Global Engagement welcomes Iraqi academic
Pictured: Professor Hamad exchanges gifts with Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Global Engagement), Professor Abid Khan.
Professor Ibrahim Hamad is currently visiting Monash University on a one-month Endeavour Executive Fellowship. He is a Professor of electrical engineering and is Vice-President of Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies at Salahaddin University in Kurdistan, Iraq. Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships are internationally competitive and highly priced, merit-based scholarships provided by the Australian Government.
Professor Hamad previously visited Monash on an Endeavour Postdoc Scholarship in 2007 to pursue research in electrical engineering and automation. He remembers his six months at Monash fondly.
“My time at Monash has contributed to the international experience that is required to move into my current position as Vice-President of Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies at Salahaddin University in Kurdistan, Iraq," Professor Hamad said.
"Monash is a large and global institution and my learnings have been invaluable on so many levels. This is why I have returned to Australia on my second fellowship.”
During his stay, Professor Hamad will gain further insights into the administration and operations of Monash and the University’s approach to internationalisation, research collaboration and staff development. Professor Hamad spoke highly of the University's performance and innovative standing. He specifically noted its world-class quality in teaching, learning and research infrastructure and the ability for graduates to find work following graduation.
Professor Hamad also hopes to identify opportunities for student and staff mobility as well as joint research interests with view of establishing academic linkages between Monash and Salahaddin University.
“I encourage both staff and students at my university to gain international exposure as it is critical to developing the next generation of scientists and future leaders in Iraqi Kurdistan,” Professor Hamad said.