On November 16, 2024, Tishk International University, in collaboration with Salahaddin University-Erbil and the KScien Organization, successfully hosted the 7th Excellent Paper Symposium at the Culture Center of Salahaddin University-Erbil. The event attracted an audience of over 250 participants, including esteemed academics, researchers, and students, all gathered to celebrate exceptional research and innovation.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

The symposium began with welcoming speeches from prominent university leaders, including Assist. Prof. Dr. Idris Hadi and Prof. Dr. Sultan Abu-Orabi, who emphasized the crucial role of research and collaboration in advancing scientific excellence.

The first major session was an awards ceremony that honored the authors of the top 10 best research papers in Iraq for 2023. These papers were selected from a massive pool of nearly 43,000 evaluated articles, showcasing the dedication and ingenuity of Iraqi scholars. The awards not only recognized remarkable achievements but also inspired the audience to strive for excellence in their own academic pursuits.

Fostering Dialogue and Future Research

The second session featured an insightful publication panel with discussions led by well-known scholars. Experts delved into key topics in academic publishing, such as:

  • Leveraging AI for manuscript writing: Best practices and innovations.
  • Effective strategies for choosing a research topic.
  • Fostering international collaboration: Challenges and opportunities.
  • Common reasons for manuscript rejection and how to overcome them.

This session provided participants with valuable insights, practical strategies, and opportunities to network with peers and experts in the field. It underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the dynamic landscape of academic publishing.

A Milestone for Regional Academia

The success of the symposium is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the collaborating universities and the KScien Organization to fostering academic excellence. The event not only celebrated the achievements of Iraqi researchers but also laid the groundwork for future advancements in research and education, strengthening the Kurdistan Region’s position as a hub for academic innovation.

Keywords: Higher Education, Education, University, Collaboration, Students, Research, Symposium, Academic Excellence, Innovation.