KAUST is highlighted for its commitment to multidisciplinary research, innovation, and strong leadership, particularly regarding women's education. The university was the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia, with women comprising around 40% of its student population. KAUST actively recruits female faculty members and appoints them to leadership positions, demonstrated through workshops like Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Why it matters: This underscores the increasing role of women in STEM fields within Saudi Arabia, facilitated by institutions like KAUST.
KAUST is highlighting women in STEM, including Professor Leena Ibrahim, Ph.D. student Amani Al-Amodi, and postdoc Dr. Wejdan Alghamdi. Leena Ibrahim's research focuses on understanding how sensory perception is established across development, studying the role of inhibitory neurons in the cortex. She aims to uncover how disruptions in sensory processing contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Why it matters: Showcasing women's contributions can inspire future generations of female researchers in the Kingdom and beyond.
A 2016 KAUST Winter Enrichment Program seminar, "Women in Science and Engineering," convened female scientists from KAUST and abroad. Panelists like Jasmeen Merzaban and Charlotte Hauser shared their career experiences and addressed challenges faced by women in STEM. They noted that women constitute 60% of higher education graduates in Saudi Arabia and will be vital to the Kingdom's knowledge economy. Why it matters: The event highlights the increasing role of women in Saudi Arabia's STEM fields and KAUST's commitment to supporting female scientists.
KAUST celebrates 15 years since its establishment as the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its role in championing women in science. Numerous KAUST female graduates have achieved success in academia, government, and entrepreneurship. Programs like KGSP and the Ibn Rushd fellowship have been instrumental in nurturing talent and empowering women in STEM. Why it matters: KAUST's focus on gender equality and STEM education serves as a model for advancing women's contributions to technological and economic development in the region.
MBZUAI is highlighting five female leaders in AI for International Women’s Day, noting its 28% female student body. Dr. Farida Al Hosani is developing an AI healthcare solution for non-communicable diseases and was appointed VP of MBZUAI’s Alumni Advisory Board. Dr. Hanan Aldarmaki focuses on improving Arabic automated speech recognition and recently won an award for a paper on Arabic speech processing. Why it matters: Showcasing women in AI leadership helps promote diversity and inclusion in the field, especially in the context of the rapidly growing AI ecosystem in the UAE.