Prominent Virtual Fellowship launched with scholars in Gaza

Dr Ahmed Kamal Junina, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics and Head of the English Department at Al-Aqsa University.

Dr. Munawwar Najim, Associate Professor of Education at the Islamic University of Gaza.

Professor, Magdy S. Aqel, Faculty of Education at the Islamic University of Gaza.

17 June 2025

The School of Education at the University of Bristol is happy to announce the launch of the Gaza Education Research Virtual Fellowship (GERVF) - a collaborative research initiative between the Centre for Comparative and International Research in Education (CIRE) and three Virtual Fellows from two universities in Gaza; the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) and Al-Aqsa University.

The three inaugural Fellows are Dr Munawwar A. Najim, Islamic University of Gaza; Prof Magdy S. Aqel, Islamic University of Gaza; and Dr Ahmed K. Junina, Al Aqsa University. Their profiles are featured on our website, where you can learn more about their work and research.

Professor Leon Tikly University of Bristol said, 'This is an important initiative that demonstrates a sustainable model for partnership working with universities in Gaza. The Fellow’s projects each contribute new knowledge about the effects of scholasticide and highlight the resourcefulness and resilience of staff and students. We are proud to host this initiative in CIRE.'

This Virtual Fellowship Scheme is led by Dr Basma Hajir, Lecturer at the School of Education, University of Bristol and supported by Dr William McInerney, research consultant and co-lead for the project, with additional support from Professor Leon Tikly, who also served on the selection panel.

The GERVF is developed in collaboration with the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza (including representatives from IUG, Al-Aqsa, and Al-Azhar Universities) and draws on a model of support outlined in the FOBZU (Friends of Birzeit University) Guide for UK-Palestinian Higher Education collaboration. The initiative is rooted in principles of equity, and academic solidarity. It is interested in unpacking the challenges and opportunities involved in sustaining meaningful academic collaborations across borders in times of crisis.

The Fellowship aims to support scholars in Gaza by providing virtual access to research resources, networking and mentorship, and online professional development workshops. It offers a unique opportunity for these scholars to advance their work despite the profound challenges they face.

The theme for this inaugural Fellowship cohort is “Scholasticide in Gaza” - the targeted destruction of educational institutions and the broader impact on education and scholarly life. Fellows will explore this topic through the lens of their own academic expertise, experiences, and interests.