The University of Anbar hosted the first and third session of the Central Industrial Advisory Council for the academic year 2025–2026. The session was attended by the Chairman of the Central Industrial Advisory Council, Professor Dr. Mushtaq Talib Salih Al-Neda, President of the University of Anbar, and Professor Dr. Haider Abd Dhahd, Undersecretary for Scientific Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with representatives of the Ministry, deputy ministers from several ministries, directors general, members of the University Council, experts, academics, heads of professional associations, business owners, and representatives of the private sector.

The session commenced with the reception of guests, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by the President of the University of Anbar. He welcomed the distinguished attendees and emphasized that the Industrial Advisory Council represents one of the key pillars in achieving the University’s leadership and knowledge-driven aspirations. He further highlighted its integration with the Department of Science and Technology Parks, which together contribute to realizing the University’s strategic goal of becoming an entrepreneurial university.

In a subsequent address, the Undersecretary for Scientific Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research underscored the vital role of Industrial Advisory Councils in strengthening cooperation between academic institutions and productive and service sectors. He noted that such collaboration helps align higher education outcomes with labor market needs while supporting innovation and entrepreneurship pathways.

The session featured a documentary presentation showcasing the University of Anbar and its academic and scientific achievements. This was followed by a presentation by the Chairman of the Central Industrial Advisory Council entitled “Strategic Integration Towards an Entrepreneurial University: The University of Anbar Model – The Relationship Between the Industrial Advisory Council and the Department of Science and Technology Parks.” The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research also delivered a presentation, followed by a series of discussions and interventions by deputy ministers, directors general, and the President of the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control. These discussions focused on enhancing partnerships between the University and industrial and investment institutions, supporting labor market needs, and advancing strategic projects at the University of Anbar.

The session concluded with presentations of several innovative projects proposed by various colleges of the University. The College of Engineering presented a project entitled “Hybrid Smart Bench Combining Solar and Kinetic Energy.” The College of Dentistry introduced the “Anbar Dental Materials Factory” project, while the College of Applied Sciences – Hit presented a project on the production of multi-purpose industrial cellulase from common reed and water hyacinth plants. The College of Science showcased a project on manufacturing lightweight ceramic thermal insulators from locally sourced raw materials, and the College of Agriculture presented a project on biologically enhanced smoked yogurt.

Additional projects included a smart glove developed by the College of Computer Science and Information Technology for translating sign language using artificial intelligence technologies; an educational innovation incubator proposed by the College of Basic Education – Haditha aimed at transforming students’ ideas into innovative applied projects; and a project by the Biomedical Engineering Research Center on the design and implementation of a human prosthetic arm controlled through electroencephalography (EEG) signals.

The Council’s agenda also included voting on and approving the proposed projects, including the establishment of a College of Excellence, as well as the creation of several new academic departments across a number of the University’s colleges.