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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2019, /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's

first graduate-level, research-based artificial intelligence (AI) university,

has appointed two leading experts in AI, education and technology, to its

leadership team.

Dr. Ling Shao has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Provost of

MBZUAI. He will lead MBZUAI's academic affairs and research, ensuring the

University delivers world-class higher education and research in the field of

AI. In addition to his role at the University, Dr. Shao serves as CEO and Chief

Scientist of the Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI), an Abu

Dhabi-based international research organization that is partnered with MBZUAI

to supervise PhD students, curriculum development, and research collaboration.

MBZUAI has also appointed Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf as Executive Vice President for

Outreach and Engagement. Dr. Al Yousuf, a highly accomplished Emirati expert,

will oversee the University's external partnership mission, including outreach

with the broader community, government agencies, and industrial partners. She

will support the development and implementation of AI research initiatives, as

well as develop, oversee, and provide AI advisory and consultancy services to

public and private sector organizations, including government agencies, large

businesses, small and medium enterprises, and AI startups.  

Speaking on the leadership appointments, Professor Sir Michael Brady, Interim

President of MBZUAI, said: "Our vision from the very beginning was to develop a

world-class higher education institution that will set new standards in the

field of AI. With Dr. Shao and Dr. Al Yousuf on board we have further

strengthened our leadership team, which will steer our University towards

becoming a global leader in our field, delivering the best possible AI

education to students, and serving as a prominent partner for research."

Dr. Shao said: "As the first establishment of its kind to focus solely on AI

education and research, MBZUAI will play an important role in the future of our

societies. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to guide the next

generation of AI leaders."

Dr. Al Yousuf said: "It is an honor to have the opportunity to further

contribute to the UAE's scientific and technology sector through the Mohamed

bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. I look forward to leveraging

the capabilities of the University while working with public and private sector

entities within the UAE and across the world to find new solutions that will

propel global society into an AI-empowered era."

With the first academic year scheduled to start in January 2021, the University

is in the process of vetting thousands of applications from more than 80

countries. The University Admissions Office will begin to send acceptance

letters soon.  

MBZUAI will offer Master of Science (MSc) and PhD level programs to graduate

students from across the world, while also engaging policymakers and businesses

globally so that AI is harnessed as a force for positive transformation.

The University will provide all admitted students with a full scholarship, plus

benefits such as a monthly allowance, health insurance, and accommodation.

MBZUAI will work with leading local and global companies to secure internships

and will also assist students in finding employment.

About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)

MBZUAI is the world's first graduate-level, research-based artificial

intelligence (AI) university. Launched in October 2019 and located in Masdar

City, Abu Dhabi, the University aims to empower students, businesses and

governments to advance artificial intelligence as a global force for positive

progress. For more information, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1167030/Dr_Behjat_Al_Yousuf.jpg  

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1167031/Dr_Ling_Shao.jpg

SOURCE: MBZUAI