The University of Duhok (UOD) celebrated the graduation of two student batches from the Biomedical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering. The event, held on November 10, 2024, at the UOD Convention Center, marked the culmination of a unique academic partnership with the German University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM). The graduates were awarded double-degree certificates from both UOD and THM, a distinction that highlights the success of this collaborative program.

The ceremony was attended by UOD President Dr. Dawood Atrushi, Vice President Dr. Lukman Hadi, the Dean of the College of Engineering, staff from the Biomedical Engineering Department at the UOD, the Duhok Deputy Governor, Majid Saed Salih, and the Consultant to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Dr. Sabah Waisi. Also present were the Dean and Vice Dean of the College of Engineering at THM, as well as the graduates, their families, and other distinguished guests.

In his opening speech, Dr. Dawood Atrushi warmly congratulated the graduates and emphasized the importance of the partnership between UOD and THM. He stated, “This collaboration between UOD and THM is a pioneering initiative within our university, offering our students an exceptional opportunity to earn dual bachelor’s degrees—an accomplishment that reflects both academic excellence and international cooperation.” He added, “Biomedical Engineering is a field that bridges scientific innovation with human health, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Following the opening remarks, a scientific symposium was held as part of the graduation ceremony. The symposium, titled Recent Techniques in Biomedical Engineering, featured a series of presentations by notable experts in the field. Dr. Thomas Schanze, Dean of the Engineering College at THM, spoke on the increasing importance of biomedical engineering. Dr. Martin Fiebich, Vice Dean of the Engineering College at THM, discussed the current status of biomedical engineering, while Dr. Yasser Alsaidosh, Head of Biomedical Engineering at UOD, presented on the successes and challenges of the double-degree program. Additionally, an alumnus of the program shared a summary of the successful stories of UOD-THM BME graduates and undergraduates. A short video also showcased two BME students, who shared their success stories after securing jobs in the healthcare field, further demonstrating the program’s positive impact.

A key moment of the event was the renewal of the partnership agreement between UOD and THM, ensuring the continuation of the double-degree program in Biomedical Engineering for another five years. This renewal was signed by the engineering deans of both universities, further solidifying the collaboration, which is the first of its kind in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of graduation certificates. At the request of UOD Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Lukman Hadi, UOD President Dr. Dawood Atrushi confirmed the graduates' successful completion of all academic requirements. The first group of graduates, from the 2022-2023 batch, consisting of 15 students, received their certificates, followed by the 2023-2024 batch, which included 18 students.

The Biomedical Engineering Department at UOD was established in 2018 through the agreement between UOD and THM. The department currently has nearly 70 undergraduate students, who, as part of their degree requirements, complete a six-month internship in Germany. This internship, which takes place either at THM or in medical device companies in Germany, provides students with valuable hands-on experience in the field of biomedical engineering.

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UOD Media, November 11, 2024

Fatima Mahmood

Photos: Mohammed Abdulkareem, Ali Banki