MBZUAI has opened applications for its inaugural Ph.D. cohort in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), set to begin in Fall 2026. The interdisciplinary program will focus on human-AI alignment, multimodal interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to design AI systems that improve lives responsibly. Applications for the Master of Science in HCI (fall 2027 intake) will open in 2026. Why it matters: This program expands MBZUAI’s focus on human-centered AI design, aligning with the UAE’s vision for an innovation-led economy.
Elizabeth Churchill, formerly Senior Director of UX at Google, has joined MBZUAI as Department Chair of Human-Computer Interaction. Churchill will lead the establishment of MBZUAI's newest HCI department, after computer science and robotics. She recently received the ACM SIGCHI Lifetime Practice Award. Why it matters: The appointment of a renowned UX expert like Churchill signals MBZUAI's commitment to integrating human-centered design principles into its AI research and education, potentially fostering more user-friendly and impactful AI applications in the region.
MBZUAI welcomed its largest cohort of 209 graduate students for Fall 2024, selected from over 4800 applications. The new cohort includes the first students in computer science and robotics, representing 36 countries with 44 Emiratis. MBZUAI is also creating new departments dedicated to human-computer interaction, statistics and data science, and computational biology. Why it matters: This expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi's AI ecosystem and MBZUAI's position as a leading global AI institution, providing a diverse talent pool for the UAE's innovation goals.
MBZUAI is hosting the third AI Quorum of the academic year, focusing on the future of human-computer interaction (HCI) in the age of AI. The event gathers researchers and practitioners from various disciplines and institutions, including University College London, Apple, and Google. The workshop aims to spur AI research and promote understanding of AI's potential for social good, with previous Quorums focusing on federated learning and statistics. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary focus on HCI at MBZUAI highlights the UAE's commitment to shaping the ethical and practical integration of AI into everyday life.
MBZUAI has opened graduate admissions for the 2025/2026 academic year, offering five M.Sc. and five Ph.D. programs, alongside a new Master in Applied AI (MAAI). The MAAI program is designed for working professionals, focusing on applying AI to solve organizational and societal challenges, taught by MBZUAI faculty and international guest speakers. The university also provides fully-funded scholarships for its M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in computer science, computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Why it matters: This new program and scholarship offerings will help MBZUAI attract top talent and further establish itself as a leading AI research institution in the region.