Al-Quds University (AQU)participated in the Steering Committee Meeting of the PhDGov – Reforming the Governance of PhD Programs at Palestinian Higher Education Institutions project, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme. The meeting was held from 1–3 September 2026 at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, with the participation of representatives from the Palestinian and European partner institutions.

AQU was represented at the meeting by Dr. Rashid Jayousi,  Project Manager at AQU; Dr. Isam Ishaq from the Faculty of Dual Studies.

The meeting reviewed the overall progress of project implementation and the remaining plan through the end of the project. Partners also reviewed progress across the different work packages and key deliverables, existing challenges, priorities, and implementation steps for the next phase.

The discussions also addressed key developments related to strengthening the governance of PhD programs at both institutional and national levels, implementing development activities at Palestinian universities, the PALPhD Palestinian Doctoral Platform, strengthening research collaboration and networks, and preparing for upcoming academic and national activities. Quality assurance, dissemination and communication activities, as well as the sustainability of project results, were also reviewed.

AQU participation reflects its role in the implementation  of the workpackages of the PhDGov project and its commitment to strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange with Palestinian and European partner institutions, contributing to enhancing the quality and governance of PhD programs and strengthening the higher education and research ecosystem in Palestinian higher education institutions.