The University of Strathclyde has terminated the employment of Dr Ibrahim Khadra, a professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, after an internal investigation substantiated allegations of sexual harassment made by students.
According to reports first published by Glasgow Live, multiple students accused Khadra of requesting intimate images and engaging in unwanted contact through text messages and phone calls. Police Scotland confirmed it had opened an investigation following a report of "inappropriate communication," with inquiries ongoing at the time of the university's announcement.
A university spokesperson stated that the institution had treated the accusations with utmost seriousness and moved swiftly to protect students. "The university suspended the staff member as soon as we became aware of the allegations and, following a full investigation, the individual was dismissed," the spokesperson said. "The university has provided ongoing support to those affected and will continue to do so. We recognise the courage it takes for anyone to come forward, and where they do they will be heard and supported."
Career progression at Strathclyde
Khadra's academic journey at the institution spanned more than two decades. He initially studied there as a PhD student between 2002 and 2006, before returning in 2010 as a research associate. He progressed to lecturer in 2016, associate professor in 2020, and was promoted to full professor in December 2024. Beyond his teaching role, he held the position of the university's advisor on engagement with the Middle East and North Africa region. According to a 2023 banking sector announcement, he was formally titled Advisor for Engagement with the MENA Region, a role that reflected his prominence in university international partnerships.
Public profile and activism
Khadra became a public figure in late 2023 when he spoke publicly about the impact of the Gaza conflict on his family. In October 2023, he stated that more than 40 of his relatives had been killed in Israeli military operations. According to reporting from November 2023, the number of family members he said had been killed subsequently rose to more than 70. He addressed a large pro-Palestinian rally in Glasgow city centre, where thousands of protesters had gathered to call for an end to Israel's military campaign.
His activism continued into 2025, when the university's student newspaper reported that Khadra was among staff and students urging Strathclyde to strengthen its support for Palestine, amid controversy over the institution's financial ties with arms manufacturers.
Professional credentials and roles
According to his university research profile, Khadra holds qualifications including a BPharm degree, an MSc, and a PhD from both Alazhar University Palestine and the University of Strathclyde. He is registered as a pharmacist with the Palestine Pharmacist Society. Beyond his primary academic position, he also held the role of Vice President at the University of Strathclyde's Bahrain campus, a detail that emerged from institutional records but was not previously widely publicised.
Key Facts
- Dr Ibrahim Khadra was dismissed from his position as Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences following an internal investigation into sexual harassment allegations
- Students accused him of requesting intimate images and making unwanted contact via text and phone calls
- Police Scotland opened a separate investigation after receiving a report of inappropriate communication
- Khadra had worked at Strathclyde for over two decades, progressing from PhD student to full professor in December 2024
- He gained public prominence in 2023 after speaking about losing more than 70 family members in Gaza
