New Book
UCD Biochemical Engineering Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai has published a new book: Animal Cell Culture. The book, published by Springer, is available now at Springer.com and amazon.co.uk Animal cells are the preferred “cell factories” for the production of complex molecules and antibodies for use as prophylactics, therapeutics or diagnostics. Animal cells are required for the correct post-translational processing …
18 January 2015
Professor Rashid, director of BETC, presents the centre’s impressive facilities to the new governor of Massachusetts
Please see the link below which covers the visit and to learn about some of the pioneering programs that are underway at the Biomanufacturing Education and Training Centre (BETC): http://wp.wpi.edu/dailyherd/2015/01/09/governor-tours-betc/#top
2014
24 November 2014
Dr Kadem Al-Lamee: Great news on the next generation biodegradable coronary stent
Acute Trial Press Release-24October 2014
19 November 2014
Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai presents a keynote talk to the 2nd International Conference of the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Baghdad
Professor Al-Rubeai presented a keynote plenary talk entitled “Optimisation Strategies for Large scale production of therapeutic products from mammalian cells” at the 2nd International Conference of the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Baghdad, 15-16 October, 2014. Production of therapeutic biopharmaceuticals has an exciting prospect for Iraq but it will need great infrastructure …
24 October 2014
NISA members visit Engineering College, Al-Nahrain University
Professors Mohamed Al-Rubeai and Riadh Al-Mahaidi of the review group visited the College of Engineering at Al-Nahrain University on 14 October 2014, as part of the UNESCO quality-assurance project.
21 March 2014
Professor Al-Rubeai lectures at Baghdad University on quality assurance and accreditation
Click the link below to open the PDF ورشة عمل في جامعة بغداد حول استدامة نظام الجودة
2013
7 October 2013
Professor Al-Dahhan’s research and accomplishments in leading national and international Media
Flow Dynamics of pebble bed reactors for next generation Nuclear Energy: Led by Dr. Muthanna Al-Dahhan, chair and professor of chemical and biochemical engineering and professor of nuclear engineering, Missouri S&T is developing new approaches to understanding how nuclear fuel pebbles would behave in what are called “fourth generation” pebble-bed nuclear reactors and how gas …
10 July 2013
Professor Al-Rubeai visits Babylon University
كلية الطب جامعة بابل تناقش اساليب البحث العلمي في ورشة عملضمن برنامج الاستاذ الزائر عقدت كلية الطب جامعة بابل ورشة عمل حول مهارات البحث العلمي والاتصال والنشر واتخاذ القرارات وفق نظام ادارة الجودة الشاملة فقد تم استضافة العالم العراقي المغترب رئيس قسم المعالجات الحيوية في كلية الهندسة في جامعة دبلن الدكتور محمد الربيعي خلال زيارته …
8 July 2013
Professor Jamil accomplishes a milestone to establish a College of Public Health in Iraq
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Wayne State University, Michigan, USA and Iraqi Ministry of Health on Friday June 28, 2013. The aim is to train Iraqi physicians at Wayne State University to establish College of Public Health in Iraq for the first time in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Standing …
29 April 2013
Researchers led by Professor Al-Dahhan Make Pebble Bed Reactors Less of a Black Box
Article from DailyFusion.com reads: One of the most important criticisms of pebble bed reactor design is that it is impossible to place standard measurement equipment in the pebble bed core. Dr. Muthanna Al-Dahhan at Missouri University of Science and Technology is working on solving that problem, finding a new ways to understand what is happening inside the …
19 April 2013
Professor Ahmed wins the GPCA Product Innovation Award
The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), announced the winners of its Third Annual Plastics Innovations Awards, held at a gala dinner on the first day of GPCA PlastCon, which started from 7-9 April 2013. The winners were selected by a seven member jury comprising the heads of plastics innovation and application centres of the …
11 April 2013
Iraq Education & Technology Summit (IETS) 23-24 February 2013, Hyatt Regency Dubai Hotel, UAE
Day One Report, 23 February 2013 Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai, Chairman of the Network of Iraqi Scientists Abroad (NISA) and Day One Conference Chair Following registration and morning coffee, the Iraq Education & Technology Summit officially began on Saturday 23rd February with an Opening Ceremony at 8:55am consisting of Mr. Christopher Higgins, CEO of CWI Summits, the Summits’ Conference …
18 February 2013
Visit to the Faculty of Engineering as part of the Quality Assurance Program
خبراء شبكة العلماء العراقيين في الخارج NISA يزورون كلية الهندسة ضمن برنامج ضمان الجودةنحو توجه كلية الهندسة / جامعة بغداد بالتقدم للحصول على الاعتمادية العالمية في تصنيف الدول لتطوير وتحسين جودة واقع التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي للكليات الهندسية الذي تجسدت في اعداد تقارير التقييم الذاتي SAR والخطة الاستيراتيجية للتحسين المستمر Action Plan for Continuous Improvement …
2012
28 February 2012
Professor Hikmet Jamil honoured by Iraqi Society of Occupational Health and Safety
Read news article at wayne.edu »
10 January 2012
Professor Adel Sharif’s Centre for Osmosis Research and Applications wins Queen’s Anniversary Prize
The centre for Osmosis Research and Applications, University of Surrey has been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize. The prize is given in acknowledgement of Prof. Adel Sharif’s outstanding work in water desalination. Click here to read more.
2011
21 December 2011
Meeting at the Cultural Attache in London
21 Dec 2011: Professor Abdul Razzaq Al-Essa, the cultural advisor met a delegation from NISA to explore ways to expand cooperation between the attache and NISA. An action plan was proposed. [wpfilebase tag=fileurl id=162 linktext=’See More (Arabic) >>’ /] [wpfilebase tag=fileurl id=163 linktext=’See More (English) >>’ /]
20 December 2011
Professor Riadh Al-Mahaidi wins Chapman Medal
Professor Riadh Al-Mahaidi wins Chapman Medal from the Institution of Engineers Australia for best journal paper published in structural engineering in 2010.
15 December 2011
Iraqi Immigration Ministry Stockholm Talk
Professor Nadir Ahmed was invited by the Iraqi Immigration Ministry to present a talk at its second conference which was held in Stockholm in early December 2011. The ministry is planing a strategy for distance investment in Iraqi Brains as consultants, on short term employment as advisers. The ministry is also planning to open offices …
1 November 2011
Dr Kadem Al-Lamee develops first biodegradable coronary stent
Dr Kadem Al-Lamee has developed the first biodegradable coronary stent which is set to significantly cut the cost of heart disease treatment in the UK and worldwide. Click here to read more.
29 September 2011
Research Strategy for Iraqi Universities
27-28 Sept 2011: Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai presented a reserarch strategy for Iraqi Universities at the UNESCO workshop on the status of Scientific Research in Iraq. Download presentation (PDF) » From UNESCO website: “A team of seven Iraqi professors from the Network of Iraqi Scientists Abroad (NISA) further enhanced the outcomes of the meeting by providing experiences …
31 August 2011
Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai keynote speaker
Professor Mohamed Al-Rubeai was a keynote speaker at the Stem Cells Europe and BioProcessing, Biologics & Biotherapeutics, Edinburgh Conference Centre, UK, 20-21 July 2011. Professor Al-Rubeai was also invited to present a keynote talk at the 2nd International Conference on Biotechnology Engineering (ICBioE’11), Kuala Lumpur, 17-19 May 2011.
15 June 2011
Quality Assurance Pilot Project
6-10 June 2011: UNESCO organized a five-day capacity building workshop on techniques and processes of self-assessment of 12 selected Iraqi Colleges of Engineering. […] aimed at reinforcing linkages between Iraqi academics living in Iraq and Iraqi scientists living abroad, this training was conducted by distinguished Iraqi professors serving in famous Universities in UK, USA and Australia. …
1 March 2011
Assuring Quality for Higher Education in Iraq
1 March 2011: More than 60 representatives of Iraqi and International universities came together for the first time in Erbil to share experiences and join efforts in assuring quality for higher education in Iraq – an initiative led by UNESCO Iraq Office. UNESCO article (PDF) »1 March 2011: More than 60 representatives of Iraqi and International universities …
15 January 2011
Summary of suggested programme of cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research in Iraq
The thirteen-point programme of cooperation the network put to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research — 15 January 2011.
2010
25 October 2010
Teacher Training Network for Iraq
UNESCO Iraq Office organized the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting of the Teacher Training Network for Iraq (TTNI) in Erbil from 20-21 October 2010. They sought to review the implementation of teacher training activities as well as to explore the extension of the areas of cooperation among partner universities and Ministries of Education and Higher Education and Scientific …
14 October 2010
The international conference on revitalizing research in Kurdistan
The international conference on revitalizing research in Kurdistan was held in Erbil with the participation of 800 from about 77 scientific and research organization. At the start of the conference member of high committee of the conference, Dr. Beriwan Khailany said “the conference is held in the presence of about 150 of famous scientists, university …
2008
25 October 2008
Visit of the representatives of the Network of Iraqi Scientists Abroad to Baghdad: 4-11 October 2008
View Arabic By invitation from the Minister for Sciences and Technology H.E. Mr Raed Jahid Fahmi, a visit to Iraq was undertaken by Dr Mohamed Al-Rubeai, Dr Dlawer Ala’Aldeen and Dr Riadh Al-Mahaidi to define aspects of cooperation between the Ministry and Iraqi scientists abroad, particularly relevant to providing expertise and support in science and …
























