Administrative Divisions Department of Cultural Relations
Al-Mustaqbal University held an official ceremony to celebrate its remarkable achievement after ranking first in Iraq in three major international classifications: the Times Interdisciplinary Science Ranking (ISR), the QS Sustainability Ranking, and the Times Higher Education Arab Universities Ranking. University President Professor Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi announced the results in the presence of key officials, including the Governor of Babil, Mr. Adnan Fayhan Al-Dulaimi, and the President of the Scientific Research Authority, Professor Dr. Shafiq Shaker Al-Mulla, alongside university leaders and representatives from various institutions. In his opening speech, Professor Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy highlighted the university’s strong performance across the three rankings, reaffirming that this success reflects a strategic commitment to high-impact research, sustainability, and community-centered innovation. Governor Adnan Fayhan Al-Dulaimi praised the achievement as a milestone for both Babil Province and higher education in Iraq, while Dr. Shafiq Shaker Al-Mulla emphasized that the university’s model contributes significantly to advancing the national knowledge economy. The ceremony also included honoring distinguished guests and recognizing faculty and staff whose efforts elevated the university’s global standing. Al-Mustaqbal University reaffirmed its dedication to excellence, innovation, and shaping a sustainable future.
As part of Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to strengthening the national research ecosystem—and in accordance with the directives of the University President, Prof. Hassan Shaker Majdi, to broaden academic partnerships—a delegation from the university conducted an official visit on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, to the Higher Commission for Scientific Research. The visit aimed to activate the previously signed scientific and research cooperation agreement between the two sides. The university was represented by a distinguished academic delegation that included Prof. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision; Prof. Tareq Jawad Al-Mousawi, Director of the Scientific Affairs Department; and Dr. Sameer Ibrahim Badrawi, Director of the Cultural Relations Department. The delegation was received by Prof. Shafiq Shaker Al-Mulla, President of the Higher Commission for Scientific Research, along with several directors of research centers. During the meeting, both parties reviewed key areas of joint cooperation aimed at strengthening academic partnership and advancing scientific research. These areas include collaboration in teaching and joint research, exchange of expertise and training programs, support for science and technology parks, as well as institutional development and capacity-building initiatives. For his part, Prof. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy affirmed Al-Mustaqbal University’s commitment to furthering collaboration and expanding joint research initiatives with the Commission, in support of the university’s academic development and its efforts to foster an innovative national research environment.
Al-Mustaqbal University has achieved a remarkable and unprecedented scientific milestone by entering, for the first time, the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, after meeting all the requirements for participation in this important international ranking, which measures universities’ performance across various global sustainability domains. The university ranked first among all Iraqi private universities, and second nationally among only nine Iraqi universities that appeared in the ranking. The University of Baghdad came first, followed by Al-Mustaqbal University in second place, then the Universities of Anbar, Al-Mustansiriyah, Babylon, Mosul, and Sulaimaniyah. At the regional and global levels, Al-Mustaqbal University ranked 524th in Asia out of 854 universities, and placed in the 1401–1500 global band out of 2001 ranked institutions. The QS Sustainability Ranking is based on three main pillars: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance. Al-Mustaqbal University achieved advanced national standings as follows: • 1st in Iraq in Governance • 1st in Iraq in Social Impact • 3rd in Iraq in Environmental Impact The university also distinguished itself by securing the 1st place in Iraq in Environmental Research within the Environmental Impact pillar, reflecting the strength of its research ecosystem and its commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development. In a statement to the University’s Media Department, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, extended his congratulations to all faculty members, staff, and students on this major achievement. He praised the sincere efforts that contributed to this success and called on everyone to continue working towards further accomplishments in the university’s pioneering journey.
The President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, announced in an exclusive statement to the University Media Department that Al-Mustaqbal University has achieved first place among all Iraqi public and private universities in the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Ranking 2026 (ISR). He extended his congratulations to the faculty members, staff, and students on this remarkable achievement, which adds yet another milestone to the university’s growing record of academic and research excellence. The Times Higher Education (THE) has released the results of its second edition of the Interdisciplinary Science Ranking 2026, which applies a rigorous methodology based on eleven indicators distributed across three main domains: inputs, processes, and outputs. The results placed Al-Mustaqbal University at the top of all Iraqi universities, surpassing 28 public and private universities included in the ranking—among them the University of Technology, and the universities of Anbar, Baghdad, Babylon, Al-Mustansiriyah, Al-Nahrain, and others. The university was also ranked 251–300 globally out of 911 universities from 94 countries included in this edition. The Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) evaluates universities’ ability to foster a strong interdisciplinary research environment by measuring factors such as the volume of funding and industrial support directed toward interdisciplinary research, the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms that empower research teams, the presence of clear success metrics, and the availability of infrastructure and administrative support. It also examines academic promotion policies that encourage interdisciplinary work. Moreover, the ranking assesses research outputs in terms of the volume and quality of interdisciplinary publications, their cross-disciplinary impact, and the international reputation institutions gain for excellence in this field. With this achievement, Al-Mustaqbal University continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading academic institutions in Iraq and the region in the fields of scientific research and interdisciplinary innovation.
The College of Pharmacy at Al-Mustaqbal University has announced a landmark academic collaboration with the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. The agreement was formalized during the official visit of Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmed Khalid Al-Zalmi, Dean of the College of Pharmacy. This international partnership aims to establish joint undergraduate academic programs between the two institutions—programs that are considered among the first of their kind in Iraq and the wider region. The initiative reflects the College of Pharmacy’s commitment at Al-Mustaqbal University to achieving regional leadership in pharmaceutical education and medical sciences. The agreement also includes sending Al-Mustaqbal University pharmacy students to the University of Nottingham during the summer break to participate in an intensive training program within the School of Pharmacy and its affiliated teaching hospital, providing students with global learning exposure and valuable hands-on experience. The collaboration further encompasses: • Exchange of scientific and research expertise between both sides. • Joint publication in accredited scientific journals recognized by the two institutions. • Enhancing pathways of education and innovation, and developing students’ research and clinical competencies. During the visit, the Dean toured the research centers, advanced laboratories, simulation facilities, and educational programs at the University of Nottingham, accompanied by Prof. Barrie Kellam, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, and Professor Othman. The discussions explored opportunities to integrate these resources into the academic development plans of the College of Pharmacy at Al-Mustaqbal University. It is noteworthy that the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham ranks first in both the UK and Europe, and is among the world’s top ten pharmacy schools. Al-Mustaqbal University continues to forge strong global partnerships, and this milestone marks a significant step toward advancing pharmaceutical education and scientific research—ultimately benefiting students and the broader academic community. The University looks forward to achieving outstanding outcomes that will further strengthen the position of the College of Pharmacy at Al-Mustaqbal University as a leading institution locally, regionally, and globally.
As part of its continuous efforts to strengthen its global academic and research presence, Professor Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, accompanied by Assistant Professor Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College of Engineering Technologies, conducted an official visit to the United Kingdom. The delegation visited Teesside University, where they were received in the presence of Professor Dr. Qusay Al-Ahmadi, the Iraqi Cultural Attaché. Extensive discussions were held with the President of Teesside University, the Director of International Relations, the Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, as well as several experts specializing in artificial intelligence and renewable energy. At the beginning of the meeting, Assistant Professor Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abd delivered a presentation highlighting Al-Mustaqbal University’s national rankings, its leading position in Iraq, its achievements in research excellence, and several proposed research themes suitable for joint collaboration. The presentation emphasized innovation, development, and future-oriented research directions. The attendees praised the presentation, noting that Teesside University is one of the leading institutions in industrial applications and ranks first in the North East of England. The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint cooperation agreement between the two universities, which includes: • Collaboration in developing education and training • Enhancing student competencies • Hosting Al-Mustaqbal University students for summer training programs in the United Kingdom Following the meeting, the delegation toured Teesside University’s advanced laboratories and facilities, including the state-of-the-art Digital Life Building. The tour covered laboratories specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, game design, digital production, visual effects, and imaging technologies—all equipped with cutting-edge systems and tools. The delegation also visited the Net Zero Building, which focuses on climate solutions and environmentally friendly technologies. The tour included laboratories for hydrogen applications, smart energy systems, building and human behavior simulation models, and circular-economy labs for energy and waste. The visit continued with a tour of the industrial zone in Middlesbrough, including the Tees Industrial Complex and the Teeswork Skills Academy, where the delegation explored facilities specializing in petroleum and petrochemical industries, clean-energy conversion, renewable energy from wind and hydrogen, and thermal-recycling technologies. At the conclusion of the visit, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University expressed his gratitude to Professor Dr. Maher Al-Ghurairi and Dr. Dawood Nashwan for accompanying the delegation. He emphasized the importance of launching training programs for academic leaders and organizing summer training opportunities for students, aiming to strengthen collaboration, enhance scientific and research capabilities, support the future of Iraq, and elevate the university’s regional and international standing.
Professor Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, chaired a meeting with directors and staff of scientific departments to review academic and administrative performance. He emphasized the shared responsibility to maintain the University’s leadership and enhance its academic reputation, calling for teamwork, quality assurance, and continuous development in research and sustainability. The meeting also reviewed achievements from the 2025–2026 academic plans, with contributions from Professor Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, and department representatives, concluding with directives to further strengthen integration and performance across all units.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its international presence and expand its academic partnerships, Al-Mustaqbal University participated in the 11th regular virtual meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS), held on Tuesday, November 4 , 2025, via the Zoom platform. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the previous session and discussed mechanisms to enhance cooperation among member universities. It also highlighted the activities of specialized committees and platforms, particularly those focusing on supporting scientific publishing and promoting student engagement within member institutions. Participants further discussed the Union’s future plans and upcoming events, most notably the EURAS Academy, scheduled to be hosted at Al-Mustaqbal University in early 2026. It is noteworthy that Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, President of Al-Mustaqbal University, serves as a member of the EURAS Board of Directors, in line with the University’s strategic commitment to advancing international academic collaboration and the internationalization of higher education. During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision at Al-Mustaqbal University, emphasized that the University will play an active role in all initiatives and programs undertaken by EURAS. He also noted that the specific details regarding the EURAS Academy event will be discussed in dedicated follow-up meetings with the concerned parties. Al-Mustaqbal University was represented in the meeting by Prof. Dr. Mudhaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairy, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, and Dr. Samir Badrawi, Director of the Cultural Relations Department at the University Presidency.