About Us

Who are we?

The Syrian British Academic Association (SBAA) is an independent, non-profit organisation that brings together Syrian researchers and academics based in the United Kingdom, as well as British scholars who hold an interest in the Syrian context. SBAA is committed to supporting the revitalisation and advancement of Syria’s academic sector and to foster academic and research cooperation between Syria and the United Kingdom.

Why a Syria–UK partnership?

Syria is entering a pivotal phase of rebuilding its institutions on the foundations of freedom, justice, and participation. The UK hosts a large community of Syrian scholars as well as a world-class research and higher-education ecosystem. SBAA exists to bridge these strengths, so that expertise, resources, and opportunities in the UK directly support teaching, research, and policy in Syria—and so that Syrian perspectives enrich scholarship in the UK.

Our vision

A durable Syria–UK academic bridge that shapes forward-looking higher-education policy; raises quality and integrity in teaching, research, and policy making; and embeds academic freedom and critical thinking.

Our objectives

• Rebuild capacity in higher education: Contribute to rebuilding Syria’s academic sector, through support for universities and higher education institutions, curriculum development, staff training, and the exchange of academic expertise between Syria and the UK
• Enable collaborative research: Enhance academic and knowledge-based cooperation between Syria and the UK through research partnerships, joint programmes, and collaborative, mutually beneficial projects
• Mobilise Syrian scholars in the UK: Coordinate the efforts of Syrian academics in the UK to enable their active contribution to the development of a new Syria
• Serve as an institutional voice: Engage UK-based Syrian organisations and stakeholders to positively inform UK policies, programmes, and positions toward Syria
• Represent Syrian academia internationally: Advocate for Syrian academic interests in British and global forums and rally support for education and development initiatives inside Syria
• Champion academic freedom: Promote rigorous, context-relevant research and a culture of open inquiry and critical thought addressing key issues relevant to the Syrian context

Our values

• Independence
• Public service
• Shared benefit
• Excellence
• Openness
• Teamwork

Who can join

To apply for SBAA membership, application must:

1. be an academic;
2. fulfil at least one of the following:
   1. is a UK citizen;
   2. resides in the UK;
   3. a Syrian national who graduated from a UK university;
   4. Syrian national who published a paper in a British peer-reviewed academic journal;
   5. Syrian national who participated in a renowned British academic conference;
3. acknowledges his/her commitment to the association’s objectives and bylaws;
4. strive to achieve SBAA’s goals and promote its academic and social mission within a framework of mutual respect and constructive cooperation;
5. undertake to pay annual membership fees imposed by the board of directors (if any).

* “Academics” include those who work in higher education or academic research or hold a master’s or doctorate degree or equivalent.

Why Join?

SBAA members have the opportunity to:

• Connect with a vast network of UK-based Syrian and British academics;
• Initiate joint Syria–UK programmes;
• Form research teams;
• Obtain mentorship;
• Mentor early-career scholars or host visiting fellows;
• Access SBAA programmes.