Welcoming the Iraqi Cultural Counsellor to the University of Brighton

The University of Brighton was delighted to welcome Professor Kossay Al-Ahmady, Cultural Counsellor of the Republic of Iraq, to our Moulsecoomb campus.

Hosted by Professor Rusi Jaspal, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange), the visit included conversations about collaboration, a tour of our facilities, and time for speaking to some of our current Iraqi students.

The day began with discussions on collaboration and internationalisation, led by Professor Rusi Jaspal, who highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting students across all schools and expanding its international community.

Professor Rusi Jaspal said: “We are very proud of the diversity among our talented community of students who have come from all over the world, including Iraq. And we are proud to be able to provide the environment for world-class research, supportive teaching, and a conducive learning environment that prepares them to make a real-world impact.”

This was followed by an overview from Fiona Sutton, Head of the Doctoral College, who spoke of the joy it was to host past Iraqi postgraduate research students.

There were also introduction talks about our academic schools from Professor Imran Rafiq – Dean of the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, and Dr James Cole – Dean of the School of Applied Sciences.

Professor Kossay Al-Ahmady and Dr Suhaa Al Thraa – Media and Cultural Affairs from the Iraqi Embassy in London were taken on an in-depth tour of the School of Applied Sciences and its facilities, followed by the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering.

Professor Kossay Al-Ahmady met many of our academics and had the chance to explore some of the state-of-the-art equipment, labs, and testing facilities that the University of Brighton has to offer.

These included:

• Dedicated soil and water analysis labs, public health and geochemical labs
• Advanced microscope technology equipment for rock and mineral analysis
• Specialist laboratories for structural dynamics, geotechnics, thermal dynamics and avionics, including a centrifuge, a concrete lab, a hydraulics lab and computer-controlled wave generation
•  Wind tunnel, prototyping labs, 3D printers and CNC machines
•  Robotics and animation labs
• Aerospace simulators and equipment.

During the tour, Professor Kossay Al-Ahmady learned how Brighton nurtures its students through our practical, hands-on approach to learning across all schools.

Speaking on his visit to Brighton, Professor Kossay Al-Ahmady said: “I am delighted to see first-hand the cutting-edge facilities and innovative learning environment here at the University of Brighton, which make it an excellent destination for Iraqi students.”

To round off the visit to the university, Professor Kossay Al-Ahmady spoke with some of our current Iraqi students.

Lana Horame, a third-year Architecture BA student said: “Studying at Brighton has been empowering. We’re encouraged to think creatively, challenge ideas, and design with purpose.

“I cannot overemphasise how much we are encouraged to be expressive, both in thought and in our creativity. It’s a place where your voice as a student truly matters.”

Saif Alsaad, a third-year Software Engineering BSc student said: “You meet people from every corner of the world, and that diversity makes you feel instantly at home. It’s a community that truly welcomes you.”

Zaid Essa, a third-year Civil Engineering BEng student said: “The environment at Brighton is welcoming and inspiring. It motivates you to aim higher and believe that you can make an impact, no matter where you have come from.”

The visit reflects Brighton’s commitment to being an internationally connected and internationally recognised university, where students from across the globe come together to learn, innovate, and shape the future.