MBZUAI has launched its first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, which blends core AI expertise with leadership and entrepreneurial skills. The program will cover machine learning, NLP, CV, and robotics, alongside cross-disciplinary training in business and finance. It will also integrate AI into the educational journey using a co-pilot education model, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Why it matters: This program aims to cultivate visionary thinkers and problem-solvers who can drive AI innovation and development in the UAE and beyond.
Brandeis University in Massachusetts is launching a new Engineering program, with student enrollment slated for Fall 2026 while engineering courses are already available to non-majors. The program aims to develop engineers with a liberal arts background, translate basic science research into practical technologies, and foster cross-disciplinary innovation. Engineering faculty will be embedded within existing science departments and will teach in a new ABET-certified undergraduate Engineering Science major. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary approach to engineering education could serve as a model for integrating technical skills with broader societal considerations, though the article does not mention any collaboration or impact in the Middle East.
KAUST faculty member Enrico Traversa is researching nanostructured materials for sustainable development in energy, environment, healthcare, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). His work focuses on developing next-generation SOFCs based on chemically stable proton-conducting electrolytes to reduce operating temperatures. Traversa also develops scaffold biomaterials for tissue regeneration, aiming to create heart tissue using patient-derived stem cells. Why it matters: This research contributes to KAUST's focus on energy, water, environment and food, with potential for advancements in clean energy and regenerative medicine.
Xiaohang Li has joined the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division at KAUST as an assistant professor of electrical engineering. He will focus on research and teaching within the electrical engineering domain. Why it matters: The appointment strengthens KAUST's faculty expertise in electrical engineering and related areas.
KAUST is offering a 16-month Master of Science degree in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE). The program includes a six-month internship at a Global Technology Innovation Hub. KAUST provides access to facilities like the Prototyping and Product Development Core Lab, robotics and embedded systems labs. Why it matters: The program aims to prepare students for roles in technology startups and established organizations within the rapidly growing Saudi innovation ecosystem.
KAUST's Saudi Summer Internship (SSI) program hosted 29 undergraduate students from Saudi universities this year, up from just 6 students five years ago. The students were assigned to CEMSE labs for 8-12 weeks, conducting research alongside KAUST faculty. At the end of the program, the students participated in a poster competition to present their work. Why it matters: This program fosters local talent in STEM fields and strengthens KAUST's ties with other Saudi universities.
Fudan University's Zhongyu Wei presented research on social simulation driven by LLMs, covering individual and large-scale social movement simulation. Wei directs the Data Intelligence and Social Computing Lab (Fudan DISC) and has published extensively on multimodal large models and social computing. His work includes the Volcano multimodal model, DISC-MedLLM, and ElectionSim. Why it matters: Using LLMs for social simulation could provide new tools for understanding and potentially predicting social dynamics in the Arab world.