Northern Technical University, Iraq
Profile
👨🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Abd Al-Bar Al-Farha began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (DVM&S) in 2003 from the University of Mosul, Iraq. His early promise in the field led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Veterinary Internal and Preventive Medicine at the same institution, completed in 2007. Driven by a commitment to global academic excellence, he advanced his scholarly expertise by earning a PhD in Veterinary Sciences, specializing in Internal & Preventive Medicine, from the University of Adelaide, Australia in 2018. This rigorous academic foundation was strengthened further by specialized training programs in academic English, research writing, critical analysis, and presentation skills.
🧑💼 Professional Endeavors
Currently serving as the Director of the Center of Technical Research at the Northern Technical University, Dr. Al-Farha has held key leadership roles across academic institutions. He has successfully led two major academic institutions, where he implemented strategic changes and fostered innovative research ecosystems. His work integrates science, policy, and education, reflecting his deep commitment to transforming the veterinary sciences landscape in Iraq and the broader Arab region.
🧪 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Al-Farha’s research focuses on veterinary internal and preventive medicine, animal health management, and the development of sustainable livestock systems. His work bridges theoretical frameworks and applied sciences, addressing both local and global challenges in animal production and health. His scientific outputs are characterized by high-impact findings and have contributed to the advancement of veterinary science in both academic and practical contexts.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Al-Farha’s influence transcends national boundaries. He has been honored with numerous international awards, including the prestigious Macebearer Award from the University of Adelaide as the best graduate student. His work has earned him first place in Iraq among 142 research participants in the veterinary specialization field, and his projects have secured top ranks in international competitions such as the World Bank Competitive Funding Program. He has also received 44 certificates of appreciation from ministers, deans, and academic leaders, recognizing his exceptional contributions to education and research.
📚 Academic Citations and Recognition
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Al-Farha has published extensively in high-impact journals, significantly contributing to the body of knowledge in veterinary and animal production sciences. His research is widely cited, serving as a reference point for professionals, scholars, and policymakers. He has also been recognized three times at the University of Mosul Creativity Competition, reflecting his long-standing excellence in scientific innovation.
💼 Technical & Professional Skills
Dr. Al-Farha possesses a wide array of technical and professional skills, including:
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Strategic academic leadership
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International scientific collaboration & networking
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Grant writing & competitive project management
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Science communication & public engagement
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Crisis and change management
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Reviewer and editorial responsibilities for academic journals
These competencies have enabled him to navigate complex academic ecosystems and create sustainable solutions for academic and research institutions.
👨🏫 Teaching & Academic Mentorship
With a strong foundation in veterinary medicine, Dr. Al-Farha has dedicated a significant portion of his career to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. His role as Assistant Professor involves not only curriculum development and student engagement but also preparing future veterinarians and researchers through research-led teaching, seminars, and capacity-building workshops. He is also certified in training of trainers, extending his impact to peer educators and junior faculty.
🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Al-Farha's legacy is marked by academic excellence, scientific leadership, and unwavering dedication to regional development. He envisions a future where veterinary sciences in the Arab world are elevated to global standards through knowledge transfer, research collaboration, and technological integration. His ongoing commitment to innovation ensures that he will continue to influence policy, education, and research outcomes for generations to come.
📚 Selected Publications
Title: Evaluation of effects of Mycoplasma mastitis on milk composition in dairy cattle from South Australia
Authors: AAB Al-Farha, F Hemmatzadeh, M Khazandi, A Hoare, K Petrovski
Journal: BMC Veterinary Research
Year: 2017
Title: Genomic characterization of coagulase-negative staphylococci including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sciuri causing bovine mastitis
Authors: M Khazandi, AAB Al-Farha, GW Coombs, M O’Dea, S Pang, DJ Trott, ...
Journal: Veterinary Microbiology
Year: 2018
Title: Large expert-curated database for benchmarking document similarity detection in biomedical literature search
Authors: P Brown, Y Zhou
Journal: Database
Year: 2019
(Note: Dr. Al-Farha is not listed; possibly unrelated.)
Title: Use of natural sweeteners (maple syrup) in production of low-fat ice cream
Authors: AM Saadi, AAB Al-Farha, RA Hamid, DN Wajeeh
Journal: —
Year: 2022
Title: Separation and identification of some fatty acids and phenolic compounds from Portulaca oleracea L. and study their biological effect on two types of pathogenic bacteria
Authors: F Sultan, AAB Al-Farha, I Shaaban
Journal: Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology
Year: 2020