Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies


Message from the Vice President

It is a great privilege to serve as the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies at Duhok Polytechnic University (DPU). Scientific research and postgraduate education form the cornerstone of modern universities and play a critical role in addressing societal challenges, advancing technological innovation, and fostering sustainable development. At DPU, we are committed to strengthening the university’s scientific capacity by cultivating a culture of research excellence, innovation, and academic integrity.

The Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies works to enhance the quality, visibility, and impact of research activities across all colleges and institutes, ensuring that our academic community contributes meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and the development of society. Our office focuses on supporting researchers and postgraduate students by developing effective research policies, enhancing research infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for collaboration with national and international institutions. We actively encourage high-quality scientific publications, interdisciplinary research initiatives, and participation in global research networks.

In addition, we are dedicated to strengthening the role of applied research in addressing real-world challenges. By promoting innovation, supporting patents and intellectual property development, and building strong partnerships with industry and research organizations, we aim to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society. Through these efforts, Duhok Polytechnic University strives to position itself as a center of scientific excellence in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, contributing to knowledge-based development and preparing the next generation of researchers, innovators, and academic leaders.

I warmly invite researchers, students, and partners to collaborate with us to advance scientific discovery, strengthen postgraduate education, and build a vibrant research environment that supports innovation and societal progress.

Prof. Dr. Yaman Al-Kamaki

Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies

Duhok Polytechnic University (DPU)

Vision

To position Duhok Polytechnic University as a leading center for scientific research, innovation, and postgraduate education in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, recognized for producing high-impact research, fostering technological advancement, and contributing to sustainable development.

Mission

The Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies is dedicated to advancing the scientific mission of Duhok Polytechnic University by promoting excellence in research, strengthening postgraduate education, and fostering innovation and knowledge creation.

To achieve this mission, the office works to:

  • Promote high-quality scientific research and international publications.
  • Support researchers, research groups, and postgraduate students in developing impactful research projects.
  • Strengthen research policies, ethics, and quality assurance standards.
  • Encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative research across colleges and institutes.
  • Expand international research partnerships and academic cooperation.
  • Promote innovation, patents, and technology transfer that contribute to economic development.
  • Enhance postgraduate education and research training for future scientists and professionals.

Core Values

  • Research Excellence: We are committed to advancing high-quality research that meets international standards and contributes to global scientific knowledge.
  • Innovation and Creativity: We encourage innovative thinking and applied research that address real-world challenges and drive technological advancement.
  • Academic Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and responsibility in research, publication, and academic conduct.
  • Collaboration: We promote interdisciplinary cooperation and strong partnerships with national and international research institutions.
  • Societal Impact: We believe scientific research should contribute to economic growth, technological development, and societal well-being.
  • Continuous Development: We support lifelong learning, professional development, and the growth of researchers and postgraduate students.

Strategic Priorities

To advance the scientific mission and institutional development of Duhok Polytechnic University (DPU), the Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies focuses on the following strategic priorities:

  1. Strengthening Scientific Affairs and Research Ecosystem: Enhancing the university’s research capacity through the development of research centers, laboratories, scientific journals, and academic research systems. This includes supporting high-quality scientific publications, promoting research ethics through systems such as Turnitin, and facilitating knowledge dissemination through conferences and academic events. Particular attention is given to the development of the Dasinya Journal for Engineering and Informatics and the advancement of interdisciplinary research activities.
  2. Advancing Postgraduate Education and Academic Programs: Developing high-quality postgraduate programs and academic curricula aligned with international standards. This includes implementing the Bologna Process, strengthening postgraduate studies, improving academic supervision, and supporting faculty development through the Pedagogy Center and English Center.
  3. Enhancing Institutional Quality, Accreditation, and Academic Standards: Ensuring continuous improvement in quality assurance, institutional accreditation, and academic program evaluation. This includes strengthening academic regulations, overseeing scientific promotion and academic levels, and supporting transparent academic governance in coordination with the University Board.
  4. Improving Global Visibility and University Rankings: Strengthening the international standing of DPU through improved World University Rankings performance, expanded international research collaboration, enhanced academic profiles of faculty members, and increased global research visibility.
  5. Supporting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Advancing the university’s mission as a leading polytechnic and technical education institution by modernizing TVET programs, aligning technical education with labor market needs, and strengthening industry-relevant skills development.
  6. Strengthening Academic Infrastructure and Digital Systems: Developing the university’s academic infrastructure through improved IT systems, the DPU Zanko academic management system, digital libraries, research databases, and modern laboratories. The DPU Central Library plays a central role in supporting research and learning resources.
  7. Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Collaboration: Encouraging innovation and applied research through the DPU Entrepreneurship Center, the Industry Advisory Board – Duhok, and partnerships with industry and professional organizations such as the ACI – DPU Student Chapter. The university also supports consultancy and applied services through the Technical Bureau for Engineering Consultancy and the Technical Bureau for Administrative, Economic, and Legal Consultancy.
  8. Expanding International Cooperation and Institutional Partnerships: Strengthening global engagement through the International Relations Office (IRO) by developing international academic partnerships, research collaborations, staff mobility programs, and joint projects with leading universities and institutions worldwide.
  9. Supporting Sustainable Development and Community Engagement: Promoting initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraging research and academic programs that contribute to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
  10. Strengthening Institutional Communication and Academic Engagement: Enhancing the university’s academic visibility through media outreach, scientific conferences, academic events, and institutional communication platforms, while supporting DPU’s role as a hub for academic dialogue and scientific exchange.

Key Responsibilities

The Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies provides strategic leadership in developing the university’s research ecosystem and postgraduate education system. Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and implementing policies related to scientific research and innovation.
  • Supervising postgraduate programs and research training activities.
  • Promoting scientific publication and research productivity.
  • Supporting research projects, grants, and academic collaboration.
  • Ensuring research ethics, quality assurance, and academic integrity.
  • Encouraging innovation, patents, and technology transfer initiatives.
  • Strengthening international research partnerships and academic networks.
  • Overseeing research centers, laboratories, and scientific units within the university.

Areas of Oversight and Institutional Leadership

The Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies provides strategic leadership and coordination for a wide range of academic, research, and institutional development functions at Duhok Polytechnic University (DPU). These responsibilities are designed to strengthen the university’s research capacity, enhance academic quality, and promote international engagement. The office oversees and coordinates the following key areas:

  • Research and Scientific Development:
    • Scientific Affairs
    • Research Centers and Laboratories @DPU
    • Scientific Promotion and Academic Scientific Levels
    • Conferences and Scientific Events
    • Dasinya Journal for Engineering and Informatics
    • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Initiatives
    • Turnitin and Research Integrity Systems
  • Postgraduate Education:
    • Postgraduate Studies Programs
    • Academic Programs Development
    • Bologna Process Implementation
    • Pedagogy Center and Academic Development
    • English Center for Academic Support
  • Quality Assurance and Accreditation:
    • University Quality Assurance Systems
    • Institutional Accreditation and Academic Program Accreditation
    • Continuous Improvement of Teaching and Research Standards
  • Global Engagement and Academic Recognition:
    • World University Rankings
    • International Relations Office (IRO)
    • Academic Profiles and Global Research Visibility
    • International Academic Partnerships and Cooperation
  • Knowledge Resources and Academic Infrastructure:
    • Information Technology (IT) Systems
    • DPU Central Library
    • DPU Zanko Academic System
    • Research Databases and Digital Academic Platforms
  • Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Collaboration:
    • DPU Entrepreneurship Center
    • Industry Advisory Board – Duhok
    • Technical Bureau for Engineering Consultancy
    • Technical Bureau for Administrative, Economic, and Legal Consultancy
    • ACI – DPU Student Chapter
  • Institutional Development and Strategic Planning:
    • Strategic Plan of Duhok Polytechnic University
    • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Development
    • Academic Governance and University Board Coordination
  • Outreach, Communication, and Events:
    • DPU Hosting of Academic and Scientific Events
    • University Media and Academic Communication

Institutional Commitment

Through the coordination of these academic, research, and institutional functions, the Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs and Postgraduate Studies plays a central role in advancing Duhok Polytechnic University’s mission of excellence in applied education, scientific research, innovation, and community engagement. By integrating research, education, international collaboration, and industry partnerships, the office contributes to strengthening the university’s regional and global academic standing while supporting sustainable development in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.