As part of Al-Mustaqbal University’s international academic presence in the fields of sustainability and scientific research, Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Majdi, Dean of the College of Engineering at Al-Mustaqbal University, presented a scientific research paper as part of the 12th International Workshop on UI GreenMetric for World University Rankings (IWGM 2026), hosted by the Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld of Trier University of Applied Sciences in Germany. The research was entitled: “The Impacts of Visual Pollution from Waste Sites on the Mental and Psychological Performance of School Students” The study examined the relationship between visual pollution resulting from waste accumulation and indiscriminate dumping in the surroundings of schools, and students’ psychological, cognitive, and performance-related aspects. It highlights the importance of the environment surrounding educational institutions in providing a supportive setting for learning and mental well-being. The study was based on a field survey involving 400 secondary school students in Babil Governorate during the 2023–2024 academic year, using a 15-item scale to assess several indicators related to concentration, organization of thoughts, anxiety, psychological discomfort, behavior, and environmental awareness. The research presented findings indicating statistically significant negative effects of visual pollution resulting from illegal waste disposal sites on several aspects of students’ well-being and performance, including their ability to understand lessons and their general mood during learning hours. These findings underscore the importance of the surrounding school environment as one of the factors influencing students’ educational experiences. The presentation also featured authentic field photographs from the study sites in Babil Governorate, along with a discussion of the key findings illustrating difficulties in concentration, anxiety, and psychological discomfort associated with exposure to visually polluted environments, as well as the effects of such environments on certain environmental behaviors and practices among students. The research attracted considerable interest from workshop participants, as it offers an interdisciplinary perspective linking sustainability, the quality of the environment surrounding educational institutions, students’ mental well-being, and academic performance. It further emphasizes that addressing visual pollution should not be limited to aesthetic considerations, but should adopt a broader perspective that takes into account its educational, psychological, environmental, and societal dimensions. This participation reflects Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to strengthening its scientific presence at international academic forums and connecting its research output with real-world environmental and societal challenges. It also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and reinforces the university’s role in developing evidence-based scientific solutions to community challenges. The participation further demonstrates Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to extending the impact of scientific research beyond the university campus and transforming environmental and sustainability challenges into research areas with a direct impact on creating healthier and more sustainable educational environments, while supporting students’ quality of life and the well-being of the wider community. Al-Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq