Dr. Kun Zhang from Carnegie Mellon University will spend 2022 as a Visiting Associate Professor in the Machine Learning Department at MBZUAI. Zhang's research focuses on causal discovery and causality-based learning, with applications in neuroscience, computer vision, computational finance, and climate analysis. He aims to develop methods for automated causal discovery from various kinds of data. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's machine learning department and promotes research in causal AI, which is crucial for understanding and predicting complex systems.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing reviewed the university's 2021 accomplishments, including faculty growth with 14 hires from top universities, launch of an Executive Program with 41 participants, and hosting delegations from various countries. MBZUAI's student body now includes 134 students from 40 countries, with the first graduation planned for 2023. The university aims to become a leading AI hub in the UAE through partnerships with government, industry, and educational institutions. Why it matters: This growth signals the UAE's increasing commitment to developing a world-class AI ecosystem and attracting global talent in artificial intelligence.
MBZUAI President Eric Xing announced plans to expand the university's programs and strengthen its position as a global leader in technology and AI. Xing stated his ambition for MBZUAI to become the "Stanford of the Middle East", driving innovation and economic growth in the region. In 2024, MBZUAI launched new departments, released numerous research papers, and formed industry partnerships, growing to 84 faculty and 365 students. Why it matters: This vision signals a strong commitment to developing a regional hub for AI research and development, potentially attracting talent and investment to the UAE.
MBZUAI Professor Kun Zhang received a Test of Time Award Honorable Mention at ICML 2022 for his 2012 paper “On causal and anticausal learning." The paper, co-authored with researchers from the Max-Planck Institute, is considered foundational for causal learning in machine learning. Zhang's work demonstrated the importance of causality for machine learning tasks, helping to shift views in the field. Why it matters: This award highlights the growing recognition of causal AI research and MBZUAI's role in advancing the field.
KAUST Professor Xixiang Zhang was elected as a fellow of the American Physical Society (APS) in September. Zhang is a professor of Material Science and Engineering. The fellowship recognizes his contributions to the field of physics. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the institution's growing prominence in international scientific communities.