Learning and exchange
Education and Activities
IBIRC’s learning strategy aims to deepen understanding of Iraqi and Middle Eastern heritage while developing research, critical thinking, academic writing and teaching skills. It also supports translation practice, digital humanities, archives and intercultural understanding.
Our programme model
Seminars and lectures connect learners with subject specialists through online and in-person discussion. Workshops and short courses address research methods, academic writing, translation, curriculum design, oral history and digital archiving.
Conferences and symposia provide opportunities to exchange research and teaching practice. Reading groups explore literature, history and cultural studies, including bilingual or translated texts where useful. Mentoring can connect early-career researchers and teachers with experienced scholars.
These formats guide the annual programme. Individual activities and participation arrangements depend on approved plans, suitable expertise and available resources; contact us for current opportunities.
How learning topics are chosen
Our learning-materials framework provides for an Education and Training Committee, chaired by a trustee with relevant expertise, to develop proposals in consultation with universities, schools, cultural organisations and communities. The Board of Trustees approves the annual portfolio.
Topics must fit our charitable objects, meet an identifiable educational need, draw on sound scholarship, support inclusion and be feasible to deliver. Materials should be culturally sensitive, academically balanced and non-party-political.
Learning materials and quality
For each approved resource, an academic lead defines the learning outcomes, audience, language level, format and relevant risks. Planned formats include workshop packs, teacher guides, online modules, recorded lectures, podcasts, annotated bibliographies and short explanatory videos.
Draft materials are reviewed by at least one external subject expert and one education specialist. The Education and Training Committee considers the feedback before recommending final trustee approval. Materials are reviewed at least every three years, or sooner when scholarship or learner needs change.
Access and improvement
Where resources permit, activities are free or low-cost and offer remote access. Accessible formats, bilingual summaries and captioned recordings can help reduce barriers. We seek participation from women, young people, displaced communities and others facing obstacles to education.
Feedback from learners, trainers and partners informs annual review of learning outcomes, reach and inclusion. Each published resource should state its permitted uses; educational materials are intended to support non-commercial learning under their applicable copyright and licensing terms.