📍 UOD – May 25, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) | In alignment with the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038, which emphasizes community engagement and research-driven development, the Deanship for Research and Innovation (DRIN) held an open meeting with faculty and researchers to explore mechanisms for directing scientific research toward societal needs.

🎯 Connecting Research with Society
Dr. Sherzad Sabri Ali, Dean Deanship for Research and Innovation (DRIN), opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of connecting the university to society—particularly the private sector, civil institutions, and public service offices. “Our aim,” he said, “is to create a strong bridge between academic research and real-world solutions.”

He also stressed the center’s commitment to facilitating researchers' access to UOD’s laboratories and resources to promote practical, impact-oriented research.

📊 Strategic Research Direction
Participants discussed the need for scientific committees to prioritize research topics that serve Kurdish society. Departments across the university were encouraged to identify scientific gaps that intersect with social challenges—such as climate change, suicide, drug abuse, and regional development.

The Dean also highlighted the need to establish deeper ties between the university and strategic governmental centers to address contemporary issues through policy-aligned research.

📚 Promoting Scientific Activity and Funding
Attendees agreed that UOD should increase its support for symposia, workshops, and collaborative events. Such platforms can amplify research relevance and provide practical solutions to societal challenges.

They also called for the Research Center to help researchers secure both small and large grants—essential tools to advance scientific inquiry and institutional data collection.

✍️ Academic Writing & Capacity Building
The meeting concluded with a strong recommendation to launch specialized courses in academic writing and research methodology for early-career researchers. These initiatives will cultivate the next generation of scholars aligned with global research standards.

📅 Proposal for a “UOD Research Day”
To celebrate and promote excellence, the participants proposed the establishment of a “Research Day” at UOD. On this day, annual research output would be reviewed, and the most impactful researchers would be formally recognized and awarded.

🎯 Strategic Alignment with UOD’s Vision 2023–2038
The open research dialogue aligns directly with the university’s strategic pillars by contributing to:

• Community-Centered Research Development
  Promoting academic projects that address real-life societal issues such as climate change, addiction, suicide, and public health.
   
• Capacity Building for Early-Career Researchers
  Supporting young academics through training in academic writing, funding access, and hands-on research methodologies.
   
• Public Engagement and Policy Impact
  Bridging research with policy-making by proposing actionable recommendations to regional authorities and stakeholders.
   
• Recognition of Excellence in Research
  Fostering a culture of academic distinction through initiatives like the proposed "UOD Research Day," where outstanding researchers are publicly honored.

CLICK TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT 

📢 University Press Office – May 25, 2025
📝 Reported by:Jovan Saeed Mohamad

🔍 The News Keywords:

•  University of Duhok Research Day
•  Scientific Research and Social Impact
•  Community-Oriented Academic Research
•  UOD Research Strategy and Innovation
•  Research Funding and Academic Capacity UOD