Latest news with #Khuri
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.'
Observer
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
AUB President elected to the American Academy
BEIRUT: The sixteenth president of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and Cyprus, Dr Fadlo R Khuri, has been elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. This latest milestone recognises Dr Khuri's exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, as well as his steadfast leadership in the academic sphere during a decade plagued by overlapping crises, placing him among a select group of global leaders. As an honorary society and an independent research centre, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences convenes exceptional global leaders renowned for their excellence that span across disciplines, professions and perspectives. All of its members have impacted the lives of people and societies, leaving their mark in every field of human endeavour. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, the second President and first Vice President of the United States; American political and intellectual leader James Bowdoin; and American statesman John Hancock. Its first elected class included US Founding Father Benjamin Franklin and first US President George Washington. Dr 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.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
02-05-2025
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
AUB President Fadlo Khuri elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Chairman of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Board of Trustees Abdo G. Kadifa announced that on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, AUB president, was elected as a new fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the category of Educational and Academic Leadership. 'Dr. Khuri joins an esteemed group of leaders recognized for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of education, policy and leadership in the academic sphere,' Kadifa said. 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.' The American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1780 by, among others, John Adams, James Bowdoin, and John Hancock. Its first elected class included U.S. President George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. "This company is humbling," said Khuri. "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.' 'Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, the 16th president of the American University of Beirut, has been a transformative leader since assuming office in 2015. Under his guidance, AUB has navigated significant challenges, including economic crises, the Beirut explosion on Aug. 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," said Kadifa 'Since 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences has honored excellence and convened leaders from across disciplines and divides to examine new ideas, address issues of importance, and work together 'to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people,'' he continued. 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.'
Web Release
30-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Bridging Minds and Markets at AUB: Innovation and Research for a Sustainable Lebanon
The Research, Innovation, and Creativity Hub (RICH) within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB), organized its first ' Bridging Minds and Markets ' forum, to explore how academia can actively support Lebanon's industrial growth through innovation, research, and workforce development. Participants from AUB, from government, and from some of the country's leading industries discussed how universities could serve as reliable partners in creating homegrown solutions, transferring technology, and supporting local advancements. In his opening remarks, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, noted that, while distance remains between academia and industry, 'This conference is our call to move beyond scattered initiatives and toward more systemic changes and a formal infrastructure for collaboration and acceleration.' He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state, industry, and universities: 'The triple helix model of public, private, and academic has proven highly effective elsewhere. Lebanon must shape its own version, grounded in our context, but driven by shared ambition and a conviction that this will become a sustainable country that is fairer and more inclusive for all.' Remarking on Lebanon's long history of losing its most brilliant minds, Khuri said of young people today, 'While many are preparing to leave, questioning their role in Lebanon's future, if we can show them that education leads to employment, opportunity, and even leadership…more and more will choose to stay.' This point was picked up on by other speakers as well, who proposed close cooperation with the diaspora, which is ready to invest money and put its innovative know-how, contacts, and networks at the service of the country. The speakers agreed that during Lebanon's five-year socioeconomic crisis, industry was among the few, if not the only, sectors that avoided layoffs. Key sectors like agri-food, pharmaceutical, packaging production, and jewelry could benefit from collaboration with academia. Experts also highlighted biotech and artificial intelligence as emerging priorities. The discussion emphasized that most Lebanese industrial companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need protection and support. Participants noted that despite the companies' size, when it comes to industry, Lebanon should cater not only to its four million inhabitants but also to the entire Middle East, comprising at least half a billion consumers. Participants pointed out that the state also has an important role to play in encouraging industry, which has not been the case since the 1990s; highlighting that taxes and production costs remain very high, particularly with regard to electricity bills, waste management, and land acquisition. Speakers noted that since there is no industry without innovation, research is crucial, and it is in this context that academia could contribute. They stressed the importance of collaboration, and that the needs of local industries should be taken into consideration to develop a university curriculum that matches these needs and to create incubators on campuses. References were made to global examples such as Silicon Valley. One of the panelists speaking to this point was Dr. Carol Abi Karam, general manager of Pharmaline, who said, 'We are working in an innovation and research-driven sector, so we need to nurture and continuously improve our portfolio with innovative and advanced therapies. Here, we need the support—but the practical support—of universities in applied research projects, alongside publications. Publications are as important to the pharma industry as they are to universities,' she said. In another panel discussion, Minister of Industry Joe Issa el-Khoury said, 'To successfully transform research into commercially viable industrial solutions, three pillars must work together: ideas, people, and funding. Ideas emerge from local and international industries, startups, and individuals. Universities—starting from the early education system—play a critical role in preparing skilled talent to meet these industry needs. When strong academic ecosystems and innovative industries align, funding naturally follows.' The event featured additional speakers such as Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Dean Fares Dahdah; FAS Associate Dean Wissam Raji; Fady Abboud, CEO of General Packaging Industries; Walid Assaf, Chairman of SMLC; Michel Daher, CEO of Daher Food; Neemat Frem, CEO of Indevco; Fady Gemayel, Honorary Chairman of Gemeyal Freres SAL; Nada Sabra, UNIDO Liaison; Ziad Shammas, Head of the Executive Board of IRALEB; and Salim Zeeni, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists. The panels were moderated by Professors Houssam Rassi, Rabih Talhouk, and Tania Haddad.
National News
29-04-2025
- Business
- National News
Bridging Minds and Markets at AUB: Innovation and research for a sustainable Lebanon
NNA - The Research, Innovation, and Creativity Hub (RICH) within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Beirut (AUB), organized its first "Bridging Minds and Markets" forum, to explore how academia can actively support Lebanon's industrial growth through innovation, research, and workforce development. Participants from AUB, from government, and from some of the country's leading industries discussed how universities could serve as reliable partners in creating homegrown solutions, transferring technology, and supporting local advancements. In his opening remarks, Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, noted that, while distance remains between academia and industry, "This conference is our call to move beyond scattered initiatives and toward more systemic changes and a formal infrastructure for collaboration and acceleration." He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state, industry, and universities: "The triple helix model of public, private, and academic has proven highly effective elsewhere. Lebanon must shape its own version, grounded in our context, but driven by shared ambition and a conviction that this will become a sustainable country that is fairer and more inclusive for all." Remarking on Lebanon's long history of losing its most brilliant minds, Khuri said of young people today, "While many are preparing to leave, questioning their role in Lebanon's future, if we can show them that education leads to employment, opportunity, and even and more will choose to stay." This point was picked up on by other speakers as well, who proposed close cooperation with the diaspora, which is ready to invest money and put its innovative know-how, contacts, and networks at the service of the country. The speakers agreed that during Lebanon's five-year socioeconomic crisis, industry was among the few, if not the only, sectors that avoided layoffs. Key sectors like agri-food, pharmaceutical, packaging production, and jewelry could benefit from collaboration with academia. Experts also highlighted biotech and artificial intelligence as emerging priorities. The discussion emphasized that most Lebanese industrial companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need protection and support. Participants noted that despite the companies' size, when it comes to industry, Lebanon should cater not only to its four million inhabitants but also to the entire Middle East, comprising at least half a billion consumers. Participants pointed out that the state also has an important role to play in encouraging industry, which has not been the case since the 1990s; highlighting that taxes and production costs remain very high, particularly with regard to electricity bills, waste management, and land acquisition. Speakers noted that since there is no industry without innovation, research is crucial, and it is in this context that academia could contribute. They stressed the importance of collaboration, and that the needs of local industries should be taken into consideration to develop a university curriculum that matches these needs and to create incubators on campuses. References were made to global examples such as Silicon Valley. One of the panelists speaking to this point was Dr. Carol Abi Karam, general manager of Pharmaline, who said, "We are working in an innovation and research-driven sector, so we need to nurture and continuously improve our portfolio with innovative and advanced therapies. Here, we need the support—but the practical support—of universities in applied research projects, alongside publications. Publications are as important to the pharma industry as they are to universities," she said. In another panel discussion, Minister of Industry Joe Issa el-Khoury said, "To successfully transform research into commercially viable industrial solutions, three pillars must work together: ideas, people, and funding. Ideas emerge from local and international industries, startups, and individuals. Universities—starting from the early education system—play a critical role in preparing skilled talent to meet these industry needs. When strong academic ecosystems and innovative industries align, funding naturally follows." The event featured additional speakers such as Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Dean Fares Dahdah; FAS Associate Dean Wissam Raji; Fady Abboud, CEO of General Packaging Industries; Walid Assaf, Chairman of SMLC; Michel Daher, CEO of Daher Food; Neemat Frem, CEO of Indevco; Fady Gemayel, Honorary Chairman of Gemeyal Freres SAL; Nada Sabra, UNIDO Liaison; Ziad Shammas, Head of the Executive Board of IRALEB; and Salim Zeeni, President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists. The panels were moderated by Professors Houssam Rassi, Rabih Talhouk, and Tania Haddad. ---------------------
