AHRC-funded SARN Online Symposium
Scholarship Beyond Borders: Resilience and Reform in Syrian Academia
Date: Monday, 28 April 2025
Time: 10:00–13:00 (UK time)
Format: Online (Zoom)
Registration: click here
10:00–10:10: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Opening remarks by Dr. Zeina Al Azmeh, Co-Chair of the SARN Board of Trustees
10:10–11:00 Session 1: Challenges Faced by Scholars in Syria
Session Facilitator: Dr. Mohammad Ateek, Member of the SARN Board of Trustees
Short interventions by colleagues at universities in Syria:
Dr. Layla Samir Al-Dhahhak – Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Hama
Dr. Abdulkader Rashwani – Lecturer at Sham University & Previous Vice President for Scientific Research
Dr. Mohammad Nihad Kurdiyeh – Dean of Engineering Faculties and Institutes, Free Aleppo University
Mr. Mohammad Bukaie – Faculty of Political Science, Sham University, Azaz
Q&A and open discussion
11:00–11:50: Session 2: The Principles of Reforming Higher Education in Syria
Presentation and discussion led by Dr. Oudai Tozan, Member of the SARN Board of Trustees
Discussants:
Dr. Suliman Mouselli, Lecturer at Damascus University
Dr Miassar Al Hassan, Visiting Researcher at Leeds University and Previous Rector of the Sham University
Dr Jihan Ayo, Lecturer at Rojava University
Q&A and discussion
11:50–12:40: Session 3: Challenges and Needs of Syrian Researchers in the UK
Session Facilitator: Dr. Roua Al Taweel, Member of the SARN Board of Trustees
Open discussion on research and impact challenges faced by Syrian academics in exile, with a focus on methodological, institutional, and identity-related issues, as well as future support needs
Interventions from key stakeholder organisations and potential partners
Q&A and discussion
12:40–13:00: Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Summary of practical next steps, including outreach plans to Syrian universities and follow-up initiatives
Closing remarks by Dr. Feras Alkabani, Co-Chair of the SARN Board of Trustees