Personal Info
- Country of residence: Portugal
Information
Academic Rank: Associate Professor
Current Position: Nablus Branch Operations Manager, Al-Quds Open University
Institution: Al-Quds Open University
College: College of Social and Family Development
Specialization: Social Work
Research Interest: Prisoners
Academic Profile
Dr. Iyad Fayez Fares Abu Bakr is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Al-Quds Open University, with extensive academic, administrative, research, and community-service experience. He has held several senior leadership positions at the university, including Dean and Acting Dean of the College of Social and Family Development, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and currently Nablus Branch Operations Manager.
His academic and professional career reflects a strong commitment to social work education, psychological and social support, community development, family and social issues, and the advancement of social work practice in Palestine.
Academic Qualifications
Dr. Abu Bakr earned his PhD in Social Work from Alexandria University, Egypt, in 2013. He obtained a Master's degree in Psychological and Educational Guidance from Al-Quds University in 2005 and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Social Work from An-Najah National University in 1996.
Professional Experience
Dr. Abu Bakr began his professional career as a Social Worker in the Social Affairs Department in Jenin, serving from 1997 to 2001. He subsequently worked as an Educational Advisor at the Arab Institute School in Abu Dis and as a Psychological Counselor with the Terre des Hommes project.
He joined Al-Quds Open University in 2006 as a faculty member and has since undertaken a wide range of academic and administrative responsibilities. From 2011 to 2013, he served as Head of the Field Training Department for Social Work Courses in the West Bank regions. He then served as Assistant Dean of the College of Social and Family Development from 2013 to 2016.
Dr. Abu Bakr subsequently returned to his faculty role before serving as Acting Dean of the College of Social and Family Development from 2019 to 2021 and as Dean of the College from September 2021 to January 2022. He later resumed his academic role and served again as Acting Dean from February to August 2025.
From September 2025, he served as Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. In September 2026, he assumed his current position as Nablus Branch Operations Manager at Al-Quds Open University.
Research and Academic Interests
Dr. Abu Bakr's primary research interest is Social Work, with a particular focus on prisoners and their families. His research and academic activities have addressed a broad range of social and psychological issues, including psychological stress, coping strategies, social support, family relationships, juvenile adjustment, social responsibility, domestic violence, social work education, disability, early childhood, and community development.
His work demonstrates a particular interest in vulnerable groups and the social and psychological challenges affecting Palestinian society.
Scientific Research and Publications
Dr. Abu Bakr has contributed extensively to peer-reviewed research. His publications include research on social support and life stress among wives of Palestinian prisoners, psychological stress and coping strategies among children of Palestinian prisoners, human-relations skills among directors of social affairs directorates, field training frameworks in social work, and the relationship between self-concept and psychological adjustment among juvenile delinquents.
In 2023, he served as principal researcher on studies examining factors encouraging and discouraging the use of social networking sites in Palestine, with TikTok as a case study, and the qualification and training needs of new kindergarten teachers in Palestine.
He has also presented research at international and regional conferences on subjects including social work training, community-based rehabilitation, social responsibility, Palestinian prisoners, early childhood education, and the professional ethics of social workers.
Academic Supervision and Examination
Dr. Abu Bakr has supervised and examined numerous Master's theses at Al-Quds Open University and other Palestinian universities. His postgraduate academic work has covered topics such as socialization, psychological resilience, family relationships, marital happiness, domestic violence, social problems, disability, addiction, academic procrastination, social security, and the psychological and social experiences of Palestinian prisoners and their families.
He has also served as an external examiner at An-Najah National University, Al-Quds University, Hebron University, and the Islamic University.
Academic Leadership and Scientific Committees
Throughout his career, Dr. Abu Bakr has participated in numerous academic and professional committees, including the Academic Council, Graduate Studies Committee, Scientific Research Council, Master's Program Committee in Social Work, and editorial boards of academic journals.
He has also chaired and served as a member of scientific and preparatory committees for conferences addressing social responsibility, social work, psychological counseling, disability inclusion, drug-related challenges, Palestinian prisoners, and education.
Among his notable leadership roles was chairing the scientific committee of the conference “The Role of Women's Political Participation in Achieving Sustainable Development,” organized by Al-Quds Open University and the Palestinian Development Authority.
He has also served on the Advisory and Steering Committee of the Quebec-Palestinian Science Bridge, associated with the Palestine Academy of Science and Technology.
Books and Educational Contributions
Dr. Abu Bakr co-authored the book “A Guide to Using Body Language in Classrooms,” published by Al-Quds Open University in 2021. He has also contributed to the development and coordination of university courses, including Principles of Psychology and Theories of Therapy and Their Applications.
In addition, he participated in preparing the study “Evaluating Field Training Frameworks in Social Work and Improving its Strategies at Al-Quds Open University,” addressing the development of field training practices in social work education.
Professional Training and Community Engagement
Dr. Abu Bakr has maintained extensive engagement with the community through professional training, lectures, conferences, workshops, and media appearances. His activities have addressed social work during the COVID-19 pandemic, psychosocial support during wars, domestic and family violence, psychological well-being, socialization in the digital age, and the needs of students and vulnerable social groups.
He has also participated in initiatives related to early childhood education, disability inclusion, community advocacy, social responsibility, and the empowerment of women with disabilities.
His media and public-awareness contributions have included television and radio interviews addressing psychological and social issues, including the psychological effects of solitary confinement, the role of technology in depression, human relations in the workplace, emotions and daily life, family relationships, and psychological and social challenges affecting Palestinian society.
International and Professional Engagement
Dr. Abu Bakr has participated in international academic and professional programs and conferences in Europe, the United Kingdom, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and other locations. His professional development activities have included training in early childhood education and care, European funding and networking opportunities, Erasmus+ capacity-building initiatives, and international approaches to social work and education.
He presented research at the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) conference in Bulgaria and participated in international academic activities concerning early childhood education and social development.
Overall Contribution
Dr. Iyad Fayez Fares Abu Bakr has developed a distinguished academic and professional career in Social Work, combining university teaching, academic leadership, research, postgraduate supervision, professional training, and community engagement. His extensive work on prisoners, families, vulnerable groups, social responsibility, psychological and social well-being, and social work education reflects a sustained commitment to addressing important social challenges in Palestine and strengthening the role of social work in community development.
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Achievements and Awards
- Years in active
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