Évora, Jan 27 2026, University Press Office (UNPO) —

In line with its strategic vision for internationalization, academic excellence, and capacity building, the University of Duhok (UOD) successfully led a series of high-level academic field visits to Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and the University of Évora (Portugal) within the framework of the Erasmus+ TRANSITION Project.

UOD’s Leadership as Project Coordinator

As the coordinating institution, UOD played a pivotal role in planning, organizing, and implementing the visits under Work Package 4: Training and Capacity Building. The activities were carefully aligned with UOD’s long-term strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening international partnerships, research-led education, and institutional sustainability.

University of Duhok Delegation

The UOD participants included:

• Dr. Zhiyar Sedeeq Ramadhan, Head of the Department of Archaeology, College of Humanities
• Dr. Hasan Ahmed Qasim, PhD in Archaeology of the Ancient Near East and Head of the Kurdistan Archaeology Organization (KAO)
• Mrs. Hilbeen Mohammed Ahmed, Lecturer
• Mr. Amad Ayad Mohammed Mohammed, Deputy Director of the International Relations Office, University of Duhok
• Ms. Zeen Sabah Mohammed and Ms. Mina Faheem Abdollah, Administrative Staff Members, Directorate of International Relations (DOIR)

Capacity Building Through European Academic Best Practices

The field visits brought together academic staff from partner universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Yemen, offering participants hands-on exposure to European best practices in higher education governance, interdisciplinary curriculum development, cultural heritage preservation, and post-conflict academic engagement. Interactive workshops and expert-led sessions enhanced participants’ teaching, research, and curriculum design capacities.

Academic Exchange with Sapienza University of Rome (January 19-20)

At Sapienza University of Rome, discussions focused on innovative academic models, heritage studies, and the integration of research into teaching. The exchange provided valuable insights into European approaches to academic quality assurance, research collaboration, and multidisciplinary education.

Community-Oriented Approaches at the University of Évora (January 23-24)

The visit to the University of Évora emphasized community-based cultural heritage management, sustainable development, and the role of universities in supporting societal resilience and informed policymaking. Participants explored how academic institutions can contribute to cultural preservation while responding to local and regional development needs.

Strengthening UOD’s Role as a Regional Academic Hub

These international visits build on earlier training activities hosted by the University of Duhok, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for international academic cooperation.

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UNIVERSITY PRESS OFFICE, January 27, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali

The News Keywords

• Erasmus+
• TRANSITION
• International Academic Partnerships
• Capacity Building in Higher Education
• Cultural Heritage Education