The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Iraq remains largely under-researched, with estimates suggesting roughly 0.89 percent (89.4 per 10,000 children). While regional studies in Thi-Qar Governorate and Baghdad indicate rising diagnoses, comprehensive national data is still scarce. To tackle ASD effectively, continued research and better diagnostic practices are vital. Across the wider Middle East, environmental pollutants from industrial activity and conflict, coupled with psychosocial stress from war and displacement, have been linked to developmental disorders like ASD, while poverty and limited healthcare access further hinder early intervention.   Against this backdrop, the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) and the University of Kufa (UOK) are breaking new ground. By combining Electroencephalography (EEG), Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and machine-learning algorithms, their approach has achieved a remarkable 97.6 percent accuracy, 98.5 percent precision and a 98.3 percent F₁ score—far exceeding typical global early-diagnosis rates of 70–80 percent. If this work continues to advance, it could not only transform ASD detection in Iraq but also help close the global gap in early diagnosis, especially in regions with limited resources, by offering a highly accurate, technology-driven solution.    

As part of its mission to advance digital science in Iraq and the region, the CSMS Research Centre has developed a wealth of accessible educational content—delivered in both Arabic and English—to bridge the knowledge gap in computational and molecular sciences. These materials are hosted on dedicated YouTube platforms such as Dr. Karrar Lab and Dr. Heider Almadani, offering free, structured video lessons, tutorials, and case studies in computational chemistry, AI in materials science, and simulation-based research methods. Playlists such as "Computational Chemistry Training" and full training lectures have empowered students and early-career researchers across Iraq and the wider Arab region—especially where access to advanced laboratories is limited. The availability of high-quality, bilingual digital content is transforming how science is taught and understood in Iraq. It not only equips learners with globally relevant skills but also builds national capacity for high-level research. This educational initiative supports long-term development by creating a generation of researchers ready to lead scientific innovation in the Middle East. For more details on the authors and their work: Dr. Karrar Dr. Heider  

The Computational Sciences and Molecular Simulation (CSMS) Centre at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa has played a central role in nurturing a new wave of scientific talent in Iraq. Through a series of hands-on training workshops held over the past two years, the centre has introduced students, young researchers, and academics to modern tools in computational chemistry and simulation-based science. These workshops filled a long-standing gap in scientific training, particularly in areas where access to traditional laboratory resources is limited. Alongside these efforts, CSMS has secured meaningful partnerships with universities and research groups abroad. Letters of collaboration have been exchanged to support staff development, knowledge sharing, and joint research projects. These partnerships are helping to place Iraq’s researchers on the global scientific map, creating long-term pathways for innovation and cooperation. Photos included in this submission highlight the enthusiasm and engagement of workshop participants, reflecting a growing appetite for digital science in the region. Together, these training activities and international collaborations demonstrate a serious and practical commitment to scientific development — one that’s already beginning to make a lasting impact.              

The Computational Sciences and Molecular Simulation (CSMS) Centre at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) has swiftly emerged as a leading force in research excellence, producing a remarkable portfolio of over 19 high-impact publications between 2023–2025. These studies span critical fields including anti-cancer drug discovery, optoelectronics, clean energy materials, and environmental sensing, showcasing the region’s first serious contribution to computational chemistry and molecular simulation. Published in top-tier journals such as Journal of Molecular Structure, Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, RSC Advances, and Dalton Transactions, this body of work highlights the Centre’s commitment to cutting-edge, simulation-driven scientific advancement. Beyond academic achievement, these publications demonstrate how strategic digital science can accelerate healthcare innovation, renewable energy research, and sustainable development in the region, solidifying CSMS and UOWA’s role as catalysts for Iraq’s scientific renaissance.   Rehab G Abood, Heider A Abdulhussein, Sabah Abbas, Ahmed A Majed, Ahmed Adnan Al-Khafagi, Ayat Adil, Tahseen A Alsalim; Anti-breast cancer potential of new indole derivatives: Synthesis, in-silico study, and cytotoxicity evaluation on MCF-7 cells, Journal of Molecular Structure, 1326, 141176, 2025. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022286024036810  Heider A Abdulhussein, Md Adil Hossain, Asif Hosen, Diana Dahliah, Mohammed S Abu-Jafar, Amine Harbi, Redi Kristian Pingak, M Moutaabbid, Istiak Ahmed Ovi, Md Riazul Islam, Md Kaab Bin Hossen; A comprehensive analysis of the structural, phonon, electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermophysical properties of cubic Ca3SbX3 (X= Cl, Br): DFT-GGA and mBJ studies, Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 187, 109133, 2025. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369800124010291 Norah O Alotaibi, Heider A Abdulhussein, Shatha M Alamri, Noorhan Ali Hamza, Abbas H Abo Nasria; Computational insights into the physico-chemical properties of pure and single-atom copper–indium sub-nanometre clusters: a DFT-genetic algorithm approach, RSC advances, 15, 5856-5875, 2025. Link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/ra/d4ra07404a  Maruf Al Yeamin, Asif Hosen, Md Adil Hossain, Heider A Abdulhussein, Redi Kristian Pingak, Sheikh Joifullah, Waqed H Hassan, Mohammed S Abu-Jafar, Tesfaye Abebe Geleta; Study on pressure-induced band gap modulation and physical properties of direct band gap Ca3NX3 (X= Cl, Br) for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications, Surfaces and Interfaces, 56, 105559, 2025. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468023024017140 Muneef Hasan, Adil Hossain, Heider A Abdulhussein, Abdullah Al Shadi, Bijoy Sorker, Ahmed Adnan Al-Khafagi, Redi Kristian Pingak, Diana Dahliah, Mohammed S Abu-Jafar, Asif Hosen; A comprehensive analysis of structural, electronic, optical, mechanical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of direct band gap Sr3BF3 (B= As, Sb) photovoltaic, Inorganic Chemistry Communications, 171, 113607, 2025. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1387700324015971 Md Adil Hossain, Asif Hosen, Heider A Abdulhussein, Ahmad A Mousa, Md Muneef Hasan, Istiak Ahmed Ovi, Md Riazul Islam, Redi Kristian Pingak, Mohammed S Abu-Jafar; Investigation of the physical properties and pressure-induced band gap tuning of Sr3ZBr3 (Z= As, Sb) for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications: A DFT-GGA and mBJ studies, Results in Engineering, 24, 103340, 2024. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123024015937  Md Adil Hossain, Ali A Sabi, Heider A Abdulhussein, Ahmad A Mousa, Mohammed S Abu-Jafar, Redi Kristian Pingak, Abbas H Abo Nasria, Waqed H Hassan, Noorhan F AlShaikh Mohammad, Asif Hosen; Insights into the pressure-dependent physical properties of cubic Ca3MF3 (M= As and Sb): First-principles calculations, Heliyon, 10, e38898, 2024. Link: https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)14929-8  Mohanad A Hussein, Mohammed Hadi Ali Al‐Jumaili, Ali A Sabi, Heider A Abdulhussein; Indium‐Catalyzed Direct Amidation Reaction of Carboxylic Acids and In Silico Study for Screening the Activity of Potential Therapeutics of the Synthesized Products, ChemistrySelect, 9, e202403097, 2024. Link: https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/slct.202403097 Zainab H Mahdi, Tahseen A Alsalim, Heider A Abdulhussein, Ahmed A Majed, Sabah Abbas; Synthesis, molecular docking, and anti-breast cancer study of 1-H-indol-3-Carbohydrazide and their derivatives, Results in Chemistry, 11, 101762, 2024. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211715624004582  Warood Kream Alaarage, Abbas H Abo Nasria, Heider A Abdulhussein; Computational analysis of CdS monolayer nanosheets for gas-sensing applications, The European Physical Journal B, 96, 134, 2023. Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjb/s10051-023-00601-3  Abbas H. Abo Nasria Tamadhur Alaa Hussein, Warood Kream Alaarage, Heider A. Abdulhussein, Nicola Seriani; Ga-doped AlN monolayer nano-sheets as promising materials for environmental sensing applications, Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, 1223, 114086, 2023. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210271X23000683 Manal Abed Mohammed, Heider A Abdulhussein, Muhsen Abood Muhsen Al-ibadi, Rajesh Kumar Raju, Roy L Johnston; Global minima and structural properties of AuFe nanoalloys from a Mexican Enhanced Genetic Algorithm-based Density Functional Theory, Chemical Physics Letters, 776, 138675, 2021. Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009261421003584   Al-Ameed,* H. A. Abdulhadi El-Ali, Nadia Ezzat, and Mohamad Obies Unusual Non-Classical Intermolecular C–H···Br Hydrogen Interactions in a Newly Synthesized O-BODIPY Fluorophore System 2025, RSC Advances accepted. H. Mageed, M. A. Tahir, K.Al-Ameed,. W. Skelton, Alexandre N. Sobolev and Murray V. Bakerd Synthesis and supramolecular chemistry of AuI complexes involving bidentate imidazole-2-thione ligands, Dalton Transactions, 2025, accepted Link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/dt/d5dt00483g/unauth K Al-Ameed*, G Abass, The role of the radical tetrazine bridging ligand in spin-only magnetic coupling in complex dimers, New Journal of Chemistry 2025 49 (5), 1972-1981. Link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/nj/d4nj04695a/unauth MA Hussein, K Al-Ameed*, AK Almansori, NJ Owaid, Efficient amide bond formation via tropylium ion organocatalysis, RSC advances, 2024, 14 (46), 34428-34434 Link: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/ra/d4ra04534c Ali K. Almansori, Al-Ameed, K.*, Mohammed Obies, and Falah S. Abd-Suhail, Magnetic Exchange Coupling in Macrocyclic Cobalt (II) Complexes: The Influence of Bridging Ligands and Choice of the Computational Methodologies. ChemistrySelect, 2023 8 (41), e202302629. Link:https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/slct.202302629 Majeed A., Al-Ameed, K., Synthesis, structural studies and computational evaluations of cyclophanes incorporating imidazole-2-selones, RCS Advances, 2023, 13(25), 17282-17296 Link:https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2023/ra/d3ra02913a Reissig , D Bauer, Al-Ameed, K., Luber S., Köckerling M.,  Steinbach J. Calix[4]crowns with perfluoroalkylsulfonylcarboxamide functions: a complexation approach for heavy group 2 metal ions  Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers 2023. 10, 370-382. Link:https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/qi/d2qi01637k/unauth                  

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa continues to solidify its position as a leader in technological innovation with its outstanding performance at the 2024 Warith Al-Anbiyaa Artificial Intelligence Applications Competition. Among the 94 entries submitted from over 22 Iraqi universities, a joint project by the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa and the University of Kufa earned second place in the Engineering Applications track. Titled "An Early Detection Technique for Autism Diagnosis Using Optimal EEG Feature Extraction Methods", the award-winning project showcased how artificial intelligence can revolutionize early healthcare diagnostics, particularly in developmental disorders. By harnessing advanced EEG data analysis and machine learning techniques, the project promises a more accessible, efficient, and accurate method of autism detection — a breakthrough with direct implications for early intervention and special education strategies. This achievement reflects UOWA’s strategic commitment to integrating AI into both education and healthcare sectors. The university's participation and recognition in this national platform highlight its forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology in ways that directly serve community needs. With ongoing investments in AI research and inter-university collaboration, UOWA is paving the way toward a smarter, more inclusive, and innovation-driven future for Iraq’s knowledge economy. For full competition results – read Warith Al-Anbiyaa Honors Winners of the Artificial Intelligence Competition

In a university hallway, students used to gather around printed exam results—nervous, crowded, uncertain. Today, that moment has transformed into a quiet buzz, a single notification on their phones. At the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, innovation stepped into the classroom through a mobile-first grading and feedback system that delivers results instantly, securely, and clearly. With one tap, students now access their scores, performance insights, and academic progress—anytime, anywhere. This isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a shift in academic culture. Students feel more confident and in control. Professors are saving hours of grading each week and gaining new clarity into class-wide performance. “It feels like the system sees us,” one student said. “It’s not just about grades—it’s about understanding how we’re doing.” Faculty echo the sentiment. “It’s streamlined, stress-free, and empowers real conversations around learning,” noted one professor. By turning every assessment into an opportunity for connection and clarity, the university is setting a new standard: one that’s faster, fairer, and focused on the student.

At the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa in Karbala, a locally developed mobile-based academic system is transforming how the College of Medicine operates. Created in response to fragmented paper-based processes and staff overload, the system automates weekly exams, grading, attendance, and progress tracking—all in real time. Faculty now save up to 3 hours per week per classroom, simply by automating exam evaluation. “We finally have time to focus on actual teaching,” says Professor Laith. Students appreciate the clarity too. “Now I know how I’m doing every week—it keeps me on track,” shares Zainab, a third-year medical student. Since launch, the system has supported 500+ students and 40+ staff members within the College of Medicine. Professors use live dashboards to track progress, and administrators gain full visibility into classroom activity. Built entirely in-house, the tool is optimized for local challenges, including limited devices and infrastructure. With future plans to expand into other departments/colleges, this initiative is not just digital—it’s deeply purposeful. “This has brought new energy to our classrooms,” says Dr. Ali. “It’s about making education smarter, not harder.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects millions globally, disrupting communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Early, precise diagnosis is critical, yet current methods based on behavioural observations are often subjective and time-consuming. Researchers from the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa and the University of Kufa are leading a shift in ASD detection using Electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive and painless method that measures brain electrical activity. Their studies explore the potential of EEG signals to identify neural differences linked to ASD.   These studies focus on improving EEG signal analysis through advanced feature extraction methods and machine learning (ML) techniques. For example, one study achieved 96.37% accuracy in detecting ASD by combining Riemannian geometry with ensemble learning methods like AdaBoostM1 and GentleBoost. Another review paper examined over 200 studies, highlighting the high performance of ML models like SVM, CNN, and ResNet50 in diagnosing ASD with accuracies up to 99.39%     These groundbreaking findings have been approved for publication in respected journals such as the Kufa Journal of Engineering, the Springer Series - ICCCnet2024, and Artificial Intelligence Review Magazine. While not yet published, these studies pave the way for more reliable, efficient, and accessible ASD diagnostic methods, offering hope for early intervention and better patient outcomes.   Research Publication to be Published (Approval granted): An Optimal EEG Features Extraction Methods for Autism Detection Enhanced EEG Signal Classification for Autism Spectrum Disorder using Riemannian Geometry and Ensemble Learning Techniques A Recent Advances on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Diagnosing Based on Machine Learning and Deep Learning Feature Fusion Correction

As part of the ongoing development of the 3D Medical Printing Development Hub at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) has taken on a transformative case in pediatric prosthetics.   Hussein, an 11-year-old boy, was born with a congenital hand deformity resulting in the absence of fingers. To help improve both daily function and self-esteem, the UOWA team developed a custom prosthetic solution tailored precisely to his needs.   Using detailed measurements of Hussein’s affected hand and referencing his healthy hand for symmetry, engineers employed Blender software to design a realistic digital model of prosthetic fingers. The design was guided by several key priorities:   Anatomical comfort to ensure long-term wearability. Flexible, partially movable fingers to allow grasping of light objects. A realistic aesthetic suitable for a child his age, supporting confidence and social engagement.   The final prosthesis will be produced using medical-grade silicone, chosen for its flexibility, softness, and skin compatibility—ensuring a safe, comfortable experience for the child over time.   This case reflects a larger commitment by the 3D Printing Development Hub to develop custom, child-focused prosthetics that bridge form and function. By combining digital innovation with empathy, the team continues to create life-changing solutions that empower young patients like Hussein to engage fully with the world around them.    

As part of its mission to transform patient care through personalized medical solutions, the 3D Medical Printing Development Hub at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) has completed a critical prototype case in orthopaedic innovation.   A 51-year-old patient suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the hip joint experienced persistent pain and limited mobility. To address this, the medical engineering team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the patient's CT scans to assess joint erosion and its relationship to the surrounding bone.   Using Blender, a powerful 3D modelling software, the team designed a custom hip implant tailored to the patient's anatomy. The prosthetic features a specially contoured head that fits the pelvic cavity, along with integrated fixation elements to ensure secure placement. The design strategically addresses load redistribution and prioritizes long-term mechanical stability.   This bespoke implant is a precursor to manufacturing a final version through 3D printing in a biocompatible material such as titanium. The result is a precise, durable solution that aligns with the hub’s commitment to innovation, function, and patient-centred care.   By advancing personalized orthopaedic treatments, UOWA’s 3D Medical Printing Development Hub continues to reshape the landscape of medical technology in Iraq and beyond.    

In a powerful prototype demonstration of the potential of precision medicine in August of 2024, the 3D Medical Printing Development Hub at the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) has successfully completed a critical case involving a 35-year-old woman who sustained devastating facial injuries from a car explosion.   The patient suffered significant trauma to the right side of her face, including partial loss of her right eye, a laceration to the upper jaw, and damage to the orbital floor. Through detailed CT scan analysis and the use of Blender—a professional-grade 3D design software—the medical engineering team reconstructed the affected facial structure and designed a highly accurate, patient-specific implant to restore both functionality and appearance.   This personalized implant serves as a precise anatomical replacement for the missing bone structure and represents a major step toward 3D printing it in a biocompatible material such as titanium. The goal is not only to restore facial aesthetics but also to support improved medical outcomes and quality of life.   As part of UOWA’s broader vision, this work reflects the hub’s mission to bridge advanced technology with compassionate care, transforming the future of trauma recovery and reconstructive surgery in Iraq and beyond.