The Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad organized a special ceremony for its students to take their graduation photos. This included students from all three academic levels: PhD, Master’s, and Higher Diploma, following the completion of their preparatory academic year.
This year’s photo ceremony was notably the first of its kind to take place in the institute’s newly renovated building. The event was held under the direct supervision of the Dean of the Institute, Professor Dr. Salwa Jabir Al-Awadi, who led the building’s rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
This graduating class was named the “Silver Jubilee Class” in celebration of the institute’s 25th anniversary.
Attending the ceremony were Dr. Al-Awadi herself, along with the Associate Dean for Administrative and Scientific Affairs, Professor Dr. Wathiq Abbas Al-Daraji, the Head of the Genetic Engineering Department, Professor Dr. Rafid Abdulwahid Al-Musawi, and the Head of the Biotechnology Department, Professor Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Nader, in addition to a large gathering of faculty, staff, lab technicians, and administrative unit heads.
The students arrived in great numbers, many accompanied by their families, to mark this historic milestone in their academic journey.
Dr. Al-Awadi opened the ceremony with a special welcoming speech to the students and faculty, reminiscing about her own student days and reflecting on the efforts of past professors—many of whom played significant roles in shaping the institute and even held prominent positions within the Iraqi state.
The captured graduation photos reflected the joy of the students after spending meaningful time at the institute, where they were equipped with essential scientific knowledge that prepares them for their future professional roles. The students expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Al-Awadi, the heads of the scientific departments, the teaching staff, and all institute employees for creating a fitting environment for celebrating this occasion.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, tributes were made to faculty members Professor Dr. Qais Qasim Ghaima, Assistant Professor Dr. Ismail Hussein Aziz, and Mr. Basim Shamkhi Rahl, in light of their upcoming retirement. Dr. Al-Awadi praised their extensive contributions to the institute during their distinguished careers.
Additionally, the ceremony honored the first PhD cohort of the institute, which included Dr. Salwa Jabir Al-Awadi herself and Assistant Professor Dr. Ismail Hussein Aziz, as well as the first Master’s degree cohort represented by Lecturer Dr. Wissam Hazem Sallu and Assistant Professor Dr. Ashwaq Basim Jasim. Their academic excellence, both during their studies and later as faculty, was highlighted and celebrated.
Before the event concluded, a special musical evening was held, followed by a dinner for all attendees.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Al-Awadi expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this significant annual event. She commended the students for their dedication, discipline, and enthusiastic participation in making the graduation photo ceremony a memorable occasion.
