In a step aimed at strengthening academic cooperation and medical support for Palestine, the University of Glasgow signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Palestinian Doctors’ Association Academy, PalMed Academy, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The agreement seeks to support medical students in the Gaza Strip and expand international collaboration in medical education.
The University of Glasgow was represented at the signing ceremony by Professor Rachel Sanderson, Vice-Principal for International Engagement, while Dr. Riyad Masharqa, Chair of PalMed’s Advisory Board in Europe, represented the academy. The event was also attended by Professor Matthew Walters, Head of Medical, Dental and Nursing Education at the University of Glasgow, and Dr. Bashir Ouda, a member of the administrative board of the Palestinian Doctors’ Association – UK branch and a member of the academy’s advisory board.
Commenting on the agreement, Professor Lubani, President of PalMed Academy, said:
“This is a significant moment for the International Alliance of Medical Schools for Gaza. The inclusion of a prestigious and historic institution such as the University of Glasgow strengthens our collective efforts. Together, we will work to support the recovery and rebuilding of medical schools in the Gaza Strip.”
With the University of Glasgow joining, the AIMS-G Alliance now consists of its founding members: Trinity College Dublin, Utrecht University, Al-Azhar University, the Islamic University of Gaza, and the University of Palestine in the Gaza Strip.
Strengthening Medical Education in Gaza
This alliance comes at a critical time, as PalMed Academy intensifies its efforts to enhance medical education in Gaza by providing training programs and sustainable support for students. These initiatives aim to contribute to the development of the medical sector amid the severe challenges it faces. Updates on PalMed Academy’s latest projects and activities can be found on its official website.
It is also worth noting that the annual AIMS-G Conference will be held in London on April 24–25, 2026, offering members of the Arab community in Britain an opportunity to engage with and learn about the latest medical initiatives supporting Palestine.
The inclusion of a leading institution such as the University of Glasgow in the AIMS-G Alliance represents a significant boost for Gaza’s medical sector and highlights the ability of academic institutions to transcend geographical boundaries in pursuit of shared humanitarian and scientific goals. The Arabs in Britain (AUK) platform underscores the importance of supporting such initiatives, given their direct impact on developing the skills of young Palestinians and enabling them to continue their education and training under extremely difficult conditions—contributing to a more hopeful future for health and education in the region.
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