An international academic initiative has been launched to support Palestinian university students in the Gaza Strip by providing recorded practical learning resources from the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University, in a move reflecting higher education institutions’ commitment to partnership, solidarity, and securing educational continuity during crises.
This initiative comes in response to the severe repercussions that the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip has inflicted on higher education. Universities have faced a near-total disruption, particularly in practical training, due to extensive destruction of laboratories and academic infrastructure. Whilst some institutions managed to deliver theoretical lectures online, practical training – an essential component for medicine, health sciences, and engineering degrees – had ground to a near standstill.
The concept was conceived in February 2025, led by Professor Dr Adnan Al-Hindi and Professor Olwyn Byron of the University of Glasgow, prompted by a simple question: if students cannot access laboratories, can some elements of the laboratory be brought to them? From this, the idea evolved into a comprehensive project built on academic solidarity, aimed at supporting Palestinian universities in Gaza through the provision of high-quality, pre-recorded practical educational content.
The first phase of the initiative focuses on curricula within the faculties of Medicine, Health Sciences, Nursing, and Medical Analysis, where practical training is a prerequisite for academic progression and professional qualification. Discussions are currently underway to expand the scope of the initiative to include other disciplines, such as science and engineering.
To facilitate these efforts, the College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow has established an externally accessible learning platform (Moodle), enabling Palestinian university students to securely access practical learning resources. A substantial number of faculty members have contributed by sharing their recorded lectures and materials, in a clear expression of professional commitment and academic solidarity.
Professor Dr Al-Hindi successfully coordinated with five Palestinian universities in the Gaza Strip to benefit from this initiative, all of whom expressed their readiness to participate. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed among the participating universities, defining joint responsibilities and establishing a code of conduct to ensure transparency, accountability, and mutual trust.
Over the past months, a series of in-person and virtual meetings took place with faculties and departments at the University of Glasgow, alongside continuous coordination with Palestinian universities, to ensure that the resources provided met the actual needs of the students.
It was recently announced that the platform is ready for deployment. Guidelines have been published, and students have already begun creating accounts and accessing practical educational materials—a pivotal step in safeguarding their academic journeys and professional futures.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond its technical dimension; it is fundamentally about people: students continuing their education with determination despite harsh conditions, academics who believe that knowledge is a shared right, and universities that have chosen cooperation over isolation, embodying the strength of the global academic community when unified. By supporting these students today, an investment is being made in future doctors, scientists, healthcare professionals, and educators who will play a central role in rebuilding their communities.
Whilst proud of what has been achieved, the organisers stress that this step represents the beginning of a broader journey aimed at expanding academic fields, deepening cooperation, and attracting further academic contributions.
In conclusion, the initiative expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University, their faculty members, technical and administrative teams, and the partner Palestinian universities, affirming that this cooperation reflects the highest values of higher education and sends a clear message: education must continue, even in the darkest circumstances.
The Islamic University of Gaza was represented at the launch event by Ms Amani Al-Maqadma, Head of External Relations. She conveyed the appreciation of the IUG President and administration to the University of Glasgow for its principled and ongoing cooperation with Gaza’s universities across various faculties, showcasing strong academic leadership and steadfast solidarity. She expressed sincere thanks to Professors Adnan Al-Hindi and Olwyn Byron, as well as the technical team, for translating this commitment into effective academic action through the “Practical Resources for Gaza Students” project, which supports learning continuity under extremely challenging conditions in the Gaza Strip.
In a related context, Ms Al-Maqadma pointed out opportunities to further strengthen this partnership through post-doctoral fellowships, joint research initiatives, and staff and student exchange programmes, building on shared values to support research and academic excellence.