Advisory Board
Ms. Akiko Yoshioka: A graduate in Middle Eastern Studies from Osaka University of Foreign Studies in Japan, Ms. Yoshioka completed her studies in 1999. She currently serves as a Senior Analyst at the Japan Institute for Middle East Economics (JIME), which is part of the Japan Institute of Energy Economics (IEEJ). Her research interests include contemporary Iraqi politics and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with a special focus on the governance of fragile states.
Professor Tom Collins: Serving as the Honorary President of Maynooth University in Ireland, Mr. Tom was appointed by the Irish Government as the Chair of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment from 2006 to 2012.
Dr. Dai Yamao: An Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies at Kyushu University, Dr. Yamao earned his doctorate from Kyoto University. He has published numerous works, including ‘The History of Iraqi Islamic Movements’ in 2011 and ‘Conflict and State Building in Iraq’ in 2013, among other significant research contributions on Iraq.
Mr. Haval Kadhim: Serving as a technical advisor and business developer for emerging technology projects in the UK and Europe, Mr. Kadhim has also held the position of technical officer and R&D project manager in the satellite manufacturing and Earth observation industry with Airbus and Thales in the UK.
Mr. Aqeel Al-Ansari: An experienced banker and economist, Mr. Al-Ansari earned his master’s degree in economics and international Trade from the University of London. He currently serves as a Senior Manager in the Commercial Department of one of the world’s leading banks. Additionally, he is an active researcher in economic and banking affairs, with a particular focus on the banking sector in Iraq.
Mr. Muhammad Musa Naqvi: A distinguished alumnus of Brasenose College at Oxford University, where he studied Economics and Management, Mr. Naqvi also holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Manchester. Additionally, he is a graduate of the prestigious Leadership and Management Training Scheme offered by the National Health Service (NHS).
Dr. Basem Al-Lami: A retired Associate Professor in Electronics and Control Engineering, Dr. Al-Lami served in various academic administrative roles, including as the Head of the Engineering Department, at the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Maitham Handal Sharif: A distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law, Dr. Sharif has held several key administrative and academic positions. These include serving as a Member of the Human Rights Commission and as the Dean of Law Faculties at various universities. His roles have spanned the College of Law at Dhi Qar University and Shatt Al-Arab University College, and he currently serves as the Dean of Al-Rashid University College.
Dr. Ali Muhammad Ali Hadawi: Serving as the Dean and CEO of Central Bedfordshire College, Dr. Hadawi is an expert in organizational leadership and strategic management. He is a co-founder and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Rawabit Steering Group, a strategic UK-Iraq collaboration focused on the vocational and higher education sector in Iraq, operating since early 2004.