University of Baghdad President Professor Alaa Abdul Hassan emphasized that specialized scientific conferences are essential to improving academic performance, expanding research horizons, and strengthening the university’s role in addressing social issues and transformations. He stressed the importance of directing the outcomes of these events toward improving the university’s academic, educational, and research environment.
Speaking ahead of the 7th International Scientific Conference and 19th Annual Conference of the College of Mass Communication, titled “Media and Shifts in Discourse Amid Contemporary Digital Transformations,” scheduled for November 25–26, 2026, Abdul Hassan said the University of Baghdad is committed to supporting scientific initiatives that keep pace with advances in knowledge and technology. Such initiatives give researchers and academics opportunities to present insights that address current needs and support institutional development.
“Universities play a fundamental role in studying social transformations and developing scientific approaches to the challenges posed by technological advances,” he said. He noted that media is among the fields most affected by these changes because of its role in shaping public awareness, influencing public opinion, and disseminating knowledge and information.
Abdul Hassan added that the conference highlights the need for continued academic research into digital media and a deeper understanding of how algorithms and digital platforms shape media discourse, influence its direction, and determine how it reaches audiences. Discussions will also address the professional and ethical challenges arising from these transformations, including media disinformation and algorithmic bias.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting scientific activities and specialized conferences that enable researchers and academics to exchange expertise, discuss contemporary issues, and develop research outcomes in line with society’s needs and advances in knowledge and technology.
The university president noted that the conference offers an opportunity to strengthen ties between academic institutions and media professionals and develop research-based approaches to improving media content while upholding accuracy, credibility, and professional responsibility in the digital environment.
He also stressed that keeping pace with digital transformation requires close integration between academic knowledge and professional practice. This would help harness modern technologies to improve media performance while taking into account the ethical and social dimensions of producing and sharing information.
The conference forms part of the College of Mass Communication’s efforts at the University of Baghdad to advance media studies and respond to contemporary developments. Its objectives also align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through support for scientific research, study of digital transformation, and the promotion of professional and responsible media practices.
