KAUST has announced the formation of a presidential search committee. H.E. Ali Ibrahim Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, made the announcement. The purpose of the committee is to find a new president for the university. Why it matters: The selection of a new president is a key decision that will guide the future direction of KAUST as a leading research university in Saudi Arabia.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The appointment aims to advance KAUST’s role in Saudi Arabia’s research, development, and innovation agenda, particularly in energy and sustainability. KAUST's President, Sir Edward Byrne, stated that Prince Abdulaziz's vision will accelerate KAUST's impact and strengthen its role in linking research with economic development. Why it matters: The appointment signals Saudi Arabia's continued focus on leveraging KAUST for achieving Vision 2030 goals related to energy transition, sustainability, and technological advancement.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed has issued a resolution to reconstitute the Board of Trustees of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The board is chaired by His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, with other members including Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Saif Saeed Ghobash, and Professor Daniela Rus. MBZUAI is recognized as a leading global institution in AI, focusing on research and innovation across sectors like healthcare and sustainability. Why it matters: The restructuring reinforces the UAE's commitment to AI leadership and MBZUAI's role in driving innovation and supporting the nation's AI strategy.
The Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC) held its second Board of Advisors meeting on November 23, 2021. Board members from Khalifa University, University of Sheffield, City University Hong Kong, Ludwig Maximilians Universität München, and Instituto Superior Técnico provided feedback on AMRC’s strategic plans. The meeting focused on AMRC’s strategic growth and future directions. Why it matters: The meeting indicates continued investment in advanced materials research in the UAE, signaling potential advancements in related technological applications.
KAUST's Interim President Nadhmi Al-Nasr addressed the graduating class of 2017, emphasizing their potential in science and technology. He thanked the Board of Trustees, industry partners, faculty, and staff for their support. The commencement speaker was KAUST’s former president, Dr. Jean-Lou Chameau, who was lauded for advancing KAUST's reputation and fostering collaboration. Why it matters: While routine, the remarks highlight KAUST's ongoing commitment to developing scientific talent and fostering partnerships within the Kingdom.
KAUST Library Director Dr. J. K. Vijayakumar has been elected to the board of directors of the International Association of University Libraries (IATUL). KAUST has been a member of IATUL since 2009, which provides a forum for library directors to discuss library service development. IATUL's president noted Vijayakumar was well-suited to foster IATUL's ambition to serve as a bridge between cultures. Why it matters: This appointment recognizes KAUST's growing role in international academic collaborations and knowledge sharing.
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has rescheduled the start of its first academic year to January 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. The decision was made by the Board of Trustees during a video conference chaired by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The board also discussed campus progress, student onboarding, faculty appointments, and industry partnerships. Why it matters: The delay, while pragmatic, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by new academic institutions in establishing themselves amid global health crises, potentially impacting the growth of the AI ecosystem in the UAE.
The Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC) at Abu Dhabi’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has appointed a board of advisors composed of globally-recognized experts in robotics and autonomous systems. The advisors include professors from Georgia Tech, ETH Zurich, University of Bologna, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, NYU, and Czech Technical University. The board will guide ARRC's research into robotics technologies aimed at building hybrid biological and artificial systems. Why it matters: This signals the UAE's continued investment in attracting top international expertise to advance its AI and robotics research capabilities.