Hargeisa, Somaliland | University of Hargeisa
The University of Hargeisa welcomed Mr. Gadi Kerbis, an Israeli researcher and entrepreneur, for a courtesy visit aimed at exploring potential academic partnerships, research collaboration, and capacity-building opportunities with leading higher education and research institutions in Israel.
The visiting researcher was received by the University’s senior management, led by Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, President of the University of Hargeisa. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on international academic cooperation and discuss potential initiatives that could strengthen postgraduate education, scientific research, institutional development, and knowledge exchange.
During the discussions, particular attention was given to expanding opportunities for Master’s and PhD scholarships, joint research programmes, academic exchanges, and professional capacity building. The engagement also explored how potential partnerships could support the development of advanced academic and research capabilities among Somaliland students, scholars, and university staff.
As part of the visit, Mr. Kerbis delivered a presentation highlighting academic and research opportunities at several prominent Israeli universities and research institutions, including the Weizmann Institute of Science, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
The presentation introduced potential avenues through which the University of Hargeisa could explore academic engagement with these institutions, particularly in postgraduate education, specialized research training, collaborative scientific initiatives, and institutional knowledge exchange.
The discussions emphasized the importance of establishing meaningful academic connections that could provide Somaliland students and researchers with opportunities to access advanced educational programmes, benefit from international research expertise, and strengthen their participation in global academic networks.
The meeting identified several areas of mutual academic and research interest, particularly those relevant to Somaliland’s development priorities and emerging scientific and technological needs.
Potential areas of collaboration included water resource management, climate resilience, agriculture, healthcare, engineering, and technology.
In water resource management and climate resilience, discussions considered the potential value of scientific research, technological innovation, and specialized expertise in addressing environmental challenges and strengthening sustainable resource management.
Agriculture and healthcare were also highlighted as important areas for potential research cooperation, particularly through knowledge exchange, applied research, and postgraduate training opportunities.
Similarly, engineering and technology were identified as promising fields for exploring advanced academic training, research collaboration, and the exchange of technical expertise.
These discussions reflected a shared interest in exploring how international academic engagement could contribute to research capacity, institutional development, and practical solutions to challenges affecting local communities.
A central focus of the engagement was the potential to create new educational pathways for University of Hargeisa students, graduates, academic staff, and researchers.
The discussions explored opportunities that could support access to Master’s and PhD programmes, postgraduate scholarships, academic mobility, joint research activities, and specialized professional development.
Such initiatives, if developed through future institutional arrangements, could contribute to strengthening the University’s postgraduate education and research environment while supporting the professional growth of Somaliland scholars and researchers.
The University leadership emphasized the importance of exploring practical and sustainable forms of international academic cooperation that align with the University’s academic priorities, research agenda, and institutional development objectives.
During the meeting, President Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub and the University’s senior management welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in further exploring opportunities for academic cooperation with the institutions presented.
The engagement provided an initial platform for identifying potential areas of collaboration and considering possible future discussions with relevant academic and research institutions.
While the meeting was exploratory in nature, it highlighted opportunities for developing international academic connections and strengthening cooperation in education, scientific research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
The visit represents a positive step in the University of Hargeisa’s continued efforts to expand its international academic engagement, strengthen research partnerships, and create additional educational opportunities for Somaliland students and scholars.
Through such engagements, the University remains committed to advancing academic excellence, promoting research and innovation, and building meaningful international partnerships that contribute to institutional growth and sustainable development.
