On Monday, October 6, 2025, a group of third-year students from the Biomedical Sciences Department at Cihan University–Erbil visited Erbil Girls’ Model School and conducted a scientific activity for the students under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismail Mohammed.
After being welcomed by the school’s principal, Mr. Shakhawan Omar, and the vice principal, Ms. Suha Jamal, both the principal and vice principal delivered separate speeches in the school hall, commending the efforts of Cihan University–Erbil students and emphasizing the importance of the activity’s content for the school’s students. Following this, the students provided a scientific explanation of blood type classification and its biological and medical significance, with a particular focus on the ABO system, which forms a crucial basis for human immunity and blood transfusion. They later elaborated on the structure of antigens and antibodies and explained how they interact in determining blood type.
To increase the school students’ understanding and prepare them for their final exams, they presented a specialized analysis of the ABO system mechanism, tailored to the 12th-grade biology curriculum. They also highlighted the connection between theoretical concepts and practical applications, and referred to clinical cases to emphasize the importance of knowing one’s blood type in surgeries and emergency medical situations.
Finally, the principal and vice principal presented certificates of appreciation to the students, expressing their profound gratitude for the students’ efforts and their valuable contribution to enriching the scientific knowledge of the school’s students.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the TEDx Nishtiman 2025 event took place at Saad Abdullah Hall in Erbil and was attended by Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, along with prominent figures from the scientific, artistic, and cultural fields, as well as various political, governmental, and administrative personalities.
A number of students from the aforementioned department participated as volunteers on the speaker and event organizing team there. Their key responsibilities included selecting talks, preparing presentation slides, and providing backstage support. They also made significant contributions by offering live translation services in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, which played a crucial role in ensuring the event was organized professionally. Furthermore, they helped speakers prepare for their presentations and created an optimal environment for successful delivery.
This year’s TEDx Nishtiman 2025 featured a diverse range of talks presented by Dr. Ghaith Mustafa, Ms. Shereen Khairo, Dr. Dana Fadhil, Dr. Aswad Soran, and Sinan Amjad. The topics covered included new projects and resilience, family and education, as well as robotics.
At the conclusion of the TEDx Nishtiman 2025 activities, a ceremony was held to honor the organizers and volunteers. Certificates of appreciation were presented to students from the Biomedical Sciences Department in recognition of their efforts and continuous participation since June 2025.
In an effort to foster social responsibility and instill humanitarian values among students, the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University-Erbil organized a charitable initiative on Monday, September 22, 2025. The activity involved a visit to the Al-Rajaa Elderly Care Home in Erbil.
The students were warmly received by Ms. Khalida Bolus Toma, the supervisor and director of the facility. In her remarks, Ms. Khalida praised the students’ proactive engagement and expressed her sincere appreciation for their philanthropic spirit.
During the visit, the students interacted positively with the elderly residents, sharing conversations and spending quality time together. Their presence had a noticeable positive impact on the residents’ psychological well-being.
As part of the initiative, the students also provided both moral and material support to the care home. They presented the residents with a variety of essential items, including foodstuffs, personal care products, and health supplies, which contributed meaningfully to meeting the residents’ daily needs.
On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, observed globally on 21 September 2025, students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University–Erbil organized a large-scale awareness campaign at Erbil City Center. The campaign aimed to educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders affecting elderly populations worldwide.
As part of the initiative, students distributed brochures that outlined the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s, preventive lifestyle measures, and practical guidance for families on providing care and emotional support to affected relatives. The campaign also emphasized the importance of early recognition, timely medical consultation, and community solidarity in addressing the disease.
By engaging directly with the public, the students demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility and public health promotion. Such efforts play a vital role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering a culture of empathy and collective care within society.
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the students of the Biomedical Sciences Department at Cihan University-Erbil commemorated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with a community-centered celebration at Sami Abdulrahman Park.
The students warmly engaged with park visitors, offering traditional sweets to mark the blessed occasion. They also shared health recommendations and provided valuable medical advice, reflecting the department’s commitment to promoting community well-being.
The Biomedical Sciences Department consistently observes national and religious occasions by organizing meaningful activities that serve the community, reinforcing its mission to integrate academic excellence with social responsibility.
On November 2, 2025, Eman Nazim Dhiab, a fourth-year Medical Microbiology student from the Department of Medical Microbiology, Cihan University–Erbil, conducted an insightful and interactive session on ‘Pre-Exam Stress Management’ for the students of Cihan International School.
Eman Nazim was warmly received by Mr. Mahmoud Emad Mohammed, the School Principal, who commended Cihan University–Erbil for its continuous efforts to promote student well-being and community engagement through educational outreach activities.
During the session, Eman discussed the psychological and physiological aspects of exam-related stress and provided practical strategies for students to enhance concentration, manage anxiety, and maintain a positive mindset. She highlighted key techniques, including effective time management, relaxation exercises, and healthy lifestyle practices that contribute to improved academic performance. The presentation encouraged active participation, with students sharing personal experiences and reflecting on the importance of emotional balance during examination periods.
At the end of the visit, Mr. Mahmoud Emad Mohammed expressed his sincere appreciation to the Department of Medical Microbiology and the students for their valuable contribution in supporting learners and fostering a culture of mental health awareness within the school community. The session was highly commended for its relevance, clarity, and motivational impact on students’ preparation for their upcoming examinations.
On November 2, 2025, Shokhan Omar Rasool, a fourth-year student from the Department of Medical Microbiology at Cihan University–Erbil, delivered an informative presentation at Erbil Private School. The session, titled “Winter Diseases and How to Prevent Them,” focused on raising awareness among students about seasonal illnesses and preventive health practices.
Shokhan was warmly received by the school principal, Mr. Shakhawan Omer, who expressed appreciation for the Medical Microbiology Department’s ongoing commitment to community health education. During the presentation, Shokhan explained common winter-related infections such as influenza, the common cold, and pneumonia, highlighting their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. She emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, vaccination, proper nutrition, and maintaining a warm and clean environment during the cold season.
It was interesting to see the students actively participating in the session, asking questions, and sharing their experiences. This interaction fostered a deeper understanding of how small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases during the winter season.
At the end of the event, the school administration commended Shokhan and the Medical Microbiology Department at Cihan University–Erbil for their contribution to promoting public health awareness among students. The activity reflected the Department and University’s commitment to community service and the practical application of students’ academic knowledge.
On November 2, 2025, Ruyada Murad Othman, a fourth-year Medical Microbiology student at Cihan University–Erbil, delivered an informative lecture titled ‘Prevention of Respiratory Infections During the Winter Season’ at Bejani Boys High School in Erbil, Kurdistan Region.
Ruyada was warmly received by Mr. Tariq Mustafa Hasan, the school principal, who expressed his appreciation for the Medical Microbiology Department’s ongoing efforts to advance community health awareness through student outreach programs.
During the presentation, Ruyada explained the causes, transmission, and prevention of common respiratory illnesses such as influenza, bronchitis, and pneumonia, which typically increase during the colder months. She highlighted the importance of vaccination, proper personal hygiene, adequate classroom ventilation, and the use of protective masks in crowded environments. The session also emphasized lifestyle practices that strengthen immunity, including balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity.
The lecture was highly interactive, with students actively participating in discussions, sharing experiences, and asking relevant questions about disease prevention and seasonal health practices. In his closing remarks, Mr. Tariq Mustafa Hasan commended the Medical Microbiology Department and Ruyada for their valuable contribution to promoting public health awareness among students. The session was praised for its scientific accuracy, clear presentation, and meaningful community impact.
On November 3, 2025, fourth-year students from the Department of Medical Microbiology at Cihan University-Erbil organized a visit to Nanakali Hospital for Cancer, located in Azadi near Salahaddin University, Erbil. The visit was a charitable initiative as part of the department’s humanitarian outreach, aimed at supporting children undergoing cancer treatment and fostering community engagement among university students.
The students were warmly received by Mr. Barzan Ezalddin Salh, a Social Researcher representing the Medical Network Organization Japan in Iraq, who welcomed them to the hospital and provided an informative overview of the institution’s specialized services for cancer patients. He also guided the students through various sections of the hospital and introduced them to the young patients undergoing treatment.
During the visit, the students distributed gifts and shared heartfelt moments with the children, aiming to bring happiness, comfort, and encouragement to those bravely battling illness. The initiative reflected their deep sense of compassion, social awareness, and professional responsibility as future healthcare professionals.
The hospital administration expressed appreciation for the students’ visit, noting its positive emotional impact on both the children and the staff. The activity reaffirmed the Department of Medical Microbiology’s commitment to community service and humanitarian values, encouraging its students to integrate medical knowledge with empathy and social responsibility.
On Thursday, October 16, 2025, students from stages two to four of the English Language Department at Cihan University–Erbil carried out a heartfelt community activity at an orphanage in Erbil, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Rozhin Hosseini. The activity was organized in celebration of World Food Day, aiming to promote compassion, social awareness, and community involvement among the students.
Upon their arrival, Assistant Lecturer Rozhin Hosseini and the students were warmly received by Ms. Diman Ali, the manager of the orphanage, along with several staff members who expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. The students then distributed food and snacks to the children, fostering a cheerful and inclusive atmosphere.
The activity concluded in an uplifting and emotional spirit, leaving lasting impressions on both the students and the children. Assistant Lecturer Rozhin Hosseini praised her students for their dedication, stating, “This visit was not only about giving but also about learning humanity in action—reminding us that true education goes hand in hand with empathy and generosity.”
