Strengthening International Cooperation with Middle Technical University, Iraq
The leadership of Obuda University welcomed a delegation from Middle Technical University (MTU), Iraq, for an official visit aimed at strengthening institutional ties and laying the operational groundwork for future academic and research collaboration between the two universities.
Representatives of MTU emphasized that the long-standing friendly relations between Iraq and Hungary provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in higher education and scientific research. During the meeting, the delegation introduced Middle Technical University, which currently serves approximately 43,000 students, employs nearly 6,000 academic and administrative staff members, and comprises 11 faculties and 9 institutes.
The Iraqi delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Wadhah Amer Al-Tamimi, President of Middle Technical University and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Iraq. The delegation also included Assistant Professor Dr. Musaab Kadem Rashid, Vice President for Scientific Affairs at Middle Technical University, Fadhil Awad Jebur Al-Shuwaili, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Hungary, and members of the Iraqi Embassy. On behalf of Obuda University, the delegation was received by Prof. Dr. Zoltán Rajnai, Vice Rector for General Affairs, and Dr. Marcel Pop, Director General for International Affairs.
The Iraqi representatives underlined that the purpose of the visit extended beyond the signing of a formal agreement; their objective was to establish a sustainable, long-term partnership built on meaningful academic cooperation. To this end, they proposed the introduction of a cooperative doctoral supervision framework, alongside the expansion of joint research activities. Representatives of Obuda University reaffirmed the institution's openness to welcoming Iraqi students through both short-term mobility opportunities and tailor-made educational programmes designed to meet specific institutional needs.
The MTU delegation also noted that recent political developments in Iraq and the formation of a new government had temporarily delayed several international initiatives. Nevertheless, they expressed confidence that the new governmental cycle would bring significant developments to higher education and infrastructure, creating new opportunities for students and international cooperation. They also highlighted that MTU organizes two major international conferences each year, one focusing on management sciences and the other on engineering.
Regarding research collaboration, the delegation presented MTU's scientific publishing activities, noting that the university publishes six academic journals, one of which is already indexed in an international scientific database. The Iraqi side offered publication opportunities for researchers from Obuda University in these journals. During the discussions, it was also highlighted that Óbuda University's own international scientific journal, Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, is a Q2-ranked, internationally recognized journal in engineering and computer science, providing a publication platform for researchers from across the globe.
MTU also invited Obuda University students to participate in the Study in Iraq programme, an initiative designed to promote student mobility and strengthen educational ties between the two countries.
The meeting further explored MTU's educational model, which places a strong emphasis on practice-oriented learning. Approximately 65% of the curriculum consists of practical training, while the remaining 35% focuses on theoretical instruction. This approach aims to equip graduates with competitive, industry-relevant knowledge and facilitate their successful integration into the labour market. The university maintains close partnerships with industrial stakeholders, who actively contribute to curriculum development, while particular emphasis is placed on knowledge transfer and the principles of knowledge marketing. Among MTU's strategic research and educational priorities are the oil and gas sector and the economic and public policy developments associated with it.
Dr. Marcel Pop emphasized that the success of the partnership will depend on the development of a comprehensive joint action plan containing clearly defined milestones, responsibilities, and implementation deadlines. Both institutions agreed that the cooperation agreement will only achieve its full potential if it is followed by tangible academic initiatives and sustained collaborative projects.
The visit concluded with the formal signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between Obuda University and Middle Technical University.
The Iraqi delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Wadhah Amer Al-Tamimi, President of Middle Technical University and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Iraq. The delegation also included Assistant Professor Dr. Musaab Kadem Rashid, Vice President for Scientific Affairs at Middle Technical University, Fadhil Awad Jebur Al-Shuwaili, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Hungary, and members of the Iraqi Embassy. On behalf of Obuda University, the delegation was received by Prof. Dr. Zoltán Rajnai, Vice Rector for General Affairs, and Dr. Marcel Pop, Director General for International Affairs.
The Iraqi representatives underlined that the purpose of the visit extended beyond the signing of a formal agreement; their objective was to establish a sustainable, long-term partnership built on meaningful academic cooperation. To this end, they proposed the introduction of a cooperative doctoral supervision framework, alongside the expansion of joint research activities. Representatives of Obuda University reaffirmed the institution's openness to welcoming Iraqi students through both short-term mobility opportunities and tailor-made educational programmes designed to meet specific institutional needs.
The MTU delegation also noted that recent political developments in Iraq and the formation of a new government had temporarily delayed several international initiatives. Nevertheless, they expressed confidence that the new governmental cycle would bring significant developments to higher education and infrastructure, creating new opportunities for students and international cooperation. They also highlighted that MTU organizes two major international conferences each year, one focusing on management sciences and the other on engineering.
Regarding research collaboration, the delegation presented MTU's scientific publishing activities, noting that the university publishes six academic journals, one of which is already indexed in an international scientific database. The Iraqi side offered publication opportunities for researchers from Obuda University in these journals. During the discussions, it was also highlighted that Óbuda University's own international scientific journal, Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, is a Q2-ranked, internationally recognized journal in engineering and computer science, providing a publication platform for researchers from across the globe.
MTU also invited Obuda University students to participate in the Study in Iraq programme, an initiative designed to promote student mobility and strengthen educational ties between the two countries.
The meeting further explored MTU's educational model, which places a strong emphasis on practice-oriented learning. Approximately 65% of the curriculum consists of practical training, while the remaining 35% focuses on theoretical instruction. This approach aims to equip graduates with competitive, industry-relevant knowledge and facilitate their successful integration into the labour market. The university maintains close partnerships with industrial stakeholders, who actively contribute to curriculum development, while particular emphasis is placed on knowledge transfer and the principles of knowledge marketing. Among MTU's strategic research and educational priorities are the oil and gas sector and the economic and public policy developments associated with it.
Dr. Marcel Pop emphasized that the success of the partnership will depend on the development of a comprehensive joint action plan containing clearly defined milestones, responsibilities, and implementation deadlines. Both institutions agreed that the cooperation agreement will only achieve its full potential if it is followed by tangible academic initiatives and sustained collaborative projects.
The visit concluded with the formal signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the partnership between Obuda University and Middle Technical University.
