AHRC-Funded SARN Online Symposium

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. Abdelkader Rachwani – Vice President for Scientific Research, Sham University

  • 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, Damascus University

  • Dr Miassar Al Hassan, Dean of the Sham 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