This workshop aims to further the modernization of the higher education sector in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and Iraq more broadly; to accelerate its transition to becoming a research active member of the global third-level education community. It is led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHE) Apparatus of Supervision and Quality Assurance of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), under the influence and support of the Prime Minister’s office, in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) in Iraq and the Higher Committee for Education Development (HCED) in council ministers in Iraq, as well as several Iraqi universities, particularly sponsored by Salahaddin University-Erbil, Hawler Medical University, Tishk International University, and Knowledge University.
The purpose is to make connections between international research institutions, improve research quality and impact, and share expertise between experienced UK academics and policymakers in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, as well as to inform decision-making by senior managers both at governmental level and within the private sector. In doing so, it is intended to serve as a foundation for establishing a research council comprising figure from the UK and KRI, to strengthen the research culture in the KRI and Iraq more generally, and to promote quality assurance of such research. This fits within the vision of the Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister, to enhance education through a focus on three main pillars: establishing critical institutions, implementing innovative policies
and fostering collaboration with international partners. Amongst the institutions created to support the region’s aspirations are the Kurdistan Innovation Institute (KII), the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) and for the first-time allocated budget for the currently established (Kurdistan Research Development Council (KRDC)) at MOHE. Other initiatives have sought to advance the higher education sector in the region, with the British Council supporting a delegation from universities in the KRG which visited five UK universities in December 2023, to learn from the research culture, initiate collaboration, and develop connections. It is hoped that the current workshop will strengthen existing ties and develop new connections, with input from participants helping to shape and guide the development of the region’s Higher Education sector.
The visit of the delegation from the Kurdistan region to UK universities, supported and funded by the British Council, has had a significant impact on the delivery of the International Research Capacity Building Workshop. This visit has allowed the delegation to learn from the experience and expertise of UK universities in developing a strong research culture.
Building on this visit, the workshop will now involve more than 10 reputable universities from the UK. These universities will play a crucial role in running the workshop and solidifying long- term partnerships between the Kurdistan region and British universities. The involvement of these UK universities will further enhance the quality and effectiveness of the workshop, as participants will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from experienced academics and researchers from these institutions.
The collaboration between the Kurdistan Region and UK universities will not only benefit the participants of the workshop but also contribute to the overall development of the higher education sector in the Kurdistan Region but now for the whole Iraqi universities. By establishing long-term partnerships, the workshop aims to foster ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and research cooperation between universities in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the UK. This will create opportunities for joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and other forms of academic collaboration, ultimately strengthening the research capacity and international standing of universities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The involvement of more than 10 UK universities in running the workshop demonstrates the commitment of both the Kurdistan Region and the UK to promoting research and academic excellence. It also highlights the mutual interest in building strong and sustainable partnerships that will benefit both regions in the long term.
The International Research Capacity Building Workshop will also focus on providing participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully apply for international grants for research projects. This includes guidance on identifying suitable funding opportunities, developing strong research proposals, and understanding the requirements and expectations of funding agencies.
In addition to international grants, the workshop will also address the importance of securing local funds for research development. Participants will learn about the available funding sources within the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, and how to navigate the application and evaluation processes. This will enable researchers to access local resources and support for their projects, fostering a culture of research and innovation within the region.
A key aspect of the workshop will be dedicated to grant management. Participants will gain insights into effective project management techniques, including budgeting, reporting, and monitoring progress. They will learn how to effectively allocate resources, manage timelines, and ensure compliance with funding agency requirements. This will enable researchers to successfully implement and complete their research projects, maximizing the impact and outcomes of their work.
Furthermore, the workshop will emphasize the importance of research and development (R&D) in driving a knowledge-based economy. Participants will explore how investing in R&D can lead to innovation, technological advancements, and economic growth. They will learn about successful examples of countries that have transitioned from an oil-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, and the role that research and innovation played in this transformation. The workshop will highlight the potential of R&D to diversify the economy, create new industries, and generate sustainable development.
By addressing these topics, the International Research Capacity Building Workshop aims to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to enhance international collaborations, secure funding for research projects, effectively manage grants, and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.