Professor Ahmad, tell us about yourself.
– My scientific career began at the University of Bradford as an assistant professor, then I worked at York, Leeds, and Middlesex universities in the UK and as a Chancellor at the University of Abu Dhabi (UAE). I also served as Head of the Department of Science in the Prime Minister’s Office, which at the time was the largest government department in the UK. I have also been a visiting professor at University College London and am currently an honorary professor at the London School of Economics and the University of York. I have been a member of the UK Economic and Social Research Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the National Health Service.
You headed the University of Abu Dhabi for almost 6 years, which became one of the best research universities according to the Times Higher Education ranking. Tell us a little about your role in achieving this success.
– This is the success of the entire university community – teachers, students, staff and partners. Abu Dhabi University is also a young university, which was founded in 2003. We have strived to improve quality in all educational aspects. Outstanding results in the Times Higher Education rankings reflect a lot of hard work, especially in research. We had a clear strategy that included appropriate management and resources, specific requirements for faculty recruitment, development, evaluation and promotion, investment in faculty and staff talent development, and an uncompromising commitment to comprehensive excellence.
What challenges do you think UK higher education is currently facing?
“The UK higher education sector faces challenges of a level that could cause serious damage to both academic excellence and the reputation of education. For a long time, the level of state funding for student education did not rise, while the inflation rate increased. This inevitably affects the quality of education. In addition, the requirement to deny students the right to remain in the UK for two years after graduation has had a significant impact on the ability to attract international students. As a result, the higher education sector faces unprecedented financial challenges, with around three-quarters of universities expecting a budget deficit this year. The winners were universities in the USA, Australia and other countries.
Why did you choose Kazakhstan? And why NU?
– While still the Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, I had the opportunity to recruit scientists from NU and was impressed by the reputation, ambition, results and quality of their research, as well as the commitment to academic freedom of this young university. I decided to apply for this position because I believe that my inclusive leadership style will help NU become a globally competitive, research-intensive university. The university’s commitment to supporting the development of the country and region, including contributions to higher education and health, also coincides with my own aspiration – it was this desire to reform public services that brought me to this university.
I had a certain idea about Kazakhstan and neighbouring countries. Kazakhstan is a strategic country adjacent to powerful neighbors, while forming its independent policy in the field of social development, economic prosperity and international relations, serving as an example for other Central Asian countries. The country’s leadership recognized the critical importance of independent, world-class, research-intensive academic institutions to the country’s and region’s prosperity and respect on the world stage, which is precisely why NU came into being.
NU must not just be the best in Central Asia but strive to become one of the best throughout the world to stimulate improvement in the quality of higher education throughout the region and make a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan.
I am committed to working fruitfully with the university community and stakeholders to realize the country’s vision for the university.
The material was originally published on TengriNews.
