The United Nations has appointed Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, to its new High-Level AI Advisory Body. This body, composed of 39 global experts, is tasked with supporting international efforts to govern artificial intelligence and bridge AI divides. Its mandate includes fostering collaboration on AI development and ensuring its responsible use worldwide. Why it matters: This appointment underscores the UAE's increasing influence in global AI governance and its commitment to shaping international AI frameworks and standards.
Professor Peter Goadsby, a neurologist and neuroscientist, has been appointed as Senior Associate to the President and Founding Dean of KAUST's new Division of Biomedical Sciences. He will lead the establishment of the university's fourth academic division, focusing on Biomedical Sciences, and advance the neuroscience department. Goadsby's research identified CGRP as a central driver of migraine, leading to new medicines and earning him the 2021 Brain Prize. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens KAUST's and Saudi Arabia's capacity to translate research into healthcare solutions and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals in health innovation.
Jürgen Schmidhuber has been appointed as the Director of the KAUST AI Initiative. Schmidhuber is known for his contributions to deep learning and artificial neural networks, and co-founded the company NNAISENSE. At KAUST, he will focus on faculty recruitment, educational programs, and collaboration with public and private sectors. Why it matters: The appointment of a leading AI researcher signals KAUST and Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing AI research and its application to key national projects.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has appointed Professor Dr. Eric Xing as its new president, succeeding Interim President Professor Sir Michael Brady. Dr. Xing joins from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was Associate Department Head of Research at the Machine Learning Department. He is a globally recognized AI academic and will lead MBZUAI in developing AI and AI solutions as the first graduate student cohort commences studies. Why it matters: This appointment signals MBZUAI's commitment to attracting top global talent and advancing its mission as a leading AI research institution in the UAE.
Michael I. Jordan, a UC Berkeley Distinguished Professor and influential figure in machine learning and AI, has been appointed laureate professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). He will also serve as honorary director of MBZUAI's new Laureate Faculty Program. The program aims to attract leading researchers to MBZUAI by providing resources and minimizing administrative burdens. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's reputation and enhances the UAE's AI ecosystem by bringing in a world-renowned AI expert to foster research and innovation.
Michael I. Jordan, a renowned AI researcher from UC Berkeley, has joined Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) as a laureate professor and honorary director of the Laureate Faculty Program. MBZUAI President Eric Xing highlighted Jordan's significant influence in machine learning, noting his role as a mentor. Jordan aims to guide AI researchers and advise the university as it seeks to become a global leader in AI. Why it matters: This appointment strengthens MBZUAI's position as a prominent AI research institution in the Middle East by attracting top-tier international talent and fostering a conducive environment for cutting-edge research.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has appointed Dr. Leandro Aolita as Acting Chief Researcher of the Quantum Research Center (QRC) and Dr. Frederico Brito as Acting Director of the Quantum Computing Hardware Laboratories. Dr. José Ignacio Latorre will remain an external advisor for QRC while Dr. Brito maintains his professorship at the University of Sao Paulo. These appointments come as the UN declares 2025 the Year of Quantum Technology and Science. Why it matters: The leadership changes at TII's quantum research center signal continued investment in quantum technologies within the UAE and the broader region.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has appointed Dr. Hakim Hacid as Chief Researcher of its AI and Digital Science Research Center (AIDRC), the home of the Falcon LLM series. Dr. Hacid previously served as Executive Director and Acting Chief Researcher at TII, after joining in 2022 from Zayed University. He brings expertise in AI, ML, data science, and information retrieval, with prior experience at Bell Labs and Macquarie University. Why it matters: The appointment strengthens TII's leadership in AI research and development, particularly for the Falcon series of open-source LLMs that have gained global recognition.