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Evidence-based fact finding
Systematic literature and legal analysis, online surveys, focus groups and interviews create a robust understanding of reform needs.
DAAD-funded pilot project
Strengthening Syrian higher education through evidence, dialogue and academic cooperation.
SyrIA supports the sustainable renewal and international connectivity of Syria’s higher education system through fact finding, practice-oriented training, strategic dialogue, coaching, digital tools and professional project management.
Implemented by
Funded by
Public event
The Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum for the Development of Higher Education
The public programme takes place on Sunday, 3 May 2026, from 15:15 to 18:00 at the German Jordanian University, Madaba.
Launching the SyrIA project dialogue
The public part of the forum launches the SyrIA project dialogue with high-level remarks, a project overview and a panel discussion on the Alliance for Syrian Higher Education.
The forum highlights an evidence-based approach to supporting Syrian higher education through needs assessment, academic capacity building, international cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Please note: the public announcement refers to the formal afternoon programme on 3 May 2026. The wider two-day programme also includes internal project and fact-finding sessions.
Sunday, 3 May2026
- 15:15–15:30 Reception and participant registration
- 15:30 Opening
- 15:30–15:35 Welcome remarks by Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli, President of GJU
- 15:35–15:40 Remarks by H.E. Dr. Bertram von Moltke, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Jordan
- 15:40–15:50 Remarks by H.E. Prof. Azmi Mahafzeth, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Jordan
- 15:50–16:00 Remarks by H.E. Dr. Marwan Jamil Al-Halabi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Syria
- 16:00–16:15 Project overview by Prof. Ralf Rosskopf, Vice President of GJU
- 16:15–17:00 Panel discussion: The Alliance for Syrian Higher Education
- 17:00–18:00 Networking coffee
Project overview
From needs assessment to sustainable reform support
SyrIA combines empirical analysis with capacity building and structured policy dialogue to support the modernization of Syrian higher education during a phase of transformation.
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Practice-oriented training
Workshops and training formats address needs in curriculum development, teaching, quality assurance, digitalization and internationalization.
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Strategic dialogue
Dialogue events bring university leaders, ministries and international partners together to discuss reform priorities and cooperation.
At a glance
Project facts
The pilot project is anchored at GJU and implemented with German institutional cooperation and Syrian higher education stakeholders.
2026Project start
2027Project end
6Core measures
400Planned training participants
Core activities
A structured programme for impact
Each activity builds on the previous phase and contributes to a long-term knowledge and data foundation for follow-up projects.
M/A1 Fact Finding & Quality Assurance
Empirical assessment of needs, reform dynamics and implementation realities.
M/A2 Workshops & Trainings
Interactive blended learning formats for faculty, deans and administrative staff.
M/A3 Dialogue Events
High-level exchanges on higher education policy and strategic reform topics.
M/A4 Coaching & Mentoring
Follow-up support to transfer outcomes into institutional practice and action plans.
M/A5 Digitalization
Digital preparation, documentation and quality assurance through online tools.
M/A6 Management & Dissemination
Coordination, reporting, open access publication and communication of results.
Latest
News and upcoming milestones
Signing of the SyrIA project agreement between GJU and DAAD
German Jordanian University announced the signing of the SyrIA – Syrian Innovation in Academia project agreement by GJU President Prof. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli together with Ms. Petra Bogenschneider, Head of Division for Academic Cooperation Programmes in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America at DAAD.
Read the original GJU announcementPublic Dialogue Forum announced
The public part of the Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum will take place at the German Jordanian University in Madaba from 15:15 to 18:00, including formal remarks, a project overview and a panel discussion on the Alliance for Syrian Higher Education.
Download the bilingual public agendaFact-finding phase
The project begins with a comprehensive empirical assessment of the Syrian higher education system, reform dynamics, needs and implementation realities.
Timeline
Planned implementation
03–06/2026
Fact finding and report preparation
Empirical needs assessment and preparation of the analytical report.
03/05/2026
Public Jordanian–Syrian Dialogue Forum
Formal public afternoon programme at the German Jordanian University in Madaba.
07/2026
Stakeholder event in Amman
Discussion of findings and cooperation opportunities.
09/2026–10/2027
Workshops, trainings and dialogue events
Implementation of core capacity-building and exchange activities.
10/2026
Stakeholder event in Brussels
Engagement with European and international stakeholders.
11/2026 and 11/2027
Project conferences
Presentation and consolidation of project results and recommendations.