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The
sixth meeting of the International Advisory Board (IAB) of King
Abdulaziz University was held, November 13th at Bilkent University,
Ankara, Turkey.
The
meeting, which was chaired by KAU President, HE Prof Osama S. Tayyeb,
was attended by an assortment of prominent international experts known
for their achievements and contribution in various disciplines. In his
welcoming speech, Prof Tayyeb welcomed aboard Prof Michael Arthur,
Provost and President of University College London (UCL). Dr Abdullah
Atalara, Rector of Bilkent University, gave a speech in which he
highlighted the scientific activities and the impressive position
Bilkent University had attained in international university rankings
despite the fact that it is a private university and does not receive
government financial support . A presentation on the strategies and
projects recommended by members of the Board in its previous meeting was
also given by Prof Adnan Zahed, KAU Vice President for Graduate Studies
and Scientific Research.
He also pointed out that the meeting was a continuation of
the Board's fifth meeting held last May under title of "Towards
Excellence in Teaching and Learning", in which a number of issues
relating to improving KAU's teaching and learning output were discussed.
A number of recommendations were put forward at the end of the meeting.
The
Board was introduced four years back with the aim of enhancing the
University’s international status and presence through achievements,
particularly in the areas of research and innovation.
Its formation is within KAU's efforts to establish itself
as a world-class institution by drawing on the expertise, views and
advice of international academics, intellectuals and professionals who
have achieved distinction and prominence in higher education, science,
research and private enterprise.
It
also aims to help forge strategic alliances with community service
establishments, academic institutions and international industrial
firms, as well as setting up partnerships with international
universities and research centres.
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