As part of Al-Mustaqbal University’s active academic and scientific presence in scholarly forums, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Khudhair Abis Al-Himyari, Head of the Department of Anesthesia Technologies at the College of Health and Medical Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, chaired the PhD dissertation defense committee for postgraduate researcher Farah Safaa Abdulhussein at the College of Science, University of Babylon, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The dissertation was entitled: “Caspases and Some Cytokine Profiles in Visceral Leishmaniasis Rats: A Case-Control Study” The study investigated the levels of caspases and selected cytokines associated with the immune response in a rat model infected with visceral leishmaniasis, through a comparative study aimed at identifying changes in these biomarkers and exploring their potential role in the immune response to infection. The dissertation also sought to enhance the scientific understanding of the pathological and immunological mechanisms associated with visceral leishmaniasis by analyzing biomarkers related to immune responses and cell death pathways. The dissertation defense committee consisted of: Prof. Dr. Ahmed Khudhair Abis Al-Himyari – Chair, Al-Mustaqbal University / College of Health and Medical Technologies, Specialization: Life Sciences. Prof. Dr. Hiyam Khalis Anfos – Member, University of Babylon / College of Medicine, Specialization: Zoology – Parasitology. Prof. Dr. Qasim Abdullah Hamza – Member, University of Babylon / College of Science, Specialization: Parasitology. Prof. Dr. Haider Shakhir Abis – Member, Al-Qasim University / College of Biotechnology, Specialization: Microbiology. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Abbas – Member, University of Babylon / College of Dentistry, Specialization: Zoology – Parasitology. Prof. Dr. Alaa Tariq Shakir – Member and Supervisor, University of Babylon / College of Science, Specialization: Parasitology. The dissertation defense was conducted in a distinguished academic and scientific atmosphere characterized by scholarly dialogue and the exchange of perspectives. The researcher delivered a comprehensive presentation addressing the objectives and methodology of the dissertation, as well as its key findings, followed by an in-depth discussion of the conclusions and scientific recommendations related to the study. This scientific participation further underscores the academic standing and scientific expertise of Al-Mustaqbal University’s faculty members, as well as the University’s commitment to strengthening the participation of its academics in scientific dissertation defense committees. Such engagement contributes to supporting postgraduate studies and scientific research while fostering the exchange of academic expertise among Iraqi universities. Al-Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq