Syrian British Academic Association (SBAA)
Press Release

4 September 2025
For immediate release

A group of Syrian academics in the UK have announced on Wednesday 20 August 2025 the launch of the Syrian British Academic Association (SBAA), a UK-based organisation dedicated to strengthening academic ties and collaboration between the UK and Syria.

Since the overthrow of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has entered a period of profound transformation and renewal, emerging from more than a decade of armed conflict and over half a century of authoritarian rule. With a renewed sense of hope for the nation’s future, Syrian academics in the UK are committed to contributing their professional skills and expertise to strengthen Syria’s academic sector and foster deeper, academic and research-driven collaboration between British and Syrian institutions.

Dr Husam Haj Omar, Chairman of SBAA’s Board of Directors, stated:
‘As Syrians, we have long dreamed of a country free from Assad’s rule — a Syria we can return to without fear, where academic freedom and excellence can flourish. During our time in the UK, we have gained invaluable experience, which we are eager to channel into supporting our homeland in its process of renewal. We also recognise that Syria has much to offer British academics and institutions — from rich research opportunities to meaningful joint projects. The SBAA is born from this vision of shared growth and genuine cooperation.’

SBAA’s organisational objectives include:

• Contributing to rebuilding Syria’s academic sector, including through support for universities and higher education institutions, curriculum development, staff training, and the exchange of academic expertise between Syria and the UK.
• Enhancing academic and knowledge-based cooperation between Syria and the UK through research partnerships, joint programmes, and collaborative, mutually beneficial projects.
• Coordinating the efforts of Syrian academics in the UK to enable their active contribution to the development of a new Syria.
• Serving as a Syrian institutional voice in the UK by coordinating with other UK-based Syrian organisations and entities to positively influence UK policies, programmes, and positions toward Syria.
• Representing Syrian academic interests in British and international academic forums, and garnering support for academic, educational, and development initiatives within Syria.
• Promoting a culture of academic freedom and critical thinking, and encouraging research that addresses key issues relevant to the Syrian context.

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