AUS hosts national dialogues on the future of graduate education and research in the UAE

American University of Sharjah (AUS) brought together senior academic leaders, government officials and graduate students from across the UAE for a day dedicated to strengthening graduate education and advancing research excellence. Held in parallel on April 12, 2025, the Second Presidents/Chancellors Meeting and the 10th UAE Graduate Students Research Conference (GSRC 2025) transformed the AUS campus into a national platform for strategic dialogue and academic exchange. Together, these events reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to cultivating an advanced research ecosystem aligned with national priorities.

Held under the theme “Advancing Graduate Education in the UAE,” the Second Presidents/Chancellors Meeting convened senior leadership from universities across the country and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) to discuss pressing challenges and emerging opportunities shaping graduate education. Participating universities included AUS, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi University, Zayed University, The British University in Dubai, University of Wollongong in Dubai, New York University Abu Dhabi and University of Sharjah.

“Graduate education in the UAE is entering a critical phase—one that requires institutions to move beyond isolated initiatives and toward sustained collaboration,” said Dr. Laursen. “By working together, we can develop research ecosystems that are globally engaged, academically rigorous and deeply responsive to the needs of our society and economy.”

Discussions focused on five key areas outlined by MOHESR: aligning graduate programs with UAE Vision 2071, promoting interdisciplinary and applied research, advancing student development, expanding international collaboration and integrating artificial intelligence into higher education. Participants explored how universities must adapt to prepare graduates for a future shaped by digital transformation and evolving labor market demands.

It was noted that institutions should embrace innovation in curriculum design, faculty development and student assessment to better respond to AI’s growing influence in education and research. Leaders shared perspectives on graduate employability, the need for revised key performance indicators and the importance of stronger connections between academia and industry.

Among the proposals were the formation of a national committee to oversee graduate programs development, new funding models to support graduate research and the expansion of inter-university collaboration. The meeting concluded with a unified recommendation to develop a national ecosystem for graduate education—one supported by long-term government funding, consistent quality assurance and closer institutional partnerships.

Running alongside the leadership meeting, GSRC 2025 welcomed graduate students from 21 universities across the UAE to present their research and engage in academic dialogue. The conference received 846 submissions, with 670 papers accepted following a peer-review process conducted by faculty from participating institutions.

GSRC 2025 showcased the diversity and depth of graduate research across the UAE, with sessions covering fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, cybersecurity, health sciences, education and sustainability. Students participated in parallel presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions with academics, government officials and industry professionals. The event also provided prospective graduate students with a unique opportunity to explore the academic and research strengths of UAE institutions.

Reflecting on the impact of the event, Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, General Chair of GSRC 2025 and Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS, said:

“This tenth edition of GSRC reaffirms the strength and diversity of graduate research in the UAE. Our students are tackling real-world challenges through innovative thinking and interdisciplinary inquiry. GSRC offers them the platform, the visibility and the encouragement to keep pushing boundaries and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.”

AUS stands at the forefront of graduate education and research in the region, offering 18 master’s degrees and five PhD programs. The university’s research agenda addresses national priorities and global challenges, with recognized strengths in sustainability, artificial intelligence, health sciences and design. Graduate students are supported by internationally renowned faculty, advanced facilities and a research culture deeply committed to real-world impact. Through academic excellence and innovation, AUS continues to shape future leaders, researchers and change-makers.

To learn more about graduate programs at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/colleges-and-schools.
To explore AUS research, visit www.aus.edu/research.