The First Meeting of the Industrial Advisory Council in the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology held its first meeting of the Industrial Advisory Council for the academic year 2024-2025 on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The meeting was chaired by the esteemed head of the department, with the council members present in Dr. Jawamir Hall.

The meeting began with a historical overview of the department, highlighting its journey since the establishment of the Higher Industrial Institute in 1960 with support from the German government, its development into the College of Technological Engineering, and its transition to the University of Technology in 1975. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the oldest and largest scientific departments in the university, with each of its branches representing an independent specialization equivalent to a department in other universities.

The agenda of the meeting included discussions on the department’s vision, mission, and strategic goals, as well as a review of the educational process and its curricula, which have been developed to meet the current needs of the industrial labor market. Emphasis was placed on the transition to the Bologna educational system, enhancing the competitiveness of the department’s graduates at both local and global levels.

The meeting also discussed the department’s preparations for obtaining national accreditation for engineering programs, which holds strategic importance in achieving global quality standards. In line with global developments, the meeting highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable energy principles and renewable energy sources into the curriculum, aligning with modern trends toward green and sustainable technologies.

Furthermore, the meeting stressed the necessity of developing the curricula to include modern skills and technologies that align with the demands of the current industrial market, with a focus on innovation and digital manufacturing.

The meeting concluded with an open-floor discussion, providing council members the opportunity to share their opinions and ideas on the outcomes of the educational process. Additionally, special surveys were distributed to gather comprehensive feedback and actionable recommendations.

The meeting also confirmed key proposals to be presented at the next meeting and captured documentary photos of the attendees. This meeting marks a crucial step towards strengthening the partnership between the department and the industrial sector, with the goal of preparing outstanding engineering professionals capable of meeting the needs of sustainable and industrial development.