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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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