University of Duhok, December 10, 2025 – University Press Office —
For the first time, the College of Medicine at the University of Duhok (UOD) successfully organized the Medathon Scientific Conference 2025, an academic initiative designed to promote research culture and strengthen scientific research skills among medical students through structured training and supervised competition.

Launched in 2025, Medathon was developed in response to the growing need for accessible, hands-on research training within medical education. The initiative attracted more than 70 applicants, from whom 30 participants were selected to undertake an intensive one-month research journey. Under direct academic supervision, participants developed six scientific research projects, completing data collection, sampling, analysis, and presentation within a limited timeframe, before competing for awards recognizing research excellence.

Academic Program and Expert Contribution

The conference featured scientific lectures and mentoring sessions delivered by a distinguished group of academic staff:

Dr. Dildar Haji Musa – Professor of General Surgery and Consultant Surgeon (Dean of the College of Medicine)

Dr. Abdulghani Rasheed – Consultant Urologist and Lecturer, College of Dentistry, University of Duhok

Dr. Nizar Bakir Yahya – Consultant Pediatrician and Professor of Pediatric Gastroenterology

Scientific Evaluation and Supervision

The submitted research projects were evaluated by a specialized scientific jury comprising:

Dr. Qayser Sahib Habeeb – Professor of Hematology

Dr. Dildar Haji Musa – Professor of General Surgery

Dr. Adil Abozaid Eissa – Assistant Professor, Community Medicine

Academic supervision and scientific coordination were provided by:

Dr. Ary Habeeb – Assistant Professor, Academic Supervisor

Dr. Hazhmat Ali – Assistant Professor, Faculty Member at CMED

Dr. Azry Salih – Researcher and Physician

Supporting UOD’s Strategic Vision

The Medathon Conference reflects the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan (2023–2038), particularly its focus on academic excellence, research capacity building, innovation, and applied medical research. By fostering early engagement with scientific inquiry, the initiative contributes to preparing future healthcare professionals capable of evidence-based practice and research-driven healthcare advancement.

The Medathon initiative was founded by Mr. Omed Sardar and academically supported by the College of Medicine, marking a pioneering model for student-led research initiatives rooted in institutional quality assurance and academic supervision.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, December 12, 2025
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography by: Mohammed A. Tahar, Harman Jangeer Ahmed

The News Keywords:

University of Duhok College of Medicine

Medical Research Training

Medathon Scientific Conference

Research Capacity Building

Higher Education in Iraq