Tartous, July 12 (SANA)Higher Education and Scientific Research MinisterMarwan al-Halabimet on Sunday withTartousGovernor Ahmad al-Shami and Tartous University President Adib Barhoum to discuss ways to develop the higher education system in the province in line with development requirements, with an emphasis on launching the Tartous University Hospital project to support the educational process and the health sector with specialized academic expertise, the ministry said.

Al-Halabi also visited the faculties of science and economics to review the examination process, as well as the Manufacturing and Scientific Consultations Center, where he was briefed on the smart agriculture project and discussed mechanisms to link graduation projects at Tartous University faculties with the center to enhance the application of scientific research in service of development.

The minister reviewed the implementation phases of the new campus project, stressing the importance of completing it to strengthen higher education infrastructure in the province and provide an integrated academic and research environment.

Al-Halabi met with Tartous University’s council to discuss the university’s current situation, mechanisms for developing administrative structures, and strengthening the role of trade unions and student bodies to improve university performance and education quality.

The minister told SANA that the meeting briefed the university council on the new vision for developing the higher education system, based on evidence-based methodology for identifying educational, research and community needs, building university capacities during the empowerment phase, and strengthening local and international partnerships.

Vision for advanced technology, research

Al-Halabi said the vision focuses on building the research and organizational identity of universities, developing curricula and linking them to labor market needs, and strengthening appliedscientific researchto address challenges in the agricultural, environmental and marine sectors that characterize Tartous province.

The minister noted the ministry’s direction toward introducing advanced technology specializations, includingartificial intelligence,cybersecurity, smart agriculture and theInternet of Things, alongside strengthening the accreditation and quality assurance system, developing laboratory and research work, and investing in human capacity building.

Work continues to develop university infrastructure and rehabilitate laboratories, with an agreement signed to establish a university hospital serving Tartous University’s Faculty of Medicine, in addition to following up on the completion of the new campus project to provide an integrated educational and research environment, the minister added.

Tartous University is one of Syria’s key higher education institutions, serving the coastal region. The university hospital project aims to provide clinical training for medical students while addressing healthcare needs in the province. The new campus project is part of a broader effort to modernize higher education infrastructure across Syria.