Latest news with #FadloKhuri
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Science
- Zawya
AUB announces plans for School of Computing and Data Sciences
Beirut: The American University of Beirut (AUB) held a project launch event on May 29, 2025, to announce the forthcoming establishment of a School of Computing and Data Sciences (SCDS) at the university. The event was held as part of the annual meetings of the AUB Board of Trustees, in the presence of upper administration, faculty and researchers, partners, distinguished guests, and media representatives. 'The School of Computing and Data Sciences will be our answer—not a reaction, but a deliberate next step in a shared vision that emphasizes the need to remain agile and forward-thinking as we navigate the rapidly changing global landscape. A keystone of the VITAL 2030 strategic plan,' said AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri. 'It is envisioned to welcome and nurture students who will learn to ask deep and impactful questions, to model the world with courage and humility, and to imagine and shape futures where technology is not an escape from complexity, but a deep engagement with it.' The establishment of a School of Computing and Data Sciences was approved through a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees in June 2024, and will offer bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. The school aspires to further advance AUB's excellence in teaching and learning, research and innovation, medical care, and institutional effectiveness, thereby leveraging its legacy to transform societies through knowledge and service, and uphold its mission as the premier higher education institution in the region and beyond. The school will embrace a systems view of artificial intelligence, and the role of data of all scales and across diverse disciplines—from health and medical sciences to Arabic language and the environment. It shall house a world-class interdisciplinary faculty body covering the full spectrum of expertise from theory and fundamentals to tools and applications, aiming to cultivate a generation of wise leaders, thinkers, designers, and builders. As someone who has worked in Silicon Valley for 43 years, AUB Board of Trustees Chair Abdo Kadifa spoke about how artificial intelligence is going to transform the world, and said: 'We felt at AUB that we have to drive and innovate and be the leader in this field. Not just not in this region, but on a global level. We intend to amass the expertise, the capabilities, the computing talent, as well as researchers in a variety of fields to deliver a new way for artificial intelligence to prosper, and to deliver prosperity for us here in the region.' Chair Kadifa also noted that the university and its board are fully committed to finding the resources 'to make this work,' including a target of raising $100 million, which highlights their belief in the strategic importance of establishing this new school. Expected to launch in September 2026, the School of Computing and Data Sciences will be part observatory, part educational and experiential, and part computational powerhouse with machines trained on data streams—from the subatomic to the astronomical—and capable of analyzing phenomena as complex as epidemics over networked societies. 'Lebanon and the region are in dire need of solutions that cut across disciplines and sectors,' said Khuri. 'Whether it's mitigating water scarcity, addressing health disparities, or understanding the shifting dynamics of migration and labor, we need the kind of insight that computing and data science can provide … May this school become a new observatory for our age. May it turn its lens to the complex patterns of society, the data hidden in plain sight, and the frontiers of knowledge that still lie ahead.' The event included a presentation by AUB Provost Dr. Zaher Dawy and Dr. Jihad Touma, the school's founding director, as well as a team of AUB researchers who presented on a pioneering experiment to develop 'large percussion models.' A reception followed to conclude the project launching event. For more information please contact: Simon Kachar, PhD Executive Director of Communications Lecturer – Political Studies and Public Administration Department Founding Director – Good Governance and Citizenship Observatory Fellow – Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs Member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Research, Innovation, and Creativity Hub sk158@ About AUB Founded in 1866, the American University of Beirut bases its educational philosophy, standards, and practices on the American liberal arts model of higher education. A teaching-centered research university, AUB has more than 790 full-time faculty members and a student body of over 9000 students. AUB currently offers more than 140 programs leading to bachelor's, master's, MD, and PhD degrees. It provides medical education and training to students from throughout the region at its Medical Center that includes a full-service 365-bed hospital. Stay up to date on AUB news and events. | Facebook | X
Web Release
13 hours ago
- Science
- Web Release
AUB Announces Plans for School of Computing and Data Sciences
The American University of Beirut (AUB) held a project launch event on May 29, 2025, to announce the forthcoming establishment of a School of Computing and Data Sciences (SCDS) at the university. The event was held as part of the annual meetings of the AUB Board of Trustees, in the presence of upper administration, faculty and researchers, partners, distinguished guests, and media representatives. 'The School of Computing and Data Sciences will be our answer—not a reaction, but a deliberate next step in a shared vision that emphasizes the need to remain agile and forward-thinking as we navigate the rapidly changing global landscape. A keystone of the VITAL 2030 strategic plan,' said AUB President Dr. Fadlo Khuri. 'It is envisioned to welcome and nurture students who will learn to ask deep and impactful questions, to model the world with courage and humility, and to imagine and shape futures where technology is not an escape from complexity, but a deep engagement with it.' The establishment of a School of Computing and Data Sciences was approved through a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees in June 2024, and will offer bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. The school aspires to further advance AUB's excellence in teaching and learning, research and innovation, medical care, and institutional effectiveness, thereby leveraging its legacy to transform societies through knowledge and service, and uphold its mission as the premier higher education institution in the region and beyond. The school will embrace a systems view of artificial intelligence, and the role of data of all scales and across diverse disciplines—from health and medical sciences to Arabic language and the environment. It shall house a world-class interdisciplinary faculty body covering the full spectrum of expertise from theory and fundamentals to tools and applications, aiming to cultivate a generation of wise leaders, thinkers, designers, and builders. As someone who has worked in Silicon Valley for 43 years, AUB Board of Trustees Chair Abdo Kadifa spoke about how artificial intelligence is going to transform the world, and said: 'We felt at AUB that we have to drive and innovate and be the leader in this field. Not just not in this region, but on a global level. We intend to amass the expertise, the capabilities, the computing talent, as well as researchers in a variety of fields to deliver a new way for artificial intelligence to prosper, and to deliver prosperity for us here in the region.' Chair Kadifa also noted that the university and its board are fully committed to finding the resources 'to make this work,' including a target of raising $100 million, which highlights their belief in the strategic importance of establishing this new school. Expected to launch in September 2026, the School of Computing and Data Sciences will be part observatory, part educational and experiential, and part computational powerhouse with machines trained on data streams—from the subatomic to the astronomical—and capable of analyzing phenomena as complex as epidemics over networked societies. 'Lebanon and the region are in dire need of solutions that cut across disciplines and sectors,' said Khuri. 'Whether it's mitigating water scarcity, addressing health disparities, or understanding the shifting dynamics of migration and labor, we need the kind of insight that computing and data science can provide … May this school become a new observatory for our age. May it turn its lens to the complex patterns of society, the data hidden in plain sight, and the frontiers of knowledge that still lie ahead.' The event included a presentation by AUB Provost Dr. Zaher Dawy and Dr. Jihad Touma, the school's founding director, as well as a team of AUB researchers who presented on a pioneering experiment to develop 'large percussion models.' A reception followed to conclude the project launching event.
Al Bawaba
20 hours ago
- General
- Al Bawaba
1,396 Undergraduates Receive Their Degrees at AUB's 156th Commencement Ceremony
The American University of Beirut (AUB) celebrated the second day of its 156th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 31, 2025, conferring undergraduate degrees to 1,396 students. The ceremony honored the perseverance, spirit, and achievements of the Class of 2025 and featured speeches by AUB President Fadlo Khuri; influential figure in the global climate movement and AUB honorary doctorate degree recipient Christiana Figueres; and student speaker Yasmine El a speech titled Forever Young that blended celebration with a powerful call to live with purpose and conviction, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, AUB president, urged the graduates to carry forward the university's enduring values: to uplift, to empower, to enlighten, and to described the AUB experience as 'a high-speed Formula 1 race—intense, imperfect, yet completed with courage and skill,' telling the graduates: 'you worked alongside some of the brightest minds of your generation—like a perfectly synchronized pit crew.' He continued, 'Tonight, before you take your next step, pause. Take a moment to look around—at each other, at this historic campus, at those who helped you get here: your families, your professors, your friends. And reflect on what it means to graduate from AUB—not just with a degree, but with skills, tools, values, and purpose.''May you carry forward with clarity and purpose. May you hold tightly to the truth and the light, even when darkness creeps in. May you face the world with courage and use your strength to lift others as you rise. May your lives be rich in meaning and in joy. And through all the changes you encounter, may you stay forever young,' Khuri said in closing, referencing Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young' and linking it to AUB's hopes for its speaker Yasmine El Berjawi was introduced by President Khuri as 'a remarkable example of leadership, determination, and service.' A double major in political studies and public administration with a triple minor, El Berjawi maintained academic excellence while actively contributing to campus life and civil society. Her work has reflected a deep commitment to human rights, civic engagement, and public service—both within AUB and a deeply moving address, El Berjawi recounted her journey to and through AUB, reflecting on resilience in the face of crisis and the courage to hold on to one's the moment she and her father fled the scene of the August 4, 2020 Beirut port explosion, she said, 'I vividly recall grabbing one thing as we fled our car: that heavy SAT prep book. At the time, I didn't know exactly why. Maybe I hoped it would shield me, or maybe it symbolized the dreams and future I refused to let go of.'El Berjawi then spoke about the sense of belonging she found on campus. 'I found a community—a group of believers who acted when others hesitated. Believers who answered the call when my sister and I launched an emergency relief to help displaced families during the war.'She added, 'AUB taught us to act—to transform ideas into realities. This past year has been uniquely challenging for each of us, yet it's up to us to reshape the narrative we've inherited from war and hardship. Throughout our journey, we've proven what it truly means to be pioneers of change, showing up every day to support our communities.'She concluded with a call to carry their courage forward: 'As we step beyond these gates, let's carry forward the courage it took to begin this journey—the courage symbolized by holding tightly on to our dreams. Class of 2025, the world awaits—and it's ours to shape. What dreams will 'you' hold on to?'Keynote speaker Christiana Figueres, author, diplomat, architect of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, and one of this year's honorary degree recipients, delivered an emotional and empowering message to the Class of 2025.'You didn't just earn a degree here. You became part of something enduring: the heartbeat of the American University of Beirut,' Figueres said. She acknowledged the trials the students had faced: 'You've grown up not just during college, but during crisis—and you kept going. That is no small thing.''In a world tempted to call young people aimless, you proved otherwise. You are not just survivors. You are creators. You turned uncertainty into learning, scarcity into ingenuity, frustration into fuel,' she to the future, she urged: 'From this hill, look courageously toward the horizon. And don't just follow the light—Be the light.' The ceremony was filled with music and celebration, featuring performances by the AUB Choir and the AUB Classical Music Club. Graduates gathered with loved ones, marking the moment with pride and purpose, ready to take their next steps as AUB alumni.
Daily News Egypt
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
AUB President Fadlo Khuri joins American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Fadlo Khuri, the sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Khuri was elected in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership, a recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education and his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere, particularly during a decade marked by overlapping crises. This places him among a select group of global leaders. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and an independent research centre, convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence across disciplines, professions, and perspectives. Its members are recognised for impacting lives and societies in various fields of human endeavour. Founded in 1780 by figures including John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock, the Academy's first elected class included US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first US President George Washington. In response to the news, Khuri remarked, 'I am particularly proud to have been nominated by Board Chair Emeritus Philip S. Khoury for work we have all done together over the last decade at AUB.' He added, 'Being selected among a constellation of global leaders and pioneers is truly humbling. And my mother will no doubt be thrilled that I was elected in the same class as Gloria Steinem, one of her heroes and one of feminism's greatest champions.' Abdo G. Kadifa, Chairperson of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees, commented on the announcement, stating, 'Since assuming office in 2015, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri has been a transformative leader. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while achieving remarkable milestones such as the reintroduction of academic tenure, the establishment of AUB Online, and the launch of AUB Mediterraneo, the university's first twin campus outside Lebanon. Dr. Khuri's leadership has also been instrumental in enhancing AUB's global reputation, reflected in its dramatic rise in international rankings.' He concluded, 'Dr. Khuri's election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative leadership, and the betterment of society through education and research.' American Academy of Arts and Sciences President Laurie L. Patton commented on the academy's newest class: 'These new members' accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.' She added, 'We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.'
Web Release
24-05-2025
- General
- Web Release
Qatar Scholarship – Education Above All Program at AUB Graduation and Closing Ceremony
The American University of Beirut (AUB) cordially invites media representatives to attend the graduation and closing ceremony of the Qatar Scholarship – Education Above All (EAA) Program, celebrating the achievements of our graduating scholars and marking the conclusion of this impactful program. The ceremony will be attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani, representatives from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Education Above All Foundation, as well as Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, and members of the AUB administration, faculty, students, and their families. The Qatar Scholarship – Education Above All Program, in collaboration with the Education Above All foundation and support from the Qatar Fund for Development, offers scholarships to 316 Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian students in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, providing access to quality education, student support services, and civic engagement opportunities as well as extramural events.? Event details: Date: May 26, 2025 Time: 07:00 p.m. Location: Issam Fares Lecture Hall, Saab Medical Library Plaza, facing AUBMC
