Our purpose
The Iraqi-British Independent Research Centre is an independent centre with charitable purposes focused on education, research, culture, heritage and public understanding. Our work connects Iraqi and Middle Eastern studies with academic and community audiences in the United Kingdom, Iraq and internationally.
We value rigorous scholarship, inclusive learning and respectful exchange. We seek to make specialist knowledge useful beyond academic settings through accessible publications, educational activities and cultural projects.
We support and conduct research in Iraqi and Middle Eastern literature, culture, language, translation studies, history, archaeology and related disciplines. Lectures, seminars, conferences, training and publication help share the knowledge this work produces.
We promote the preservation, documentation and digital representation of cultural heritage, including texts, artefacts, monuments and intangible traditions. Educational publications, exhibitions and digital projects are ways to make this heritage more accessible.
Our constitution refers to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent United Nations conventions, with particular attention to children and vulnerable groups affected by conflict. Relevant research, publications and public events support informed understanding of these issues.
We encourage knowledge exchange among researchers, students and institutions in the UK, Iraq and other countries. The constitution provides for joint projects, scholarly publishing and, where feasible, visiting scholar schemes, fellowships, internships and training opportunities.
The trustees approve an annual plan and budget and oversee major activities and partnerships. Delivery draws on volunteer trustees, affiliated researchers and invited contributors, with administrative support arranged as resources permit.
Research and learning proposals are assessed for educational value, academic quality, ethical acceptability and feasibility. Attendance, participant feedback and outputs inform the review of activities and future priorities.
Our educational work is academically balanced and non-party-political. We seek to represent diverse experiences, encourage critical discussion and avoid misleading or sensational presentations. Activities must further the Centre’s charitable objects and serve a clear public benefit.
