Global-focused Khalifa University boosts Abu Dhabi's economic vision
Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research has grown into a competitive international institution with a deep repertoire of academic and research programmes. Founded in 2007 through an initiative of the Abu Dhabi government, Khalifa University steers clear of the run-of-the-mill educational approach.
Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research has grown into a competitive international institution with a deep repertoire of academic and research programmes. Founded in 2007 through an initiative of the Abu Dhabi government, Khalifa University steers clear of the run-of-the-mill educational approach.
"Our mandate is to provide the human capital development for the knowledge economy that Abu Dhabi is creating," says Dr Tod Laursen, president. To stay faithful to this mandate, Khalifa University has high admissions standards to ensure the best students are selected. The university designs courses to focus on entrepreneurship and to prepare graduates for the demands of the emirate's dynamic economy. It aims to be a major supplier of talent to support the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, a long-term diversification plan.
Khalifa University adopted an international mindset by bringing in faculty and ideas from Asia and Europe in addition to North America and the rest of the world. Looking beyond local competitiveness to create a strong global edge, the university offers an intensive research and development curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities.
A key advantage of Khalifa University is its research expertise, which is leveraged in partnerships with Asian institutions and industries. This research thrust, which is one of the university's main selling points, comprises the major areas of security, health care, energy, environment, aerospace and transport.
Khalifa University plans to establish more meaningful engagements with other Asian countries such as China and Singapore. Proof of the university's commitment to Asia is a team-up with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. The collaboration benefits Khalifa University's intellectual acumen and programme development.
Recognising how global thinking can advance goals, the university continues to extend its scope outside the UAE. "Settling for a good national or regional status is not enough for us," Laursen says. "We aim for an international standard."
