As part of its vision to internationalize higher education and advance scientific research, Al-Mustaqbal University held a high-level virtual meeting with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), USA, a Carnegie R1 research university, to discuss opportunities for academic collaboration and the launch of joint master's degree programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity. The meeting was chaired by Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, alongside Dr. Asim Eskandarian, Dean of the College of Engineering at VCU. Representatives from the Iraqi Cultural Attaché in Washington, D.C., and the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research also participated to ensure that the proposed programs align with international academic standards and national regulations. The delegation from Al-Mustaqbal University included Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy, President of the University; Professor Muzaffar Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision; Professor Azhar Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technologies; as well as directors of the International Relations, Cultural Scholarships, and Scientific Affairs departments, in addition to a number of faculty members and researchers. VCU was represented by Dr. Asim Eskandarian, Dean of the College of Engineering, the Director of Graduate Studies, and several academic and administrative officials. The meeting also included Dr. Hussein Al-Sheikh and Dr. Alaa Al-Husseini from the Iraqi Cultural Attaché in Washington, D.C., and Ms. Zahraa Al-Naqash representing the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. During the meeting, participants reviewed the research capabilities of VCU's College of Engineering, particularly its excellence in robotics and autonomous systems as a Carnegie R1 research institution. Both sides agreed on the preliminary framework for launching a joint master's program in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Professor Hassan Shaker Majdy emphasized that Al-Mustaqbal University is pursuing an ambitious internationalization strategy aimed at elevating education and research to global standards through strategic partnerships with leading international universities, including VCU. He added that the University seeks to adopt internationally recognized curricula for graduate studies, introduce master's and doctoral programs in emerging disciplines based on partner universities' academic standards, expand joint research in robotics, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity, encourage collaborative publications in high-impact journals, and promote academic exchange through fellowships and research visits for faculty members and researchers. The meeting concluded with both parties affirming their commitment to continuing technical discussions to finalize procedures and draft formal agreements, paving the way for obtaining official approval from the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and launching the joint academic programs at the earliest opportunity. Al-Mustaqbal University is the leading private university in Iraq.
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