Administrative Divisions Al-Mustaqbal Energy Research Center
The advanced ministerial Training of Trainers ( ToT ) course titled "Project Plan Development" has successfully concluded at the University of Babylon. The 30-hour intensive course was organized by the Department of Science and Technology, in alignment with the PM’s "Riyada" initiative and in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. At the conclusion of the program, the Director of the Al-Mustaqbal University Energy Research Center, Professor Dr. Salwan Obaid Waheed, was awarded an official certificate of participation issued by the Riyada Initiative, recognizing his successful completion of the training requirements. This milestone reflects the center’s dedication to aligning with national efforts that support entrepreneurship, leadership development, and scientific innovation.
In line with his continuous efforts to strengthen international relations and engage with prestigious global academic institutions, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Letter of Intent) with the ancient British University of Reading. The signing ceremony and discussions were attended by a high-level official delegation, represented by the Iraqi Cultural Counselor in the United Kingdom, Professor Dr. Qusay Al-Ahmadi. The British side was represented by a senior academic and administrative delegation including: Professor Elizabeth Allen: Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) and Head of the International Academy at the University of Reading. Professor Keiichi Nakata: Professor of Social Informatics and Director of the Informatics Research Centre at Henley Business School. Mr. Alex Boughton: Global Engagement Director and Executive Assistant to the Director of External Relations at the University. Ms. Irem Ozsoy: Senior Regional Manager for International Student Recruitment. Horizons of Joint Cooperation: The signed memorandum aims to open new horizons for scientific, academic, and research cooperation between the two universities, focusing on the following key aspects: Joint Academic Programs: Exploring mechanisms for establishing "Double Degree" programs and academic progression pathways. Scholarships and Facilitations: Discussing the provision of dedicated scholarships and discounts for students. Scientific Research: Exploring available opportunities for joint scientific research cooperation, exchanging expertise, knowledge, and mutual projects between the faculties. On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, commemorative shields were exchanged between the President of Al-Mustaqbal University and the British delegation, reflecting the depth of bilateral academic relations and documenting this promising partnership. In a supportive and paternal gesture towards the scientific journey, the Iraqi delegation, represented by Professor Dr. Qusay Al-Ahmadi and the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, held meetings with a group of Iraqi scholarship students and researchers studying at the University of Reading in front of the Central Library building. The meeting aimed to review their academic progress, listen to their needs, and encourage them to continue achieving excellence to serve their homeland. This step comes as part of the ambitious strategy of Al-Mustaqbal University to enhance its position on the global higher education map, providing the best educational and research opportunities for its students and teaching staff.
In line with its continuous efforts to enhance international academic cooperation and transition towards broader horizons in scientific research and smart development, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, accompanied by the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Thalimi, and the Cultural Counselor in the United Kingdom, Professor Dr. Qusay Al-Ahmadi, paid an official visit to the prestigious University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. The visit witnessed extensive and fruitful meetings with several officials and academic leaders at the University of Nottingham and the deanship of the School of Pharmacy. Discussions focused on ways to activate the strategic partnership between the two sides and develop academic progression pathways, double degree programs, and joint research projects. This partnership holds exceptional significance given the prestigious standing of both institutions. The School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham ranks 1st in the UK and 8th globally, maintaining a close strategic partnership with "Boots," a leading global pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing company, which provides its graduates with extensive employment opportunities in major international corporations. On the other hand, the College of Pharmacy at Al-Mustaqbal University stands out as one of the leading colleges, achieving a qualitative milestone by obtaining the American certification for pharmacy education, reflecting the alignment of its curricula and infrastructure with the highest international standards. Culminating these meetings, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed between Al-Mustaqbal University and the University of Nottingham - School of Pharmacy. This agreement aims to build strong bridges for academic and research cooperation, exchange expertise among faculty members and researchers, and open new horizons for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology.
The Director of the Al-Mustaqbal University Energy Research Center, Professor Dr. Salwan Obaid Waheed, along with a distinguished group of professors from Al-Mustaqbal University, participated in the advanced Training of Trainers ( ToT ) course titled "Project Plan Development", held at the University of Babylon. The course was attended by the President of the University of Babylon, Professor Dr. Amin Al-Yasiri, and presented by the Prime Minister's Advisor, Dr. Hussein Falamarz, Director of the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Excellence. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology, this 30-hour training course comes under the national "Riyada" initiative launched by the Prime Minister's Office in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurial skills within the university’s academic ecosystem.
With firm steps toward fostering sustainable development in Babylon Province, Prof. Dr. Selwan Obaid Waheed, Director of the Al-Mustaqbal Energy Research Center participated as the official representative of the Sectoral Council for Green and Digital Economy in the international workshop organized by UNESCO in coordination with the European Union (TVET 3 Project). The participation included presenting a strategic vision on transforming Babylon into a "hub" for green investments by integrating digital solutions into water and energy resource management. During the round-table sessions, Dr. Waheed emphasized that the Sectoral Council is working to create a link between technical education outcomes and private sector needs in Babylon, stressing that "Digital transformation is not an option but a necessity to face climate change and provide sustainable jobs for the youth." This vision received significant attention from international experts who praised Babylon’s experience in institutionalizing the Green Economy.
The Kurdistan Region hosted the international "Green and Digital TVET" workshop under the (TVET 3) project, bringing together elite experts and academics, with active and distinguished participation from the University of Mashreq delegation, including Prof. Dr. Selwan Obaid Waheed and Prof. Dr. Mohammed Maitham. The delegation's participation focused on the applied academic and research aspects. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Maitham delivered in-depth technical interventions on "Automating Vocational Education" strategies and the necessity of equipping students with advanced digital skills required by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, emphasizing that traditional curricula are no longer sufficient to keep pace with global developments. For his part, Dr. Selwan Obaid Waheed, Director of the Future Energy Research Center reviewed the pivotal role of university research centers in leading this structural transformation, explaining that the University of Mashreq anticipated these international recommendations by upgrading its research laboratories and transforming them into interactive platforms for green innovation. The workshop corridors in the region also witnessed extensive discussions with cultural attachés and representatives of international organizations on mechanisms for "Lab Twinning" between the University of Mashreq and international universities, as well as developing joint curricula focused on AI applications in renewable energy systems. This qualitative participation in the Kurdistan Region reflects the university's firm commitment not only to academic excellence but to leading advanced technical thought and building bridges of international cooperation across all parts of Iraq and the region.
A Strategic Step Toward a Productive University and Knowledge Economy Under the patronage of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, the university has officially inaugurated the "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center" in the Al-Qadhiya district. The opening ceremony was attended by the Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, university deans, department heads, faculty members, and a large gathering of students and innovation enthusiasts. The establishment of this center is a core part of the university’s vision to foster an environment of creativity and support the transition toward the “Productive University” model. This initiative aligns with global trends shifting toward a knowledge-based economy, treating talent and innovation as the primary engines for sustainable development. Advanced Facilities and Community Outreach The center was strategically established outside the main campus to enhance direct engagement with the community and various industrial sectors. It includes: Innovation & Marketing Halls: Dedicated spaces for showcasing and marketing entrepreneurial projects and pioneering ideas. AI Laboratories: Advanced labs equipped for Artificial Intelligence applications. Mentorship & Guidance Suites: Specialized units providing professional support to transform promising ideas into successful commercial ventures. Modern Training Hubs: Spaces designed for development programs targeting students, government entities, and the private sector to build future-ready skills in digital transformation. A Vision for the Future In a statement to the university media, Prof. Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi emphasized that the center is a strategic milestone in the university's evolution. He noted that the facility will serve as an incubator for creative energy, providing a platform to address developmental and economic challenges through innovative solutions. Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, added that the center responds to the rapid global shift toward digital and knowledge economies. He highlighted that the university aims to adopt young talent and provide an integrated environment—ranging from training to building strategic partnerships—to turn theoretical concepts into tangible projects. This inauguration reaffirms Al-Mustaqbal University's commitment to its role as a leading academic institution in innovation and digital transformation, preparing a generation capable of leading the future economy.
Under the patronage of the President of the University of Mashreq, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, and with the direct supervision of the Dean of the Technical Engineering College, Prof. Dr. Azher Muhson Abd, Al_Mstaqbal Energy Research Center marked a distinguished presence at the "1st International Conference on Sustainable Engineering," hosted by Tikrit University from May 13–14, 2026. The center’s delegation, consisting of Prof. Dr. Selwan Obaid Waheed (Director of MERC) and Dr. Mohammed Maitham Obaid (Head of the Scientific Affairs Division), engaged in specialized scientific sessions and panel discussions focused on the latest innovations in sustainable energy, patents, and global research outputs. International Partnerships and Future Horizons: On the sidelines of the conference, the delegation held high-level strategic meetings to enhance the center’s international standing, most notably: With UNESCO: Meeting with Mr. Sit Fung to discuss AI-driven digital transformation and the development of higher technical education skills. With the American University of Baghdad: Discussing collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship with Dr. Ziyad Shaaban (Director of the Center of Excellence). In Green Architecture: Exchanging expertise on smart cities with Prof. Dr. Awni Shaaban. Prof. Dr. Selwan Obaid Waheed emphasized that this participation is a fundamental pillar of the center’s vision toward international academic openness, building research partnerships that support green innovation pathways and strengthen the University of Mashreq’s scientific footprint in global forums.