Birzeit University and University of Potsdam sign cooperation agreement to promote academic collaboration
Dr. Beshara Doumani, president of Birzeit University, and Dr. Oliver Günther, president of the University of Potsdam, Germany, signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, March 30, 2023, to develop current partnership between the universities.
The two parties agreed to enhance academic cooperation; facilitate academic, administrative and student exchange; conduct collaborative research; develop cultural projects; and bolster collaboration within the Erasmus+ program.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Doumani; Dr. Talal Shahwan, vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Abdullatif Husseini, vice president for Community Affairs; Dr. Ghassan Khatib, vice president for Advancement; Dr. Amir Khalil, director of the External Academic Relations Office; Dr. Ahmad Aljanazrah, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs of Bachelor Programs; and academics and representatives from the University of Potsdam.
Dr. Doumani addressed the challenges Birzeit University faces in light of the Israeli occupation. He stressed the significance of collaborating with German academic institutions, particularly as Birzeit University and German society share common values. He added, “We are particularly interested in collaborating in digitalization, given the University of Potsdam’s renowned expertise in computer technology. We would like to incorporate technology into pedagogy and research to promote intelligent use of digital technology.”
Dr. Günther stated, “We are pleased to enhance our collaboration with Birzeit University, as academic collaboration is crucial in times of political crisis.” He expressed his interest in collaborating with Birzeit University in digitalization, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its advantages and necessity.
Dr. Shahwan discussed Birzeit University’s financial aid program, highlighting that Birzeit University offers scholarships to 45% of students. He maintained, “Birzeit University encourages academic excellence by offering full scholarships to honor students.”
Dr. Husseini elaborated on the Community Affairs Office, which critically assesses the needs of the Palestinian community to provide community-oriented programs and capacity building internships. He asserted, “We collaborate with Palestinian policymakers by conducting research and providing evidence-based recommendations.”
Dr. Aljanazrah stressed the significance of collaborating on digital technology as Palestinian and German universities face common challenges. He added, “Birzeit University conducts focus-group interviews to explore the digital competence of students and faculties.”
Dr. Khalil introduced the delegation to the Palestine and Arabic Studies program and to flexible courses offered across departments to discuss the opportunities international students have at the university. He added, “The memorandum of understanding aims to expand the current collaboration between Birzeit University and the University of Potsdam, as our previous partnership proved to be fruitful to both parties.”
After the meeting, the delegation met with Birzeit University students who had studied at the University of Potsdam through the Erasmus+ program and inquired about their experiences in Germany. They also met with the Right to Education Campaign volunteers, who addressed Israeli violations against Birzeit University students and Palestinian academic institutions in general.
The delegation also explored collaboration prospects by holding individual meetings with Birzeit University faculty members across various departments.
