UoD, October 17, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) — The Directorate of International Relations (DOIR) at the University of Duhok (UoD) organised an event at the Career Development Center (CDC) to mark Erasmus Days 2026, celebrated from October 12 to 15. The event held on October 13, 2026, brought together academic staff, students, graduates, and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to highlight the impact of UoD’s international projects on educational development, agricultural innovation, institutional capacity-building, and career opportunities.

The event was attended by Dr. Nabaz Ibraheem Mohammed, Vice President for Students Affairs and Graduates, and Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of International Relations, alongside DOIR representatives and other participants. In his remarks, Dr. Nabaz emphasised the importance of UoD’s participation in international projects, particularly APPRAIS and RISE, in strengthening academic cooperation, improving educational programmes, and creating opportunities for students and graduates. Dr. Nazar subsequently presented an overview of the Erasmus+ programme and the outcomes of UoD’s international projects, highlighting their contribution to educational development and capacity-building.

A key presentation, “From Knowledge to Impact: CAES-UoD in International Agricultural Projects,” was delivered by Dr. Rafail S. Toma of the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences. He demonstrated how international partnerships can translate academic knowledge and research into practical solutions for agricultural development in the Kurdistan Region. Particular attention was given to the Potato Value Chain Development Project, which connects research, farmer support, agricultural innovation, and market development. The project has contributed to strengthening the potato value chain, providing training and guidance to farmers, and improving agricultural expertise through collaboration with international organisations and sector partners.

Dr. Toma also highlighted the development of hydroponic cultivation and the research and formal registration of two new local potato varieties, Atra and Yusuf. These achievements demonstrate how international cooperation can support locally relevant agricultural research, promote innovation, strengthen food security, and create opportunities for farmers and agricultural graduates. The presentation underlined the importance of connecting university research with practical needs, industry partnerships, and sustainable agricultural development.

In a second seminar, Dr. Ahmed Khairadeen Ali discussed the RISE Project, outlining its objectives and progress, as well as the role of the Career Development Center in preparing students and graduates for the labour market. The presentation highlighted the importance of career guidance, employability development, institutional capacity-building, and international cooperation in helping students translate their academic knowledge into professional opportunities.

The event also highlighted UoD’s participation in five international projects: APPRAIS, MOVE, TeachersMOD, RISE, and TRANSITION. Together, these initiatives support educational development, international academic cooperation, improvements in teaching and learning, institutional capacity-building, career development, and collaboration around cultural heritage. They illustrate the diverse ways in which international partnerships can strengthen the University’s academic environment and extend its contribution to society.

Through Erasmus+ and other international collaborations, UoD continues to connect local priorities with international expertise, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and practical innovation. The event reflected the University’s strategic commitment to internationalization, educational quality, student and graduate development, research impact, and community engagement, demonstrating how sustained partnerships can generate benefits beyond the university campus.

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University Press Office (UNPO), October 17, 2026

Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords

• Erasmus Days 2026
• University of Duhok International Projects
• Erasmus+ International Cooperation
• Potato Value Chain Development Project
• RISE Project and Career Development