The Mitchell Institute is the new hub at Queen’s University Belfast for the Copty Scholarship students. On 4 November, we held a Reception to bring Alaa Ahmad, Ibrahim Mahdi and Alaa Murtaja - the three recipients of Copty Scholarships for this academic year, together with previous Copty Scholars.

The Copty Scholarship was created by Queen’s University Belfast Foundation Board Member Georgina Copty and her husband Chris McDowell, with matching investment from Queen’s, to help Palestinian students access higher education opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. The Scholarship provides funding for international tuition fees for a taught Masters at Queen’s University Belfast and accommodation at Queen’s Accommodation for the duration of the one year Master’s programme.

Alaa Ahmad is a computer hardware engineer currently pursuing an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at Queen’s University Belfast. His research interests focus on AI for hardware acceleration and agricultural applications, with the aim of developing smarter and more sustainable farming solutions.

Ibrahim Mahdi is a Palestinian dentist currently studying on the Master’s degree programme in Public Health. His research interests centre on the practical application of e-Health solutions, particularly in developing countries and conflict-affected settings.

Alaa Murtaja holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Dentistry from Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Palestine and is also studying on the Master’s degree programme in Public Health. Her research interests include noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), health communication and education, and access to health information in conflict-affected settings. Alaa aspires to work in organisations where her contribution focuses on health system strengthening and evidence-based public health programs.

Previous recipients of the Copty Scholarship include Bilal Zedan, Daniella Dukmak, Yousef Albaba and Mohammed Sammour.

All Copty Scholarship students got the chance to meet for the first time at the reception on 4 November at the Mitchell Institute.

Alaa Ahmad explained his thoughts about the impact of the Scholarship:

"Receiving the Copty Scholarship is a great honour that motivates me to pursue excellence at Queen’s University Belfast. In the year ahead, I look forward to deepening my expertise in artificial intelligence, engaging in meaningful research, and building connections that will enable me to give back to my community in Palestine."

On receiving the Scholarship, Ibrahim Mahdi said:

"Receiving the Copty Scholarship has been a life-changing moment, not only for me, but for my whole family who have supported me along the way. It feels like a shared reward for all the sacrifices and encouragement that brought me here.

“I have always dreamed of pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, and now, with Queen’s, I see a place where I can grow, flourish, and give back. I’m so excited and look forward to making the most of every academic, professional, and social opportunity in the upcoming year.”

Commenting on her Scholarship, Alaa Murtaja said:

“Receiving the Copty Scholarship has been an extraordinary blessing for me and my family. It has turned what once felt like a distant dream into a real opportunity to study public health at Queen’s University Belfast. Even before I arrived in Belfast, the support, guidance, and sense of community that came with this scholarship taught me so much and made me feel welcomed and valued. I feel motivated to make the most of this experience and use it to contribute to improving health in my community.”

Previous recipients of the Copty Scholarship include Bilal Zedan, Daniella Dukmak, Yousef Albaba and Mohammed Sammour.

Speaking at the Reception, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“Scholarships play a vital role in helping Queen’s extend access to higher education, ensuring that opportunities are available to those who face significant barriers. They represent an investment not only in individuals, but in the communities they belong to.   

As a University of Sanctuary, we are proud to welcome those seeking sanctuary through facilitated access to higher education. 

Our support of this scholarship programme reflects our determination to empower people in conflict zones to secure better lives for themselves, their families and communities.”

Commenting on the Scholarships and their new hub at the Institute, Georgina Copty said:

“We are extremely grateful to Queen's University for their incredible commitment and continued support in fighting to make education accessible to marginalised students across the world. The additional funding they have pledged towards the Copty Scholarship has granted life changing opportunities to even more Palestinian students.”

Our scholars have already received an immensely warm welcome from the Institute and can look forward to enjoying a nurturing and supportive environment in which to complete their studies this year. Above all, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with

the Mitchell Institute on the expansion of the Scholarship to bring the life-changing impact of education to even more students.”

Interim Director Professor Louise Mallinder said:

“The Mitchell Institute is delighted to have become the home of the Copty Scholarship programme at Queen’s, and it is a great pleasure for all of us to get to know this year’s Copty Scholars, Alaa, Ibrahim and Alaa. I wish each of them every success in their studies.

Housing this scholarship within the Institute reflects our deep commitment to supporting societies affected by conflict and violence, and to fostering the next generation of scholars dedicated to understanding and addressing these challenges.”

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