Latest news with #TodLaursen
Sharjah 24
17 hours ago
- Science
- Sharjah 24
AUS celebrates 794 graduates at Spring 2025 Commencement
Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour and AUS Chancellor Dr Tod Laursen each delivered a commencement address, sharing messages of pride, perseverance and purpose. Sheikha Bodour said: 'Through determination and tenacity, our graduates leave AUS equipped with firstly academic credentials they can be proud of, but also with the courage to ask tough questions, the empathy to lead with care, and the vision to shape a world of progress and humanity. As they step into the uncertainty of the future, I have every confidence they will adapt, lead with purpose and compassion, and that their decisions will be anchored in highest values of AUS and of Sharjah.' Chancellor Laursen added: 'This graduating class reflects the very essence of our mission—empowering students with the academic strength, ethical grounding and global perspective needed to navigate and lead in a rapidly changing world. We are proud to see them leave AUS not just with degrees, but with the confidence, curiosity and resilience that will define their contribution to society.' Guest speaker Emi Mahmoud, a poet, activist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the graduating class with a powerful reflection on resilience and purpose. A Yale graduate, Mahmoud is internationally recognised for her spoken-word poetry and humanitarian work, using her platform to advocate for peace, education and climate justice. Her message to students highlighted the importance of applying their education and skills to drive meaningful change. In recognition of outstanding contributions to academia and research, AUS conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Dr. Manahel Thabet, honoring her exceptional achievements in the fields of economics and artificial intelligence. Dr Thabet is a distinguished economist, scientist and expert in quantum mathematics and financial engineering. She is a Guinness World Record holder for conducting the largest memory lesson and is recognised among the 30 smartest individuals alive by Super Scholar. Her global impact includes advising institutions on AI-driven economic strategies and earning accolades such as the Brain of the Year Award and the Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Scientific Development. She also serves as the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth in Science and Technology. Student voices were central to the ceremony. Graduate Kareem Mohmoud Hijazi spoke about overcoming self-doubt and building confidence through academic rigor and mentorship at AUS, while graduate Ahmed Ayman Ahmed emphasised the privilege of education amid global unrest and the responsibility to give back. Their reflections captured a collective spirit of resilience, ambition and gratitude. The ceremony also featured the announcement of the university's top student honors. For the first time in AUS' history, the President's Cup was awarded to four students for achieving the highest academic standing in their graduating class—Hussain Ali Sajwani (finance), Hamze Kassem Soueid (electrical engineering), Omar Khaled Farrag (computer engineering) and Yousef Belal Irshaid (computer engineering with a minor in data science). The Chancellor's Cup, awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic excellence, character and service, was presented to Fahad Mahmoud (management information systems with a minor in supply chain management), who graduated magna cum laude. 'AUS is where I made unforgettable memories with friends who became like family. We grew stronger through every challenge, fueled by discipline and support,' said graduate Sajwani. 'As we move forward, let's carry the lessons and moments that shaped us. Growth isn't about perfection, but the strength to move on and the wisdom gained along the way.' This commencement also marked a milestone for AUS, as it celebrated the first graduating cohorts of two master's programs: the Master of Arts in International Studies and the Master of Science in Machine Learning. The Class of Spring 2025 included 123 graduate students (master's and PhD) and 671 undergraduates. Among them were 447 female and 347 male graduates, including 184 UAE nationals. Graduates were distributed across the university's four colleges/school, with 126 from the College of Architecture, Art and Design; 149 from the College of Arts and Sciences; 208 from the School of Business Administration; and 311 from the College of Engineering. These graduates now join a growing global network of AUS alumni bearing the torch of the university's tradition of academic excellence, innovation and impact.
Sharjah 24
7 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SNOC launches energy, environment & innovation fund with AUS
With a pledge of 10 million AED over 10 years, SNOC will support impactful research, promote innovation and drive sustainable initiatives that address critical global challenges. This collaboration merges SNOC's industry expertise with AUS' academic excellence and global impact, creating a powerful synergy to develop solutions at the intersection of energy and environmental sustainability. "This contribution underscores SNOC's dedication towards investing in people and supporting education,' said Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of SNOC and AUS alumnus. 'By enabling research at AUS, we aim to drive innovation and ensure that talented individuals have the resources they need to excel. Our partnership with AUS is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our region and beyond through knowledge and collaboration." The SNOC Energy, Environment & Innovation Fund is dedicated to advancing groundbreaking research aimed at addressing critical challenges in energy, environmental sustainability and innovation. It also provides sponsorship for academic conferences and workshops, while establishing an endowment to ensure the fund's long-term sustainability. Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said: 'AUS has long been a hub for cutting-edge research in energy and sustainability. The launch of the SNOC Energy, Environment & Innovation Fund significantly strengthens our ability to scale that impact. This strategic partnership ensures that our faculty and students are empowered to pursue high-impact solutions—advancing knowledge, shaping policy and driving innovation that aligns with national and global priorities.' This landmark collaboration between SNOC and AUS marks a significant investment in the UAE's knowledge economy and the global sustainability agenda. By combining academic excellence with industry insight, the SNOC Energy, Environment & Innovation Fund will empower the next generation of researchers and innovators to tackle urgent environmental and energy challenges—reinforcing Sharjah's role as a leader in responsible development and future-focused partnerships.
TAG 91.1
02-05-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
American University of Sharjah to advance cloud-enabled research
American University of Sharjah (AUS) will transform its research environment and accelerate the adoption of advanced cloud technologies through a new collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Through this partnership, AWS will provide AUS with technical, infrastructural and strategic support, enabling the university to strengthen its digital foundation and expand cloud fluency across its community. Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, commented on the significance of the agreement: 'This agreement positions AUS at the forefront of cloud-powered research and academic innovation. By working closely with AWS, we are creating an ecosystem that enables our faculty and students to engage with the world's most advanced technologies and apply them to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This is a strategic investment in our academic mission, institutional capacity and regional impact.' A key component of the agreement is the establishment of a Cloud Center of Excellence at AUS. This center will lead efforts to promote cloud adoption, develop governance frameworks and guide digital transformation initiatives across the university. Through targeted activities — including training programs, best-practice frameworks and knowledge-sharing platforms — the center will help expand internal AWS expertise and align cloud initiatives with the university's long-term strategic goals. AWS will also provide AUS with access to its technical experts and solutions architects, offering ongoing support to help design and optimize cloud environments that serve the university's research and academic needs. The collaboration includes AWS Immersion Days focused on AWS solutions related to research workflow enhancement, data analytics, cost optimization and cloud security. AWS-certified speakers will further engage with AUS through participation in on-campus research events. These events will highlight case studies, best practices and explore the practical application of cloud technologies in research, helping AUS scholars connect innovation with real-world impact.
Sharjah 24
01-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
AUS, AWS collaborate to advance cloud-enabled research
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, commented on the significance of the agreement: 'This agreement positions AUS at the forefront of cloud-powered research and academic innovation. By working closely with AWS, we are creating an ecosystem that enables our faculty and students to engage with the world's most advanced technologies and apply them to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This is a strategic investment in our academic mission, institutional capacity and regional impact.' In parallel, the agreement establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence at AUS. This center will lead efforts to promote cloud adoption, develop governance frameworks and guide digital transformation initiatives across the university. Through targeted activities—including training programs, best-practice frameworks and knowledge-sharing platforms—the center will help expand internal AWS expertise and align cloud initiatives with the university's long-term strategic goals. AWS will also provide AUS with access to its technical experts and solutions architects, offering ongoing support to help design and optimize cloud environments that serve the university's research and academic needs. The collaboration includes AWS Immersion Days focused on AWS solutions related to research workflow enhancement, data analytics, cost optimization and cloud security. AWS-certified speakers will further engage with AUS through participation in on-campus research events. These events will highlight case studies, best practices and explore the practical application of cloud technologies in research, helping AUS scholars connect innovation with real-world impact. Dr. Steve Griffiths, Professor and Vice Chancellor for Research at AUS, added: 'This collaboration is foundational to the new research strategy being implemented at AUS. By integrating AWS cloud infrastructure into our research ecosystem, we are enabling our researchers to operate with greater agility, efficiency and security. It opens up new possibilities for how we evolve the research agenda at AUS.' The AUS–AWS collaboration reflects a shared vision for empowering higher education through cloud technology and advancing research, innovation and institutional excellence in the digital era. To learn more about AUS and its strategic initiatives, visit
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AUS and Amazon Web Services collaborate to advance cloud-enabled research
Agreement includes immersive AWS training, expert support and a new Cloud Center of Excellence Collaboration aligns with AUS' digital transformation strategy and commitment to research, innovation and academic excellence Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah (AUS) is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to transform the university's research environment and accelerate the adoption of advanced cloud technologies across the university. Through this collaboration, AWS will provide AUS with technical, infrastructural and strategic support, enabling the university to strengthen its digital foundation and expand cloud fluency across its community. Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, commented on the significance of the agreement: 'This agreement positions AUS at the forefront of cloud-powered research and academic innovation. By working closely with AWS, we are creating an ecosystem that enables our faculty and students to engage with the world's most advanced technologies and apply them to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This is a strategic investment in our academic mission, institutional capacity and regional impact.' In parallel, the agreement establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence at AUS. This center will lead efforts to promote cloud adoption, develop governance frameworks and guide digital transformation initiatives across the university. Through targeted activities—including training programs, best-practice frameworks and knowledge-sharing platforms—the center will help expand internal AWS expertise and align cloud initiatives with the university's long-term strategic goals. AWS will also provide AUS with access to its technical experts and solutions architects, offering ongoing support to help design and optimize cloud environments that serve the university's research and academic needs. The collaboration includes AWS Immersion Days focused on AWS solutions related to research workflow enhancement, data analytics, cost optimization and cloud security. AWS-certified speakers will further engage with AUS through participation in on-campus research events. These events will highlight case studies, best practices and explore the practical application of cloud technologies in research, helping AUS scholars connect innovation with real-world impact. Dr. Steve Griffiths, Professor and Vice Chancellor for Research at AUS, added: 'This collaboration is foundational to the new research strategy being implemented at AUS. By integrating AWS cloud infrastructure into our research ecosystem, we are enabling our researchers to operate with greater agility, efficiency and security. It opens up new possibilities for how we evolve the research agenda at AUS.' The AUS–AWS collaboration reflects a shared vision for empowering higher education through cloud technology and advancing research, innovation and institutional excellence in the digital era. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
