Prof. Dr. Alaa Abdulhassan Atiyah Hassan Al-Zwghaibi
President of the University of Baghdad
Distinguished academic leader and policy strategist with over 27 years of experience in higher education, research governance, and institutional reform. Currently serving as President of the University of Baghdad, with prior roles at the highest levels of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, including Advisor (Undersecretary rank) and Head of the Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Authority.
Recognized for leading national higher education reforms, advancing international academic cooperation, and designing strategic frameworks that align Iraqi higher education with global standards. Proven expertise in governance, quality assurance, digital transformation, and transnational education initiatives.
Official Email: [email protected]
Personal Email: [email protected]
Academic Qualifications
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2005), University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Aircraft Engineering) (1998)
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering (First Rank Graduate) (1993)
Professional Experience
President, University of Baghdad
April 2026 – Present
- Leading Iraq’s premier university toward global competitiveness, academic excellence, and innovation-driven transformation.
Advisor to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
2021 – Present
- Providing strategic advisory across policy, governance, and international cooperation.
Head, Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Authority
2020
- Directed national quality assurance systems and academic evaluation frameworks.
President Deputy for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies
University of Technology
2015 – 2020
- Led postgraduate development, research strategy, and institutional modernization.
Dean, College of Materials Engineering
University of Technology
2013 – 2015
Additional roles include Assistant Dean and Head of Department at leading Iraqi universities.
Strategic Leadership & National Contributions
- Founder of the Arab Higher Education Area Initiative (adopted 2025)
- Architect of the Iraq–UK Academic Bridge Initiative (2024)
- Lead contributor to Higher Education Reform Strategy (2020)
- Designer of Digital Transformation Strategy for the Ministry
- Led implementation of university autonomy models
- Developed national university ranking system (Iraq Ranking)
- Introduced automated national assessment systems
- Key contributor to Open Access policy in Iraq
International Engagement
- Visiting Professor, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol
- Academic collaborations with: Germany (TU Bergakademie Freiberg), United Kingdom, United States (IREX, Embassy programs)
- Official representative of Iraq in international forums (Japan, Egypt, Jordan)
- Active collaboration with the British Council on higher education development
Research & Academic Impact
- 75+ peer-reviewed publications in international and national journals
- Author of 4 academic books in engineering and applied sciences
- Supervisor of 30+ MSc and PhD students
- Member/Chair of 60+ scientific conference committees
- Examiner in 60+ postgraduate thesis defenses
Teaching Experience
- Postgraduate: Advanced Mathematics (PhD), Mechanical Failure Analysis (MSc)
- Undergraduate: Extensive teaching across multiple engineering disciplines
Leadership of National Committees
- Chair, Private Higher Education Council
- Chair, Central Academic Promotions Committee
- Chair, Bologna Process Implementation Committee (Iraq)
- Chair, US–UK Academic Cooperation Committee
- Chair, Chemical Safety and Security National Team
- Chair of 60+ ministerial committees and member of 100+ committees
Professional Memberships
- Iraqi Engineers Union (Consultant Engineer)
- Iraqi Academics Syndicate
Honors & Recognition
- 100+ Letters of Appreciation from Ministers
- 160+ Letters of Appreciation from academic leaders
- University of Technology Excellence Badge
Additional Contributions
- Drafted numerous higher education laws and regulations
- Led development of strategic plans for Iraqi universities
- Delivered leadership training programs at national institutes
- Proposed national projects, including the Governorate ranking System
Closing Statement
Prof. Dr. Alaa Abdulhassan Atiyah is widely regarded as a leading architect of modern higher education reform in Iraq, combining academic excellence with strategic leadership and international vision.