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.
KAUST has appointed Professor Sir Edward Byrne AC as its new President, effective September 1, 2024. Professor Byrne previously served as President and Principal of King’s College London and President of Monash University. He succeeds Professor Tony Chan, who enhanced KAUST's alignment with Vision 2030. Why it matters: The appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on its 'Accelerating Impact Strategy' and Vision 2030 goals, solidifying its role in Saudi Arabia's economic development.
KAUST has appointed Dr. Tony Chan, former president of HKUST and KAUST board member, as its new president, effective September 1, 2018. Chan's background is in computational mathematics with interests including image processing, computer vision, physical circuit design and computational brain mapping. He has been a close partner of KAUST since 2007 and a member of the KAUST Board of Trustees since 2011. Why it matters: Chan's leadership is expected to contribute to KAUST's role in achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and addressing global challenges.
KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau announced his retirement, effective at the end of August 2017, after more than 25 years in academic leadership positions. He will serve on the Presidential Search Committee to identify his successor. Chameau expressed pride in the KAUST community and its accomplishments. Why it matters: The transition marks a significant leadership change for KAUST as it continues to develop as a leading science and technology university in the region.
Dr. Tony Chan has assumed the role of President of KAUST on September 1st. He previously led the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for a decade. Prior to that, he had a distinguished career in computational mathematics and held leadership positions at the U.S. National Science Foundation and the University of California, Los Angeles. Why it matters: Chan's appointment signals KAUST's continued focus on advancing its global research agenda and contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
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 President Tony Chan will participate in a panel discussion titled 'Between East and West' on October 15. The panel will include Eng Chye Tan, President of the National University of Singapore, and Da Hsuan Feng, a theoretical physicist. The discussion will focus on challenges and opportunities in leading institutions in the 21st century, with a focus on the global higher education landscape. Why it matters: The event provides insights into KAUST's role in bridging Eastern and Western academic perspectives and its efforts to navigate the evolving global education landscape.
MBZUAI mourns the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The university offers condolences to the Royal family, the UAE government, and the people. The Ministry of Presidential Affairs declared 40 days of official mourning. Why it matters: This event marks a significant moment of transition and reflection for the UAE and its institutions.