A panel discussion held as part of the Iraq Education Conference explored ways to define scientific research priorities in Iraq and align them with the country’s development needs, featuring a group of national and international experts.

For her part, Director General of the Research and Development, Prof. Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi moderated the session emphasized that scientific research is no longer an isolated academic activity; rather, it serves as a primary engine for national development.

Dr. Lubna Khamis Mahdi highlighted the importance of creating a roadmap that links research outcomes to the state’s priorities in sectors such as energy, water, health, and artificial intelligence.

Head of the Scientific Research, Prof. Dr. Shafiq Shaker Al-Mawla at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reviewed that the Authority is currently defining scientific research priorities for the next five years, based on the needs of various sectoral Ministries.

Prof. Dr. Shafiq Shaker Al-Mawla highlighted that the focus is on supporting applied research that yields a direct developmental impact, with the goal of transforming research findings into marketable products and patents.

Prof. Dr. Shafiq Shaker Al-Mawla mentioned the upcoming launch of a national platform designed to connect researchers with the private sector, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and the needs of the labor market.

Director of the Clarivate National Office, Mr. Anas Abdul Hadi reviewed that his office is working to leverage the vast data held by government ministries to develop applied research projects.

Mr. Anas Abdul Hadi highlighted that artificial intelligence has become a vital tool across various sectors ranging from predicting water scarcity and diagnosing diseases to optimizing the performance of the electrical grid.

Mr. Anas Abdul Hadi added that building a national data bank is a priority for establishing a knowledge base to serve Iraqi researchers.

For his part, Program and Natural Resources Manager at the Belmont Forum, Dr. Hilario Espinosa emphasized that Iraq is a promising partner in climate and natural resources research.

Dr. Hilario Espinosa said out that the challenges of desertification and water scarcity require international research cooperation that transcends national borders.

Dr. Hilario Espinosa continued by saying that implementing joint projects bringing together researchers from Iraq, Europe, and the Middle East with shared funding would enhance the quality of scientific publications and expand international funding opportunities for Iraqi universities.

#Iraq_Education_Conference_2026_Third_Edition

From Education to Development: Global Partnerships and Universities Shaping the Future

▪️ University of Baghdad On October 28–29, 2026

Directorate of Media & Government Communication

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

October 29, 2026