Bridging Global Academic Practices to Elevate Local Research Standards

📍College of Languages, UOD, | May 11, 2025 – University Press Office (UNPO) | In alignment with its Strategic Plan 2023–2038 to enhance research quality, international academic partnerships, and institutional innovation, the University of Duhok (UOD) hosted an international workshop titled “Bridging Academic Practices: Enhancing Research Standards in the Kurdistan Region.” The event was jointly organized by the Department of  English Language of the College of Languages and the Department of English Language at the College of Basic Education.

The workshop was moderated by the Head of the Department of English Language at the College of Languages, Dr. Marwan Maho Abdi, and the Head of the Department of English Language at the College of Basic Education, Dr. Saeed A. Saeed. The workshop welcomed faculty members, postgraduate students, and educators from across the Kurdistan Region, offering a platform for dialogue, research mentorship, and scholarly collaboration.

🎓 Keynote Address by Dr. Jafaar Sheikholeslami: A Global Perspective on Linguistics and Research Culture

The highlight of the workshop was a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Jafaar Sheikholeslami, a distinguished linguist from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. With decades of academic experience across North America and the Middle East, Dr. Shaholeslami explored critical differences in academic research practices between Canada, the U.S., and the Kurdistan Region.

His address emphasized:

• The necessity of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis in academic writing.
   
• The importance of international peer-reviewed publications.
   
• How Kurdish institutions can adopt sustainable research methodologies to match global academic standards.
   

Dr. Sheokholeslami praised the efforts of UOD in nurturing a culture of scholarly excellence and openness to international academic discourse.

🧑‍🏫 Research Presentations and Constructive Feedback

The event featured presentations from PhD and MA candidates, as well as experienced English language teachers from:

• College of Languages, UOD
   
• College of Basic Education, UOD
   
• Directorate of Education in Duhok
   

Participants presented research outlines, abstracts, and key findings, covering topics in linguistics, language pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational psychology.

A joint academic committee composed of senior faculty members from both hosting colleges offered targeted feedback, highlighting methodological rigor, theoretical grounding, and relevance to regional educational needs. This interactive exchange enriched the experience for all attendees, particularly for early-career researchers seeking mentorship.

🔍 Open Dialogue and Academic Enrichment

The workshop concluded with a dynamic Q&A session with Dr. Sheikholeslami, where participants discussed:

• Cross-cultural academic challenges
   
• Research funding and publishing strategies
   
• The role of interdisciplinary collaboration in educational reform
   

This session underscored UOD’s mission to foster inclusive academic environments where faculty and students co-learn, innovate, and contribute to global scholarship.

🎯 Strategic Relevance to UOD’s Vision

This workshop is a direct contribution to the University of Duhok’s strategic goals, including:

• Internationalization of Research and Teaching
•  Capacity Building for Early-Career Scholars
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration across Colleges
•  Integration of Global Research Practices in Local Contexts
• Promotion of English Language Scholarship in the Kurdistan Region

UOD continues to position itself as a regional academic hub, linking local knowledge with international best practices.

CLICK TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT 

📢 University Press Office – May 11, 2025
📝 Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali,
📸 Photography by:

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