Introducing Rawaa Qasha: 2024 Alumni Award Winner and Associate Professor at the University of Mosul

Rawaa Qasha (Computer Science PhD, 2017) received the award for Outstanding Global, EDI and Intercultural Contribution.

This award recognises alumni who have led the way in the integration of people and cultures, and who are breaking down barriers to create a greater sense of inclusivity across issues such as race, age, gender, and disability.

Rawaa made the journey from Iraq to Newcastle to personally accept the award, reconnect with old friends, and witness the exciting new developments in the city.

Meet Rawaa

Rawaa is an Assistant Professor at the University of Mosul (UoM). While she was studying at Newcastle University, UoM was occupied and severely damaged by ISIS forces. After Mosul was liberated, Rawaa returned to help rebuild both the city and the University.

As the Director of Scholarships and Cultural Relations at UoM, she manages international academic collaborations and joint programs. Rawaa has also been instrumental in preserving Mosul's cultural heritage, working with partners like UNESCO and the British Library to restore the city's ancient historical legacy.

Hi Rawaa, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about where life has taken you since your time at Newcastle University?

I am an Associate Professor at the University of Mosul and the Director of Scholarships and Cultural Relations. I also collaborate with researchers at Newcastle University where I completed my PhD in the School of Computing under the supervision of Professor Paul Watson.

As an Associate Professor, I teach postgraduate students, including those pursuing Master’s and PhDs. I also supervise students working on contemporary technology to address challenges in our community and university, particularly those that emerged after the liberation from ISIS.

In my role as Director, I manage international collaborations and scholarships for students and colleagues, both within Iraq and abroad. For the past two years, I have also been organising opportunities for international students to study at our University for bachelor's or master's/PhD degrees.

Can you tell us more about what your role as Director involves?

After returning to Iraq in 2018, I was deeply moved by the destruction at The University of Mosul. In May 2019, I became Director and focused on building international partnerships to support reconstruction. We've launched various projects, many with UK universities, to rebuild infrastructure, provide training, and support students and staff.

Rebuilding capacity for students and staff has been key. We've worked with global partners like the EU and British Library to organise training and activities. We've now rehabilitated 90% of the University, and I’m also focused on connecting with colleagues who studied abroad, particularly in the UK, with eight ongoing projects, including two with Newcastle University.

That’s amazing work, could you elaborate on your role as UNESCO Chair and your work on 'preventing violent extremism and fostering a culture of peace'?

The UNESCO Chair was one of the first major projects I took on as Director. We aimed to address post-war challenges in our community, focusing on preventing violent extremism and fostering peace.

We are now working on international collaborations to support peacebuilding and cultural preservation in Mosul, including all affected communities. I remain part of the organising team, with a four-year plan involving global partners, including universities in Northern Ireland and Durham. We're also exploring a potential collaboration with Newcastle University’s new UNESCO Chair.

From your perspective, what is the importance of cultural heritage?

Initially, I wasn't focused on cultural heritage, but my role as Director revealed its immense significance. ISIS destroyed many heritage buildings in Mosul, erasing a vital part of our cultural identity, especially in Iraq, the cradle of the world’s first civilisation. Growing up in an Aramaic community and speaking Aramaic, Iraq’s first language, deepened my commitment to preserving our heritage.

As Director, I’ve connected with partners to document and preserve remaining heritage. Since 2019, we've worked with UCL and Sussex University to document intangible heritage for minority groups. We've also partnered with Newcastle University to digitise the early last century archives and newspapers. Engaging young people in preservation has been a highlight, with students using technology like AI to classify data about archaeological sites affected by ISIS.

Thank you for sharing your inspiring work with us. I hope you enjoyed your recent visit to Newcastle University. Have there been any significant changes since you were last here?

Every time I visit Newcastle University, I'm amazed by the developments on campus and in the city. The academic advancements are particularly impressive. During my last visit, I toured the National Innovation Centre for Data with Paul Watson, and it inspired me to bring some of these ideas back to Mosul. The progress at Newcastle always leaves me in awe.

Do you have any special memories from your time at Newcastle University that you’d like to share?

Yes, I have many, but one that stands out is when ISIS occupied my city and the University of Mosul during my PhD. The incredible support from my school, supervisor, and the university community allowed me to continue my work without interruption, despite the crisis back home.

Another special memory is when my second PhD paper won Best Paper at a major international conference—an achievement I never imagined, given the technological gap between Iraq and the UK.

Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to a recent Newcastle University graduate, what would it be?

My advice would be to take full advantage of everything Newcastle University and the city have to offer. The Careers Service is an incredible resource that can help you enhance your skills and prepare for your career. Never stop learning and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Thank you Rawaa!

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