The annual event celebrates 15 years of collaboration between Palestinian and UK universities through British Council programme.
Scholars, alumni and partners pictured together at the HESPAL annual gathering hosted by the University and British Council.
The University welcomed scholars, alumni and partners from across the UK and Palestine for the annual Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) Gathering.
Hosted at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute in partnership with the British Council, the event celebrated the achievements of Palestinian academics studying at UK universities and highlighted the impact of a programme that has supported more than 250 scholars since its launch in 2010.
The gathering also recognised Scotland's longstanding contribution to HESPAL, with Scottish universities among the programme's most established partners over the past 15 years, while creating a dedicated space for scholars, alumni, and partners to reconnect and share experiences.
Building connections
Representatives from the University, British Council and UK Department for Education joined scholars and alumni to reflect on the programme's achievements and discuss its future direction.
The event explored HESPAL's development over the past 15 years, its future ambitions and the role international partnerships continue to play in supporting the higher education sector in Palestine, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict in the region.
The event also featured a Q&A with the current cohort of scholars, highlighting their academic journeys and experiences of studying at universities across the UK.
University staff, partners and scholars gathered during the event, including Murhaf Abdelhadi (third from left), who is studying at Edinburgh.
Lasting impact
HESPAL was established by the British Council in partnership with Palestinian universities to strengthen the higher education sector and support the development of future academic leaders.
The programme enables academics staff and researchers from Palestinian universities to undertake master's and doctoral study at UK institutions.
Since 2010, HESPAL has grown from an initial cohort of 10 scholars to a network of 256 academics. This academic year, 12 Palestinian academics began their master’s studies in the UK across 10 universities, alongside 12 continuing PhD scholars from universities across the West Bank and Gaza.
Looking ahead
The programme has continued to support Palestinian academics despite significant challenges facing the sector. Among the current cohort are scholars from Gaza, including academics who have been displaced by ongoing conflict in the region and who are continuing their studies in the UK.
During the gathering, participants explored the future direction of HESPAL and opportunities to strengthen collaboration, both within the current scholarships,
Discussions highlighted the importance of academic partnerships in supporting research, teaching and institutional development, while creating new opportunities for scholars to continue studies in the UK and contribute to the long-term redevelopment of the higher education sector in Palestine.
As a partner university, we are honoured to host the annual gathering of the Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians Scheme (HESPAL) delivered by the British Council. Through HESPAL we continue to support the development of academics from Palestinian universities who will return to further strengthen the resilience and development of higher education and research across Palestine.
Alan Mackay
University of Edinburgh Deputy Vice-Principal International and Director of Edinburgh Global
It has been wonderful to bring the current cohort of HESPAL scholars studying across UK universities together and to host the Annual Gathering for the first time in Scotland. Their journey to study here is testament to their resilience and adaptability and the programme continues to demonstrate how international exchange through higher education can have a positive impact and build lasting connections.
Harish Lokhun
Head of Education, British Council Scotland
HESPAL was the turning point in my life. It gave me an opportunity that changed everything for me. Being accepted into one of the top 30 universities in the world, being chosen by Al-Quds University to represent them here makes me very proud. From the very first moment, HESPAL supported me like family, easing my worries about moving abroad and helping me build my career.
Murhaf Abdelhadi
HESPAL Scholar, University of Edinburgh
