SHWAN ADAM AIVAS (cited as Aivas, S.A.) is a prominent UK Alumnus of Nottingham Trent University, he currently serves as the CEO of the Kanga Educational Foundation (KEF) and is a Senior Lecturer at Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU). He also is an associate professor specializing in the intersection of digital media, ethics, and emerging technologies. He earned his doctorate from Nottingham Trent University (UK) in 2017. His doctoral research, “Kurdish Journalism Cultures: Shifting Boundaries of Privacy Understandings among Professional Role Orientations of Journalists,” provided a critical framework for understanding the evolving ethical and epistemological landscapes of media in the MENA region. At SPU, Dr Aivas serves as a senior lecturer, where he bridges theoretical media research with technical application. His academic portfolio includes the supervision of postgraduate researchers focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in broadcast production, digital literacy, and media education. He has also served as a viva examiner for Ph.D. and master's candidates across a variety of regional and international institutions.

Dr Aivas’s research examines the structural transition of traditional journalism into digital-first environments, with a specific focus on the Global South. His primary areas of investigation include:
1. Decolonizing Media Reform in the Age of AI: Critically examining the impact of algorithmic systems on non-Western media landscapes and advocating for culturally specific, equitable media policies.
2. AI & Media Content Production: The application of generative and analytical AI in broadcasting, focusing on automated newsrooms and content synthesis.
3. Media Governance: Regulatory frameworks, privacy policies, and the fundamental right to individual privacy in the digital age.
4. Journalism Cultures: Comparative studies of professional role orientations, ethical epistemologies, and newsroom management.
5. Digital Literacy: Enhancing media education and ethical standards to combat misinformation in contemporary communication environments.

With a prolific output of 33 peer-reviewed articles, six books, and four conference papers, Dr. Aivas is a recognized voice in media scholarship. He is the author of the monograph Kurdish Journalism Cultures. Member of the Editorial Board, International Journal of Literature, Linguistics, and Humanities (IJLLH), Editor-in-Chief, Dergawan Magazine (Iraq’s primary journal for media education). Dr.Aivas holds several high-level executive positions that inform his academic work:
1. CEO, Kanga Educational Foundation (KEF), United Kingdom.
2. Chairperson, Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK).
3. Founder, Kurdish Academic Network (KAN).
4. General Coordinator, CHMK National Forum on Media Reform.
5. Academic Advisor, ClickIraq and NextStep Fair.

In terms of his academic degrees, he has several certificates, including:
1. Ph.D. in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies
Institution: Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Duration: January 2013–December 2017 (Full-time)
Supervisors: Dr Colin Alexander, Dr Andreas Wittel, Dr Janroj Keles
Thesis Title: Kurdish Journalism Cultures: Shifting Boundaries of Privacy and Evolving Professional Role Orientations among Journalists
2. Academic Qualification in English for Academic Purposes
Institution: University of Leicester, United Kingdom – English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU)
Duration: April–September 2012 (Full-time)
Award: Certificate in Academic English – Pre-Sessional Course
3. Master’s Degree in Media Ethics,
Institution: University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Duration: December 2007–April 2010 (Full-time)
Dissertation Title: The Right to Privacy between Legal Frameworks and Journalistic Ethics
4. Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies,
Institution: University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Duration: November 2001–July 2005 (Full-time)
Dissertation Title: Ethics in Kurdish Journalism: A Case Study of Citizen Newspapers, 2000–2022.

Supervision Experience:
Supervision in the Media Technical Department at the Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU)

1. "Artificial Intelligence and Its Effects on the Quality of the Hypothetical Studio of Kurdish Satellite Channels". Walid Hessen Muhemmed, MA student.
2. “Privacy Policy and Its Reflection in Kurdish Electronic Websites.” Nabaz Anwer Jemal, MA Graduate.
3. The Impact of Media Literacy on Child Education in Sulaimani Governorate: YouTube Channel as a Case Study.” Roza Abdulla Sadiq, MA Graduate.

Examination & Viva Participation
1. 05 January 2026: Supervisor and MA Committee Member, Roza Abdulla Sadiq, “The Impact of Media Literacy on Child Education in Sulaimani Governorate: YouTube Channel as a Case Study" Sulaimani Polytechnic University.
2. 07 December 2025: MA Committee Member, Rega Ahmed Abdulla, “The role of photography techniques in the production of advertisements on Kurdish television channels.” Sulaimani Polytechnic University.
3. 16 November 2025: MA Committee Member, Shewaw Sabir, “The role of the media structure in enhancing media capacity in the Kurdistan Region.” Erbil Polytechnic University.
4. 30 October 2025: MA Committee Member, Kawa Hussen Rashid, “Exposure of youth to the Platform (TikTok) and its reflection on social values.” University of Sulaimani.
5. 05 October 2025: Supervisor and MA Committee Member, Nabaz Anwar Jamal, “Privacy policy and its reflection on Kurdish news websites.” Sulaimani Polytechnic University
6. 15 August 2024: PhD Committee Member, Benaz Hemereshid, “Television Dialogue Programs.” University of Sulaimani
7. 10 July 2024: PhD Committee Member, Kaww Ezzedin, “Journalists' Professional Practices.” University of Sulaimani
8. 27 September 2023: PhD Committee Member, Rezwan Abubakir, “Political Communication Behaviour.” University of Sulaimani
9. 23 May 2024: MA Committee Member, Chalak Omer Reshid, “Public Relations in NGOs.” Sulaimani Polytechnic University
10. 10 April 2023: MA Committee Member, Eman Luqman Abdulla, “Adherence to Media Ethics in Kurdish Digital Media.” University of Sulaimani.

In addition, two PhD theses (from Sulaimani University and Salahadin University) and one master’s dissertation from Sulaimani University were personally and scientifically evaluated.
Peer Review Activities
Publons
SAGE Open
International Communication Gazette
Academic Journals at Rapareen, Halabja, Soran, Erbil Polytechnic, Human Development, Lebanese-French Universities
Scientific Title Committees at University of Sulaimani (UoS), University of Salahaddin, University of Halabja (UoH), Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU), Erbil Polytechnic University (EPU)

Conference Presentations & Seminars
27 October 2025: A seminar on "AI and Digital Literacy: A critical examination of privacy policies in contemporary news media" was welcomed by international students of Northumbria University-Newcastle, London Campus.
05 October 2025: "Next Step Fair 2025-2023: A Kurdish strategic roadmap for education reform and the application of the UK GCSE model" in the "First Kurdish Language Education Forum in London" that was organised by KANGA International Organisation.
03 November 2024: A seminar on “Media and Digital Literacy in Education,” Kurdistan Institution for Strategic Studies and Scientific Research
10 March 2022: A seminar on “Gender Discrimination in Kurdish Television Comedy Programs,” Sulaimani Polytechnic University
17 November 2021: A symposium presentation on “Challenges in Higher Media Education in the Kurdistan Region,” Halabja University
26 June 2019: A conference paper on “Professional Role Orientations of Journalists: Case of Iraqi Kurdistan,” Middlesex University, UK
21 March 2019 : A symposium on “Digital Media’s Role in Education Reform”, Repareen University
15 January 2019 : A workshop on “Journalists and Professional Ethics Accountability”, Human Development University
08 May 2018 : A seminar on “The Need for Media Monitoring in Kurdish Journalism”, Sulaimani Polytechnic Institute
22 April 2018: A seminar on “Media Accountability in Kurdish Journalism”, Halabja University
06 February 2018 : A panel presentation: “Private and Partisan Media in Iraqi Kurdistan”, Dukan Technical Institute

Forum, Conference and Panel Organization
28-30 September 2025: The Third Next Step Fire at the Cultural Factory in Sulaminai, KRI.
26-27 May 2025: The Second CHMK National Forum on Media Reform, University of Sulaimani, KRI.
21-23 September 2025: The Second Next Step Fair at Cultural Factory in Sulaminai, KRI.
25-26 April 2024: The Second International Scientific Conference on Digital Media, University of Knowledge, KRI.
15 December 2018: “Digital Media: Between Freedom of Expression and Privacy Violations”, Repareen University
08 March 2018 : “Media and Feminism in the Kurdistan Region”, Komar University
11 March 2018: “The Role of Media in Documenting the Anfal Genocide”, Charmo University

Workshops & Academic Training
Sulaimani Polytechnic University (2020): SPU-E Services for Collaboration and Learning
Nottingham Trent University, UK (2016): Research, Publishing, and Academic Career Workshops
University of Sulaimani (2018): Six-month Higher Education Teaching Program
Institute for War and Peace Reporting (2009): Election Campaign Media Training
ASK and Science Center (2000–2004): Journalism and Media Training Programs
University of Sulaimani (2000): Fundamental Journalism and Philosophy Courses

Media Appearances & Public Engagement
18 July 2025: Interview on Kurdsat News, "Media Education Training Courses"
15 April 2025: Interview on Channel 8, "The role of Media in Expanding Slander Defamation"
03 May 2020: Interview on Nawa Radio, “World Press Freedom Day”
17 December 2019: Interview on Payam TV, “The Need for a National Media Council in Kurdistan”
10 June 2018: Interview on Nalia TV, “University–Industry Collaboration for Graduate Employment”
14 March 2018: Interview on Voice of Gali Kurdistan, “Media and Event Coverage”
20 January 2018: Interview on Dwarozh Radio, “Media Between Persuasion and Information Access”

Professional Roles & Responsibilities
Editorial Member, The International Journal of Literature, Linguistics, and Humanities (IJLLH), which is published by Scholastic Research Publication, and the Mitanni of Humanitarian Sciences, which is publishes by Erbil Polytechnic University (since 2025).
Senior Lecturer, Media Technical Department, Sulaimani Polytechnic University (2010–Present)
General Manager, Nuoh Travel Company (May–October 2019)
Former Head, Arts and Humanities Department, SPU Research Center (2018)
Journalism Trainer, Nalia Training Center (2018)
Founder & Chairperson, Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK) (Since 2017)
Media Relations Manager, Diana Pharma Company (2015)
Member, International Federation of Journalists (Since 2013)
Member, Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate (Since 2009)

Editorial & Journalism Experience
Editor-in-Chief, DERGAWAN Media Education Magazine (Since 2021)
Editor-in-Chief, NmNm Cultural Weekly Newspaper (2009–2010)
Editor-in-Chief, KNN Channel Newsroom (2009)
Reporter & Editor, Hawllatî Newspaper (2003–2009)
Newscaster, Nawa Radio (2004)
Reporter, Kurdsat News Channel (2003)
Researcher & Reporter, RAYAN Magazine for Media Studies (1999–2003)

RESEARCH ARTICLES
Aivas, S.A. (2026) ‘Decolonising the BBC: Integrating non-Western models to break political-business collusion’, in Media Reform Coalition (ed.) BBC Charter Review: The Alternative Green Paper. London: Media Reform Coalition, pp. 33–35. Available at: https://www.mediareform.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Alternative-Green-Paper-March-2026.pdf (Accessed: 3 March 2026).

Aivas, S.A., 2025. Toward Media Reform in Post-Conflict Region of Kurdistan: An Analytical Case Study of the CHMK National Forums. ISRG Journal of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences (ISRGJAHSS), vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 435–442.

Aivas, S. A., 2025. Investigating the Epistemological Orientations and Professional Standards of Journalism Cultures: A Case Study of Transitional and Developing Societies. Asian Journal of Language, Literature and Culture Studies 8 (2):642-51. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajl2c/2025/v8i2271

Aivas, S.A., 2025. The Institutional Roles of Journalism Cultures in Post-Conflict Societies, the International Journal of Scientific Research and Technology (IJSRT), 2 (7), 01-15. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15777461

Aivas, S. A., Jalal, H. M., Aziz, A. R., The Role of Media in Shaping Rivalries: Framing Contention in the Middle East Regions, SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 65-77, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V12I3P109

Aivas, S. A., Jalal, H. M., Marouf, B. J., Assad, A. F., Majeed, A. D., Shexany, G. Z., 2025. Artificial Intelligence Applications in Media Content Production: Emerging Risks or Technological Revolutions? International Journal of Scientific Research and Modern Technology. India, 4(6), pp. 29–39. doi: https://doi.org/10.38124/ijsrmt.v4i6.578

Aivas, S.A., Hussein, H.H.S., Yaqub, K.Q., and Salih, A.M., 2025. Civil Liberties and Natural Resources; Media Freedom among Developing Countries as a Case Study. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(3), 1316-1331.

Aivas, S.A., 2022. Media development and its indicators; the Iraqi Kurdistan Region between 1991-2021 as an example. Twejer Journal, 895-982.

Aivas, S. A., 2020. KURDISH JOURNALISM CULTURES: Shifting Boundaries of Privacy Understandings Amongst Professional Role Orientations of Journalists. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing.

Aivas, S.A.W., 2017. Kurdish journalism cultures: Shifting Boundaries of Privacy Understandings Amongst Professional Role Orientations of journalists (Doctoral dissertation. Nottingham Trent University).

Aivas, S.A.W., 2014. Kurdish online journalism: shifting boundaries of privacy rights during the coverage of the 2014 general election campaigns. https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/19064/

Tofiq, S.F., Ali, O.H., Muhammad, B.A. & Aivas, S.A., 2025. Media reform efforts in fragile democracies: A comparative study of national media forums in Kurdistan and Taiwan. Cuestiones de Fisioterapia, 54(5). Available at: https://cuestionesdefisioterapia.com/index.php/es/article/view/3566.

Jamal, N.A, & Aivas, S.A., 2025. “Privacy Policy and Its Reflection in Kurdish Electronic Websites. Journal for Political and Security Studies 8 (20): 157-1188. https://doi.org/10.31271/jopss.10146.

Abdollah, R., & Aivas, S. A., 2025. The Impact of Media Literacy on Child Education in Sulaimani Governorate: YouTube Channel as a Case Study. Mitanni Journal of Humanitarian Sciences, 6(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.25156/ptjhss.v6n1y2026.pp1-30

Hamasaeed, N.H., Aivas, S.A., Ghafor, H.K., Mohammed, S.A., Obaidullah, R.S., Majeed, A.D., Yaqub, K.Q., Ahmed, S.K. and Mahmood, L.I., 2025. The effects of global pandemic on regional televisions: A critical study of media production, advertising strategies, and revenue generation. The Journal of Diversity Studies, 4(2), pp.14–25.

Jalal, H.M; Saber,H.S; Majeed, A.D., Aivas, S.A; Tofiq,S.F; Sharif, O.K., Mahmood, L.I., Rashid, C.O., and Muhammad, B.A., 2025. Social Security Challenges in Post-Conflict Societies: An Analytical Study of Rumour Dissemination on Kurdish Social Media, International Journal of Social Science Exceptional Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 108–119, 2025.

Hussein, H.H.S., Aivas, S.A., Ahmed, R.K., Yaqub, K.Q. and Salih, A.M., 2025. Journalistic objectivity in the Kurdistan region of Iraq: examining the relationship between journalists and politicians. British Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(3), pp.149-171.

Ahmad, S.Y., and Aivas, S.A., 2025. Exploring the Impact of Total Quality Management on Organizational Behavior: A Comparative Study of Local Firms. Asian Research Journal of Arts & Social Sciences 23 (7): 168-78.

Aivas, S.A., Fatah, N.A., Bayz, H.A., Karem, L.E., Salih, H.H. and Hussein, K.Q.Y., 2025. Critically Discuss Epistemological Issues by Examining the Claim to ‘Truth’. International Journal of Social Science and Education Research Studies. Vol 5 No 1, Pp 78-83.

Qaradakhi, B.H. and Aivas, S.A., 2020. Media Messages, And Its Effect On the Health Awareness of the Citizens, COVID-19, During The Curfew in The Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Qalaai Zanist Journal, 5(2), pp.1-35.

Hassan, K, M and Aivas, S, A., 2024. Dramatic assignment of the main characters in the Kurdish documentary; Kurdsat and Kurdmax satellite channels as examples. Journal of Kurdistani for Strategic Studies, 1(6). https://kissrjour.org/index.php/jkss/article/view/263

Aivas, S.A. and Abdulla, M.K., 2021. The Effects of Media Language Using of Comedian Program Audiences of Kurdish Televisions; BEZMÎ BEZM Program at KurdMax TV As A Case Study. Journal of University of Raparin, 8(1), pp.144-186.

Aziz, N. A., and Aivas, S. A., 2025. Consumer Satisfaction in Kurdish Online Shopping: Kurdistan Region of Iraq as a Case Study, International Journal of Scientific Research and Technology (IJSRT), 2 (3), 239-251.

Aivas, S.A., 2013 The Right to Privacy between Law and Ethics of Journalism (Mafî Jiyanî Taybet Leyasaw Îtîkî Rojnamegerîyda), Suleîmanî: Berrêwberayetî Çap Û Billawkrdineweyi Roşnbîrî (Roşnbîrî Printing House). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325514562_The_Right_to_Privacy_between_Law_and_Ethics_of_Journalism_Mafi_Jiyani_Taybet_Leyasaw_Itiki_Rojnamegeriyda

Aivas, S.A., 2005. Ethics in Kurdish journalism; Hawllatî (2000-2002) as a case study (Itîk Le Rojnamewanî Kurdîyda; Hawllatî (2000-2002) Wek Nmune). Suleîmanî: Çap û Pexşî Serdem (Serdam Printing House). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325514568_Ethics_in_Kurdish_journalism_Hawllati_2000-2002_as_a_case_study_Itik_Le_Rojnamewani_Kurdiyda_Hawllati_20002002_Wek_Nmune

Aivas, S.A., 2005. Kurd Û Proseyi Geyandin (Kurd and communication) Handbook. Suleîmanî: NAWA Radio Publisher. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325514376_Kurd_U_Proseyi_Geyandin_Kurd_and_communication

Aivas, S.A., Saeed, N.H. & Khafoor, H.K., 2020. The effects of COVID-19 on advertising production and revenue reduction: Kurdish televisions during the curfew in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. JOURNAL FOR POLITICAL AND SECURITY STUDIES, 5(3), pp.139-190. https://www.centerfs.org/files/2020/07/5-Vol.3-No.5k-139-190.pdf

Aivas, S. A., 2020. Freedoms of expression and journalism in Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Suleîmanî: Federation of Civil Society Organizations. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353822365_Freedoms_of_expression_and_journalism_in_Kurdistan_Region_of_Iraq

CONFERENCE PAPERS

Aivas, S.A., Huseein, H.S., and Ahmed, R. K., 2024. Effects of Digital Media on Professional Objectivity; The Coalition between Journalists and Politicians in the Kurdistan Region, as an Example (DmediaLaw conference paper). Available at https://shorturl.at/ySTvK

Aivas, S.A.W., 2019. Professional Role Orientations of Journalists: Kurdistan Region of Iraq as a Case Study. The 3rd International Kurdish Studies Conference In: the Shifting Dynamics of the Kurdistan Question in a Changing Middle East, Middlesex University London, UK, 25 and 26 July 2019. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mhga7mfkp4Q2W2rOlOK3ljcg7RXzja2f76nuRdt-Tb0/edit?tab=t.0

AIVAS, S.A.W., 2014. Kurdish online journalism: shifting boundaries of privacy rights during the coverage of the 2014 general election campaigns. Breaking Boundaries 2014: First Annual Professional Research Practice Conference, Nottingham Trent University, and 15 May 2014. In: BILAL, A. RATNAYAKA, A. ZOBENBULLER, C. COINTOT, D. HARBIDGE, D. WHATMAN, E. MBISE, F. AL-HASHIMI, G. MARTÍNEZ-ARELLANO, G. ROGERS, I. GOSTAUTAS, J. TAYLOR, K. TRYTKO, L. PISCICELLI, M. AHMED, M. ALASHAB, M. MAHMOOD, S. WILSON, T. ELFAYEZ, and Y. LIAO, eds., Breaking Boundaries 2014: First Annual Professional Research Practice Conference, Nottingham Trent University, 15 May 2014. Nottingham: Nottingham Trent University: Graduate School, pp. 103-107. ISBN 9780992995706.

AIVAS, S.A., 2018. The necessity of Kurdish media monitoring. The "International Media Conference", Halabja University, Halabja, KRI, on 22 April 2018.

JOURNALISTIC ARTICLES

AIVAS, S. A., 2025. Violations of academic freedom in the Kurdistan Region and its need to issue a guideline handbook. Journal of Politics, No: 04, Pp.74-80. https://chmk.org/violations-of-academic-freedom-in-the-kurdistan-region-and-its-need-to-issue-a-guideline-handbook/

Aivas, S. A., 2024. Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Media Professionalism. Kfuture.Media Website, on 09 October 2024. https://kfuture.media/artificial-intelligence-and-its-impact-on-media-professionalism/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2ml6CGXFBWzK8Pl-P1kJn2xdBVAJ5EfCyeb-OR0X5mUOyC72qXhI1ZuXM_aem_JPhZok-wgtL6696TsZz8pQ

Aivas, S. A., 2024. Which comes first for the next generation: media education or educational media? Journal of NextStep, 01, Pp. 08-09.

Aivas, S. A., 2023. Social Networks and Misusing the Kurdish Language. Journal of Zmanawany at CIHAN UNIVERSITY SULAIMANYAH, 02, pp. 23-27.

2017: writing several specialist columns on Kurdish media and its necessity of monitoring at Awene Weekly Newspaper.

1999-present: writing several pieces of research and journal articles in Kurdish media outlets with regard to the media, political, and educational affairs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in magazines such as RAKHNAY SERDAM, RAYAN, AYNDA, SEV, and so on. Also, publishing a lot of columns, articles, and reports in the Iraqi Kurdistan newspapers such as HAWLATI, AWENA, NMNM, and so on.

Teaching Experiences
Principles and Practices of Privacy Policies in Media
Digital and New Media Technologies
Classical and Contemporary Media Theories
Academic Debate and Critical Thinking
English Language Skills for Journalists
Professional Ethics in Journalism
Regulation and Governance of Media Content
Fundamentals of Journalism and News Writing

Research Methods in Media and Communication
News Production, Editing, and Broadcast Techniques

Global Academic Identification
To ensure easy global discovery, Dr Aivas is identifiable through:
Google Scholar: View Profile
ResearchGate: View Profile
Facebook: Dr Shwan Adam Aivas
University Website: www.spu.edu.iq / www.spu.edu.krd
Email: shwan.adam@spu.edu.iq
ORCID: 0000-0001-5852-6169
AD Scientific Index Profile: 5549449
SSRN Author ID: 7559160
LinkedIn Profile: SHWAN ADAM AIVAS


Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas is an Associate Professor in the Media Technique Department at the Technical College of Administration, Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU). A UK PhD alumnus of Nottingham Trent University, his scholarship explores the evolution of Journalism Cultures in transitional societies and the emerging challenges of AI Governance and Democratic Resilience. As Chairperson of the Kurdish Media Watchdog (CHMK), he leads national-level policy reform and media literacy initiatives. His work is recognized globally for benchmarking international regulatory standards against local media ecosystems, with a full portfolio of his scientific impact available via the AD Scientific Index.