In a celebratory scene that affirms national appreciation for scientific competencies and the support of female leadership in academia, Professor Dr. Athraa Ismail Zidan, Director of the Women’s Studies Center at the University of Baghdad, presented the Shield of Scientific Excellence to Professor Dr. Lubna Khamees Mahdi, Director General of the Department of Research and Development at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The award was in recognition of her outstanding contributions to supporting the scientific research system and enhancing the presence of women in Iraqi academic environments.
The award ceremony took place during an official event held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, Ms. Jolan Mohammed, Head of the Human Rights Division at the Center for Psychological and Educational Sciences, and Dr. Alaa Abdul Khaliq Al-Mandalawi from the College of Islamic Sciences, along with a distinguished group of academics and individuals interested in women’s issues and higher education.
Dr. Athraa Zidan praised Dr. Lubna Mahdi’s pioneering vision in developing Iraq’s research infrastructure, emphasizing that her efforts represent a model to follow in empowering women academically and professionally, as well as her remarkable contribution to promoting progress within higher education institutions.
This honor is part of a series of initiatives carried out by the Women’s Studies Center at the University of Baghdad to recognize inspiring female leaders who leave their mark on the paths of scientific and social advancement and actively contribute to the empowerment of women and the expansion of their roles in various national fields.