Summit Program
Program Overview
Theme: The Importance of Interdisciplinary Education and Research in Solving Today's and Future Complex Problems
Purpose: This summit aims to provide a platform for comprehensive exploration of interdisciplinary education and research through diverse perspectives from academia, industry, and government.
Format: Panels, workshops, and capstone Projects Exhibition
Date: Wednesday May 7th, 2025
Location: Zayed University, AUH Convention Center
I. Opening Session |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8:00 - 9:15 AM: Registration and Coffee |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:15 - 9:30 AM: Welcome and Opening RemarksModerator: Abdulla Alrumaithi (UG Student, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University) Opening Remarks: Speaker: Catherine Nickerson, Provost of Zayed University Keynote Speaker: Speaker: Paul Hopkinson, Dean of College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University Topic: The Need for Interdisciplinary Education in Addressing Global Challenges |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
II. Panel Sessions |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Four thematic panels scheduled as follows: Venue: Main Auditorium, Convention Center, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Panel 1: "Breaking Silos: The Power of Interdisciplinary Education" Time: 9:30 - 10:15 AM Panel Description: This panel moderated by the student-led program ZU Spotlight will explore how interdisciplinary education fosters innovation and prepares students to tackle complex global issues. The Panel will explore the importance of breaking down traditional academic and professional silos to foster collaboration across disciplines. Moderators: ZU Spotlight | Student-led Program:
Panelists:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:15 - 10:30 AM: Q& A with short Break to prepare for next panel |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Panel 2: "The Role of Interdisciplinary Research in Innovation" Time: 10:30 - 11:15 AM Panel Description: This panel will discuss successful models and case studies of collaborative research that have led to significant advancements. Panelists will discuss how interdisciplinary research drives innovation and addresses complex global challenges. Moderators: :
Panelists:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:15 - 11:30 AM: Q& A with short Break to prepare for next panel |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Panel 3: Interdisciplinary Innovations: The Impact of AI, Sustainability, and Global Economic Transformation on UAE Knowledge Economy Time: 11:30 - 12:15 PM Panel Description: This panel examines how interdisciplinary approaches drive UAE’s Vision 2031 through sustainable development and economic innovation. Experts will explore the intersection of AI, business transformation, societal changes, and ethical considerations in building a resilient knowledge economy. This panel will also explore the ethical implications and societal impacts of AI through an interdisciplinary lens. Moderator:
Panelists:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:15 - 12:30 PM: Q& A with short Break to prepare for next panel |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Panel 4: Building Tomorrow Now: Integrating Interdisciplinary Skills and Community Perspectives for the Future of Work and Education Time: 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Panel Description: This panel will discuss the skills needed for the future workforce and the role of interdisciplinary education in cultivating these skills. This panel embarks on the viewpoints of various stakeholders for the importance of interdisciplinary education and identifies the critical interdisciplinary skills shaping the future job market. The panelists will share their look ahead on: Can interdisciplinary approaches address current and future global challenges. Panellist: Shadi Mousa – Organisation (General Directorate of Identity and Foreign Affairs, Dubai, Emirates Academy for Identity & Citizenship). Moderators:
Panelists
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:15 - 1:30 PM: Q& A and Concluding Remarks |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:30 - 2:30 PM: Lunch Break |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
III. The CIS Capstone Projects Exhibition – Whole Day |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
10 AM – 1:30 PM Venue: Liwa Arena, Convention Center, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus Theme: Bridging Disciplines, Solving Challenges, Shaping the Future Facilitators: Mohammad Alalaween, Vasilia AlKhaldi, and Abdulmonem Fetyan Description: The Interdisciplinary Capstone Exhibition is a culminating event showcasing the innovative and impactful 35 projects developed by senior students at Zayed University College of Interdisciplinary Studies. These projects demonstrate the ability of students to apply interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to real-world challenges by integrating research, design and hands-on development. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with interactive prototypes, witness live demonstrations, and gain insights into how interdisciplinary collaboration is reshaping the technological landscape. Key Features of the Exhibition
Awards for Top Projects To recognize excellence, three awards will be presented to the top projects: The Capstone Exhibition is a platform for innovation, problem-solving and professional development, preparing students for future careers or entrepreneurial endeavours. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IV. High School Workshops |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
V. 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Venue: Gatoof rooms, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus Theme: Design Your Future with AI and Interdisciplinary Thinking Moderator: Afshan Parkar (Faculty Instructor, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University) Description: This interactive workshop invites high school students to explore how interdisciplinary approaches, combined with AI tools, can help solve real-world challenges. Working collaboratively in small groups, students will engage in a hands-on activity using Design Thinking methodology to develop creative solutions. The session will demonstrate how integrating knowledge from different fields—such as technology, business, and social sciences—can foster innovation and informed decision-making. Workshop Challenge Idea: Students will apply Design Thinking to complete an AI-enabled activity focused on exploring their future career or study pathways. Through guided steps, they will use AI tools to identify potential careers, required skills, and educational paths, showcasing how interdisciplinary thinking supports personal and professional growth. Outcome: By the end of the workshop, students will present a simple, AI-supported solution that reflects their understanding of interdisciplinary learning and its relevance in addressing complex challenges. The activity aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and digital literacy. Awards: All participating students will receive Certificates of Participation as recognition of their active engagement and contribution to the workshop.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
VI. Workshops |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:30 – 4:00 PM |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Venue: Gatoof rooms, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Campus
Moderator: Mariam Hariri (Faculty Senior Instructor, College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University)
Facilitators: Sujith Mathew, Nishara Nizamuddin, Afshan Parkar
Description: A series of mini-workshop ideas to help define how to solve real-world complex problems through an interdisciplinary approach. Participants work in groups on one of the following challenges that would showcase the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches. Participants select a real-world problem (see below) and work backward to outline the interdisciplinary competencies required to solve it.
Workshop Challenge Ideas:
Challenge 1: Climate-Adaptive Agricultural Systems
Challenge 2: AI-Facilitated Cultural Integration in Diverse Communities
Challenge 3: The Future of Work: Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Job Market
Challenge 4: Economic Diversification for a Post-Oil UAE Economy
Outcome:
For each Challenge, Participants will provide innovative design for a solution that foster interdisciplinary learning to address the problem effectively.
Awards:
There will be awards for the best solution for each challenge idea.
Name |
Title/Role (Official Designation) |
Organization |
|
Dr. Christopher Abraham |
CEO & Head - Dubai Campus, Sr. Vice President - Institutional Development |
SP Jain School of Global Management |
|
Dr. Nikolina Ljepava |
Acting Dean - College of Business Administration |
The American University in the Emirates (AUE) |
|
Prof. Suzanna El Massah |
Professor |
Zayed University (ZU) |
|
Dr. Aizhan Shomotova |
Faculty Instructor, College of Interdisciplinary Studies |
Zayed University (ZU) |
Workshop Participants:
Name |
Title/Role (Official Designation) |
Category |
Institution |
|
Dr. Christopher Abraham |
CEO & Head - Dubai Campus, Sr. Vice President - Institutional Development |
Academia |
SP Jain School of Global Management |
| Dr. Tatiana Karabchuk | Associate Professor | Academia | United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
| Dr. Wafa Zoghbor | Associate Professor - Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) | Academia | Zayed University (ZU) |
| Prof. Suzanna El Massah | Professor | Academia | Zayed University (ZU) |
| Dr. Nikolina Ljepava | Acting Dean - College of Business Administration | Academia | The American University in the Emirates (AUE) |
| Dr. Soumaya Abdellatif | Head of the Sociology Department / Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center | Academia | Ajman University |
| Prof. May El Barachi | Head of School, School of Computer Science, Engineering and Information Sciences | Academia | University of Wollongong in Dubai (UoWD) |
| Piotr Kurzepa | Head of Middle East Office, Programme Management and Growth Lead | Industry | CFTE - Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship |
| Ranjith Karuppasamy | Global Director | Industry | Digival for Educational Technologies |
| Thaer Kaddorah | Regional Manager | Industry | Siemens Energy |
| Mr. Gurkaran Singh | Client Relationship Management | Industry | Bakertilly Partner-Client Relationship Management |
| Dr. Kinan Bahnassi | Labour Market Adviser | Industry | Policy and Impact, UAE Government |
| Mr. Pedro Pereira | Chief Sustainability Officer | Industry | SAP Latin America |
| Ghaith Ahmad Al-Omari | Automation and Quality Engineering Leader | Industry | Vitronic Machine Vision MEA |
4:00 - 4:15 PM: Closing Remarks
Paul Hopkinson and Jamal Al-Karaki, Summit General Chairs
5:00 PM Dinner
Venue: Liwa Arena
Attendees: Panelists, workshop Guests, Organizing Committee, and CIS leadership