| Palestine Technical University

Presidential Decree Renews Prof. Hussein Shanak’s Term as PTUK President

His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, has issued a presidential decree renewing confidence in Prof. Hussein Shanak as President of Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie (PTUK) for a second term. The decree follows recommendations from the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and the University’s Board of Trustees, in recognition of the University’s academic, research, and institutional development during his first term and the strengthening of its presence both locally and internationally.

The renewal of Prof. Shanak’s term follows four years marked by extensive work and achievements, during which PTUK continued its development across academic, research, and institutional fields despite the severe economic challenges facing the national economy and the exceptional circumstances imposed by the Israeli occupation on Tulkarm Governorate and other parts of Palestine. These circumstances included attacks, incursions, closures, damage, and direct repercussions for economic, social, educational, and higher education sectors.

Despite these challenges, PTUK maintained the continuity of its academic and national mission and continued its efforts to improve the quality and outcomes of education, implement its development plans, and strengthen its research and academic capacities. Over recent years, the University has achieved a number of significant milestones that have contributed to strengthening its position within the Palestinian higher education system and consolidating its presence in the Arab and international academic landscape.

Progress in International Rankings

For the first time in its history, the University entered the QS World University Rankings, achieving a position in the 1201–1400 global band and ranking third among Palestinian universities. PTUK has also maintained its presence in international and regional rankings and made progress in the Times Higher Education rankings, including ranking second among Palestinian universities in the 2026 Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings. The University has also maintained its presence in the Times Higher Education Impact and Sustainability Rankings and ranked second among Palestinian universities in the 2026 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings.

Research and Academic Publishing

In the field of scientific research and academic publishing, the University significantly increased its research output and expanded its presence within the international scholarly publishing landscape. The Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie Journal was also indexed in Scopus, strengthening the University’s research environment and increasing the visibility and academic output of its researchers in international databases and scholarly journals.

International Cooperation

Over the past years, the University has expanded its network of academic and research partnerships and hosted more than 20 international projects in collaboration with universities and academic institutions worldwide, leading several of these projects. It has also expanded its academic and student exchange programs, providing students and researchers with greater opportunities to engage with global academic institutions and experiences and strengthening PTUK’s presence within international higher education networks.

Academic Programs and Labor Market Alignment

The University has also expanded its academic programs and introduced specialized disciplines aligned with labor market needs. During Prof. Shanak’s first term, the University established the Faculty of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence and the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, in addition to introducing several doctoral and master’s programs and developing integrated education programs.

These developments have been accompanied by a stronger focus on practical training and partnerships with institutions and industry sectors, contributing to enhancing graduates’ readiness and aligning the University’s academic programs with national development priorities and labor market requirements.

Infrastructure and Learning Environment

In terms of infrastructure and the learning environment, PTUK has continued to develop its facilities and equip its laboratories and centers, including the opening of modern laboratories in several disciplines. The University has also implemented development projects across its various branches and worked to provide a more conducive environment for education, research, and innovation.

The PTUK community extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Prof. Dr. Hussein Shanak on the renewal of confidence in his leadership for a second term, wishing him continued success in advancing the University’s mission, achieving further accomplishments, and strengthening its position as the university of the State of Palestine and a leading national institution in technical and academic education.