The activities of the second edition of the Iraqi-Iranian Science Week have officially commenced, organized by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and hosted by the University of Karbala. The event was attended by the Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi, his Iranian counterpart, Dr. Hossein Simayei, senior officials from both ministries, the Governor of Karbala, Engineer Nassif Al-Khattabi, members of the Provincial Council, university presidents, college deans, professors, and academics from both countries.
Over 100 universities from Iraq and Iran are participating in the week’s activities, aimed at strengthening and enhancing scientific, research, and academic collaboration between the academic and research institutions of both countries.
In his opening speech, the Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naim Al-Aboudi, stated that “the launch of this week’s activities represents a continuation of the cooperative approach between academic and scientific institutions in Iraq and Iran across various fields. It also reflects an advanced level of mutual understanding between the two sides.
He added that “the second edition of the Iraqi-Iranian Science Week will move forward into practical implementation in areas such as the exchange of scholars, professors, and researchers; the execution of research and technological projects; cultural exchange; scholarship programs; specialized workshops; fostering technical and professional cooperation; and the establishment of joint science and technology parks.”
Dr. Al-Aboudi emphasized that “the Iraqi government and its developmental institutions, particularly the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, have achieved positive milestones in internationalizing education and promoting sustainable development. Iraq has gained significant international recognition due to its focus on scientific research and its increasing contribution to global publications. Concurrently, the pursuit of quality education in Iraqi academic institutions has provided a solid foundation for achieving international accreditation, ensuring that academic programs and degrees meet the highest scientific standards.”
For his part, the Iranian Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, Professor Hossein Simayei, highlighted that “the numerous shared ties between Iraq and Iran underscore the need to strengthen the bonds of joint development based on academic and research outputs. This necessitates accelerating efforts to advance the horizons of scientific and research cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas related to the exchange of academic knowledge, joint research projects, and the exchange of professors and researchers, with the aim of developing a capable generation of academics and researchers in both nations.”
The President of the University of Karbala, Professor Sabah Wajid, affirmed that the Iraqi-Iranian Science Week represents an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas and enhance bilateral cooperation. He expressed his hope that this distinguished scientific event will further solidify academic and scientific collaboration between the universities of the two countries.
The first day of the Iraqi-Iranian Science Week, held at Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, witnessed the signing of an executive program between the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and its Iranian counterpart. The program includes several key points, such as scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, organizing training workshops for faculty and students, encouraging joint scientific supervision, and fostering the exchange of university professors.
