KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley as the new Vice President for Research, effective April 7, 2019, replacing Dr. Jean Frechet. Dr. Bradley was previously the Dean for Science and Engineering at Oxford University and has held positions at Imperial College London, with extensive experience in research administration. He is a distinguished scientist with over 630 publications and more than twenty-five patent families. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to lead its research initiatives and maintain its position as a leading science and technology university in the region.
Fahad Alsherehey, VP at SABIC, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) about authentic leadership. He cited SABIC's founding as an example of how leadership can turn challenges into opportunities. Alsherehey emphasized the difference between leadership and management, advocating for listening to one's team. Why it matters: The talk highlights the importance of leadership and vision in driving technological and economic development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Donal Bradley, currently the dean for science and engineering at the University of Oxford, as its new vice president for research. Bradley, a fellow of the Royal Society, has over 630 publications and a Google Scholar h-index of 125. He previously served as VP for research at Imperial College London and brings experience in technology development, including co-founding Cambridge Display Technology Ltd. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to attracting top international talent to drive its research and development efforts in science and engineering.
MBZUAI has appointed Dr. Ling Shao as Executive Vice President and Provost to lead academic affairs and research. Dr. Shao is also the CEO and Chief Scientist of the Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI). MBZUAI is partnering with IIAI for PhD student supervision and curriculum development. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting top AI talent and establishing itself as a leading AI research institution in the region.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai as the Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The ATRC oversees technology research and strategy in Abu Dhabi. Why it matters: The appointment signifies continued investment in Abu Dhabi's advanced technology sector and AI ecosystem.
Dr. Kevin Cullen has been appointed as the new vice president of KAUST Innovation and Economic Development. He brings over 20 years of experience in academic innovation and business development, previously serving as CEO of Innovations at the University of New South Wales. Cullen aims to lead KAUST's intellectual property portfolio, support new businesses and collaborations with industry, and foster entrepreneurship. Why it matters: This appointment signals KAUST's continued commitment to strengthening its innovation ecosystem and translating research into real-world impact, driving economic development in Saudi Arabia.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau participated in a panel discussion on academic excellence at The 2015 Economist Higher Education Forum in Manhattan. He highlighted KAUST's design and role as a global science and technology university. The forum, which hosted leaders in higher education, included an online conversation using #HigherEdForum. Why it matters: While dated, the event underscores KAUST's ongoing efforts to engage with global thought leaders and promote its vision for graduate education, research, and entrepreneurship.
KAUST's Vice President for Research, Donal Bradley, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Bradley is recognized as a pioneer of soluble semiconductors and co-inventor of conjugated polymer electroluminescence. He co-founded multiple companies including Cambridge Display Technology Ltd. Why it matters: This recognition highlights KAUST's continued contributions to impactful research and innovation in advanced materials and engineering.