Cihan University-Erbil Hosts the Inaugural Conference of the Cihan Board for Research Investment (CBRI)
To elevate scientific standards and align academic research with labor market requirements, the first conference of the Cihan Board for Research Investment (CBRI) was convened on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Cihan University-Erbil Conference Hall.
The conference was attended by the presidents of all academic and educational institutions within the Cihan Group, alongside vice presidents, deans, Quality Assurance (QA) directors, and heads of scientific research centers. the primary focus of the discussions was the formulation of a new strategic roadmap for investment in the fields of science and academic research.
During the ceremony, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil, delivered a comprehensive scientific address. He emphasized that scientific research is one of the fundamental pillars of universities and academic institutions. Highlighting the university’s clear strategy for developing research infrastructure, he stated: “For the 2026-2027 academic year, our plans are directed toward intensifying efforts to produce high-quality research that effectively serves various sectors of society.”
In his keynote address, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities, Institutes, and Schools, remarked that bringing all Cihan Group institutions under the umbrella of a single research investment board represents a historic turning point in the production of original scientific knowledge. He reaffirmed the Board of Trustees’ unwavering support for researchers, noting that their primary goal is to promote contemporary research that keeps pace with global scientific advancements.
The conference agenda delved into the technical and administrative aspects of the board, including a thorough review of the draft bylaws and internal regulations of the CBRI and the operational principles of the main board. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to evaluating the successes of the Bologna Process in its third cycle and summer session. Furthermore, the participants outlined student recruitment plans for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year and established coordination protocols between academic entities.
The final segment of the conference featured scientific discussions on “Safe AI” projects and the “Zakat of Science” (Intellectual Almsgiving) development initiative. These discussions aimed at enhancing cognitive standards and ensuring the ethical application of Artificial Intelligence technology in research.
The conference concluded with the establishment of long-term strategies and plans to bolster the international standing of the universities in the coming years. It was emphasized that this board will serve as the primary engine for intellectual investment and scientific inquiry within Cihan’s academic and educational institutions specifically, and across the Kurdistan Region in general.
