The King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) organized the groundbreaking International Advisory Board (IAB) in March 2007. The IAB is a very prestigious panel, of senior academic and corporate leaders, which is certainly one of the first and foremost groups of its kind in the region. The IAB is part of KFUPM’s long tradition of bringing a truly international perspective to higher education and research in Saudi Arabia.
The IAB is supporting the University in a variety of ways. To start with, for several years before the IAB came into being there had been a concerted effort on the part of KFUPM to improve the research and educational linkages between the University and important technological companies and academic institutions from all over the globe. That effort continues. In that the IAB membership was selected from world-class organizations, the IAB furthers that long-standing objective.
Therefore, the IAB fills very important advisory functions concerning the University’s internal planning, and its outreach to its peer institutions for new innovations and developments in research and curriculum, academic administration, and providing service to the community.
The IAB features leading experts currently or formerly affiliated with some of the most successful and respected companies and universities. These include British Petroleum, Chevron Corporation, General Electric, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, KFUPM, Kyoto University, Purdue University, National University of Singapore, SABIC, Saudi Aramco, Schlumberger, Stanford University, Purdue University, University of Chicago, and The Smithsonian Institution.
These individual are well versed in the subject areas relevant to the principal specific IAB objectives. As remarkable as the list of organizations represented is, it is even more impressive to consider the background of the individual members.
Secretary General, International Advisory Board
The International Advisory Board (IAB) of King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) provides KFUPM senior management with a global perspective on trends and issues that may affect the University. Since its founding in 2007, the IAB membership has included renowned academicians and some of the most influential local and international corporate figures. Dr. Charles Elachi, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Planetary Science of California Institute of Technology continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. The inaugural meeting was held in March of 2007 and the Board has adopted a biannual meetings schedule, holding meetings both in Saudi Arabia and abroad.
IAB members have considered a wide variety of topics relating to the University and have been very effective in providing guidance on the University’s academic programs, research activities, faculty recruitment, and others. The IAB also has provided guidance for development of action plans and specific strategies on key educational and research areas of national interest.
The University has benefited from continuity of the membership because follow-ups to topics considered are generally achieved over extended periods of time and thus discussions transcend from one meeting to the next. Occasionally, however, members have to leave their posts on the IAB due to other professional commitments. This year, for example, four members will be leaving the IAB. New appointments of well qualified individuals have been made to fill those positions and continue representation from industry and academe. On behalf of the KFUPM community, I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the outgoing members for their valuable contributions, and welcome the new members on the Board.
These individual are well versed in the subject areas relevant to the principal specific IAB objectives. As remarkable as the list of organizations represented is, it is even more impressive to consider the background of the individual members.
President, KFUPM