RISE
RISE Project: Reinforcing Integration of Skills for Employability and Internationalisation in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
- Programme: Erasmus+, KA2 – Capacity building in the field of higher education – Strand 1
- Project Duration: February 1, 2025 - January 31, 2027
- Principal Investigator: Marcello Scalisi, UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union
- UNINT Associated Investigator: Luciano Nieddu
- Contact: Roberta Brotto, [email protected]
Executive Summary
The RISE project addresses critical needs in the higher education and socio-economic context of Iraqi Kurdistan. It supports the development of responsible global citizens and seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry to enhance graduate employability.
As the region grapples with economic and political challenges, RISE promotes sustainable development by enhancing the internationalisation of higher education institutions (HEIs) and fostering entrepreneurship.
RISE is a two-year EU-funded initiative under the Erasmus+ programme, coordinated by UNIMED with 7 Kurdish universities and 3 European partners. It aims to empower universities to cultivate skilled, employable graduates capable of thriving globally.
Mission Statement
RISE is dedicated to transforming Kurdish HEIs into engines of social and economic growth. Through an integrated approach to employability and internationalisation, it fosters a new generation of globally aware professionals.
RISE aims to:
- Create institutional strategies that link employability with internationalisation.
- Build the skills of university staff and students to drive sustainable development.
- Enhance global visibility through mobility and networking.
- Promote entrepreneurship to nurture responsible student leaders.
Objectives
Aligned with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in KRG, RISE:
- Develops scalable, impactful models for HEIs.
- Boosts the competitiveness of Kurdish universities locally and internationally.
- Encourages synergy between employability and internationalisation strategies.
Key Expected Results
- 7 Internationalisation Roadmaps
- 7 Career Development Roadmaps
- 1 Synergy Roadmap for Kurdish HEIs
- 35 European trainees
- 150 local trainees
- 1 Handbook of Training Resources
- 1 Open Online Course
- 7 International Mobility Days
- 7 Career Days
- 1 Start Cup Competition
- 29 Participants in the Start Cup (Kurdish & EU students)
- 1 Networking Event with stakeholders
Impact
Short-Term:
- Academic & non-academic staff training
- Community engagement with NGOs and industry
Long-Term:
- Strengthened institutional governance and outreach
- Improved graduate employability and global networking
- Sustained international collaboration
Consortium Partners
- UNIMED – Mediterranean Universities Union
- University of International Studies of Rome (UNINT)
- University of Murcia (UMU)
- Duhok Polytechnic University
- Akre University for Applied Sciences
- Erbil Polytechnic University
- Sulaimani Polytechnic University
- University of Duhok (UoD)
- University of Garmian
- University of Zakho
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research KRG (associated partner)
Work Packages (WPs)
WP1: [February 2025 - January 2027]
Project Management & Quality Assurance (Led by UNIMED & University of Garmian) – Ensuring efficient coordination, quality standards, and Bologna Process integration.
- Project management, monitoring and evaluation
- T1.1 Conducting operational and financial management
- T1.2 Establishing and managing internal communication tools
- T1.3 Performing activities of monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance
WP2: [February 2025 - August 2025]
Employability & Internationalization Roadmaps (Led by The University of Duhok & Sulaimani Polytechnic University) – Developing curriculum reforms, industry engagement strategies, and student mobility frameworks.
- Definition of the Roadmaps
- T2.1 Definition of the Roadmap for Internationalisation.
- T2.2 Definition of the roadmap for entrepreneurship career development
- T2.3 Organisation of the workshop with external and internal stakeholders
- T2.4 Organisation of a public presentation of the roadmap to the university leadership and staff
WP3: [July 2025 - May 2026]
Faculty & Career Services Capacity Building (Led by University of Murcia & University of International Studies of Rome) – Training faculty, career advisors, and academic leaders in modern teaching methodologies.
- Capacity Building Action
- T3.1 Definition of training needs and drafting of training Programme (online and in-presence)
- T3.2 Creation of an online preparatory course, certified with an online badge
- T3.3 Organisation of the training week in Murcia
- T3.4 Organisation of the training week in Rome
- T3.5 Organisation of the Local Training
- T3.6 Participation in the training, appointment of trainers and trainees
WP4: [June 2026 - January 2027]
Career Services & Industry Collaboration (Led by Duhok Polytechnic University & University of Zakho) – Establishing career mentoring, employer engagement, and internship pathways.
- From training to Action: operationalisation of the roadmaps
- T4.1 Operationalisation of the roadmaps
- T4.2 Organisation of a Start Cup Competition with International Students
- T4.3 Organisation of a Networking Event with stakeholders
WP5: [February 2025 - January 2027]
WP5: Sustainability & Impact Dissemination (Led by Erbil Polytechnic University & UNIMED) – Ensuring long-term adoption and stakeholder engagement.
- Dissemination and Sustainability
- T5.1 Design of the Project Visual Identity
- T5.2 Definition of the communication and dissemination strategy
- T5.3 Performing dissemination activities
- T5.4 Monitoring of dissemination activities and their impact
- T5.5 Organization of dissemination events
Kick-off Meeting
Held on February 26–27, 2025 at the University of Duhok, the meeting marked the official launch of RISE.
Opening Remarks:
- Dr. Dawood Atrushi, President, University of Duhok
- Dr. Mohammed Hussein Ahmed, Director General, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (KRG)
- Dr. Marcello Scalisi, Director, UNIMED
- Dr. Carla Giulietti, Project Officer, EACEA
Highlights:
- Presentation of RISE strategy by Silvia Marchionne & Martina Zipoli (UNIMED)
- Contributions by UNINT Rector Dr. Mariagrazia Russo and UMU Vice-Rector Alicia Rubio Banon
- Institutional introductions by partner Kurdish universities
Looking Ahead
The RISE project is poised to significantly impact the Kurdistan Region’s higher education landscape through deep institutional reforms, increased international collaboration, and a focus on student-centered, employability-enhancing approaches.
More Information: www.risekrdproject.eu
Contact: [email protected]