News
11, Mar 2024
AUK Amplifies Voices: Hosts the IOM Global Migration Film Festival
AUK hosted the Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF), an initiative launched globally by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2016, where it takes the opportunity to feature films and documentaries that aim to deepen awareness and understanding of migration.
Elena Brunello, one of the film directors, inaugurated the event by introducing the documentary, entitled 'The Climate Limbo,’ which explores the link between climate change and migration. The film was followed by a panel discussion, bringing together four AUK panelists, each representing their departments, including the AUK departments of Art & Graphic Design, International Relations, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Assistant professor of Graphic Design, Dr. Fahad Dhawi, highlighted the importance of such events, “We are honored to host GMFF once again on our campus. At AUK, we believe in the power of education and dialogue to address pressing global issues, advocating for positive change. Through thought-provoking films like 'The Climate Limbo,' we aim to shed light on the intricate relationship between climate change and migration, fostering empathy and understanding among our community."
Commenting on the event, Mazen AboulHosn, IOM Kuwait’s Chief of Mission, said, “This year marks the sixth year of the IOM missions’ GMFF event organized in Kuwait, and we are proud to continue this collaboration for the fourth time with AUK. Through this screening and panel discussion, we hope to create awareness about the plight of climate change and migration and foster a greater understanding of the complex issues at hand”.
AUK is an advocate for promoting cultural understanding, social awareness, and academic discourse on pressing global issues. Through initiatives like hosting the GMFF, the University aims to engage its students, faculty, and the wider community in meaningful conversations about topics such as migration, climate change, and their intersection.
Elena Brunello, one of the film directors, inaugurated the event by introducing the documentary, entitled 'The Climate Limbo,’ which explores the link between climate change and migration. The film was followed by a panel discussion, bringing together four AUK panelists, each representing their departments, including the AUK departments of Art & Graphic Design, International Relations, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
Assistant professor of Graphic Design, Dr. Fahad Dhawi, highlighted the importance of such events, “We are honored to host GMFF once again on our campus. At AUK, we believe in the power of education and dialogue to address pressing global issues, advocating for positive change. Through thought-provoking films like 'The Climate Limbo,' we aim to shed light on the intricate relationship between climate change and migration, fostering empathy and understanding among our community."
Commenting on the event, Mazen AboulHosn, IOM Kuwait’s Chief of Mission, said, “This year marks the sixth year of the IOM missions’ GMFF event organized in Kuwait, and we are proud to continue this collaboration for the fourth time with AUK. Through this screening and panel discussion, we hope to create awareness about the plight of climate change and migration and foster a greater understanding of the complex issues at hand”.
AUK is an advocate for promoting cultural understanding, social awareness, and academic discourse on pressing global issues. Through initiatives like hosting the GMFF, the University aims to engage its students, faculty, and the wider community in meaningful conversations about topics such as migration, climate change, and their intersection.
AUK Panelists during the event
11, Mar 2024
AUK Library Fosters a Culture of Reading: Organizes Campus-wide Bookfair with Aafaq Bookstore
AUK Library organized a week-long bookfair for the campus community, in collaboration with Aafaq Bookstore and the English Bookshop. The bookfair took place on campus where books on different subjects were presented, featuring a wide range in Arabic and English tailored to all interests.
The Aafaq team was present on campus to handle the bookfair and update the collections based on interests and needs. Students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to learn about the latest publications and obtain copies of their selected readings, whether for leisure, self-development or study purposes.
The AUK Library continuously fosters a culture of reading by highlighting its importance through various events and activities such as the bookfair.
The Aafaq team was present on campus to handle the bookfair and update the collections based on interests and needs. Students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to learn about the latest publications and obtain copies of their selected readings, whether for leisure, self-development or study purposes.
The AUK Library continuously fosters a culture of reading by highlighting its importance through various events and activities such as the bookfair.
General photos of the bookfair
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11, Mar 2024
Beyond the Classroom: AUK Students Explore Comics from Industry Expert
AUK students participated in Hashem Behbehani’s Comic Strip Ideas Workshop, hosted by the Promenade Culture Centre. The workshop aimed to provide aspiring illustrators with insights and techniques to develop compelling political cartoon concepts.
Behbehani shared his expertise in storytelling, character development, and visual narrative techniques, guiding AUK students through the process of generating unique and engaging concepts for their comics. He emphasized the importance of building well-rounded characters, crafting intriguing plotlines, and utilizing visual storytelling techniques and principles of design to captivate readers.
Throughout the workshop, students explored various brainstorming exercises and creative prompts to spark their imagination and refine their ideas. They received feedback on their drawings and engaged in constructive discussions with Behbehani and fellow attendees.
AUK is keen on nurturing the creative talents of its students, and Hashem Behbehani's Comic Strip Ideas Workshop is a testament to this commitment. By providing a platform for aspiring illustrators to learn from industry experts like Behbehani, AUK empowers its students to explore their creativity and develop their skills.
Behbehani shared his expertise in storytelling, character development, and visual narrative techniques, guiding AUK students through the process of generating unique and engaging concepts for their comics. He emphasized the importance of building well-rounded characters, crafting intriguing plotlines, and utilizing visual storytelling techniques and principles of design to captivate readers.
Throughout the workshop, students explored various brainstorming exercises and creative prompts to spark their imagination and refine their ideas. They received feedback on their drawings and engaged in constructive discussions with Behbehani and fellow attendees.
AUK is keen on nurturing the creative talents of its students, and Hashem Behbehani's Comic Strip Ideas Workshop is a testament to this commitment. By providing a platform for aspiring illustrators to learn from industry experts like Behbehani, AUK empowers its students to explore their creativity and develop their skills.
General photos of the workshop
10, Mar 2024
AUK Psychologists Collaborate on Influential Nature Communications Study
In a pioneering study published in Nature Communications, an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research, faculty from AUK partnered with an international research team to reveal the significant psychological effects of the Ukraine War on well-being. AUK psychologists Dr. Rita El-Haddad and Dr. Stavros Hadjisolomou collaborated with over 50 researchers worldwide in this study, which examined 45,000 surveys from 1,300 individuals across 17 European countries.
The team employed innovative methodologies, including smartphone sensing and experience sampling, to provide insights to examine the relationship between the Ukraine War and its everyday impact on individuals. Conducted from late 2021 to the summer of 2022, the study tracked mood fluctuations among participants, offering a unique window into their collective psyche during the initial stages of the war.
The study, focusing on mental health, adds a further dimension to the debate on the humanitarian, political, and economic consequences of the war. While people’s well-being was stable before the war broke out, there was a collective downturn on the day of the Russian invasion. However, when the researchers analyzed how people recovered psychologically from this shock, they found systematic differences.
"This study showcases not only the war's direct and far-reaching psychological impact but, more importantly, highlights the significant influence of personality traits on resilience and recovery. Our findings indicate that individuals with less stable personality profiles experience prolonged distress compared to higher-stability participants. These observations underline the necessity for future studies examining tailored mental health interventions and support systems rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to mitigate the psychological effects of global crises,” explains Dr. Hadjisolomou.
Dr. El-Haddad further emphasized the broader implications of the research findings, “Beyond the immediate repercussions of the Ukraine War, such as forced displacement of people and global economic disruptions, we need to consider the negative impact on global mental health from the consumption of news media about the war.”
As the only institution from the Arab region, AUK's involvement in this groundbreaking study signifies the University’s commitment to addressing global challenges but also positions it as a leader in international research collaboration. The findings build upon previous collaborative work by Drs. El-Haddad and Hadjisolomou and the international team on coping with global crises (such as the Global Experience Sampling Method Study), further establishing AUK as a pivotal contributor to global psychological research.
The team employed innovative methodologies, including smartphone sensing and experience sampling, to provide insights to examine the relationship between the Ukraine War and its everyday impact on individuals. Conducted from late 2021 to the summer of 2022, the study tracked mood fluctuations among participants, offering a unique window into their collective psyche during the initial stages of the war.
The study, focusing on mental health, adds a further dimension to the debate on the humanitarian, political, and economic consequences of the war. While people’s well-being was stable before the war broke out, there was a collective downturn on the day of the Russian invasion. However, when the researchers analyzed how people recovered psychologically from this shock, they found systematic differences.
"This study showcases not only the war's direct and far-reaching psychological impact but, more importantly, highlights the significant influence of personality traits on resilience and recovery. Our findings indicate that individuals with less stable personality profiles experience prolonged distress compared to higher-stability participants. These observations underline the necessity for future studies examining tailored mental health interventions and support systems rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to mitigate the psychological effects of global crises,” explains Dr. Hadjisolomou.
Dr. El-Haddad further emphasized the broader implications of the research findings, “Beyond the immediate repercussions of the Ukraine War, such as forced displacement of people and global economic disruptions, we need to consider the negative impact on global mental health from the consumption of news media about the war.”
As the only institution from the Arab region, AUK's involvement in this groundbreaking study signifies the University’s commitment to addressing global challenges but also positions it as a leader in international research collaboration. The findings build upon previous collaborative work by Drs. El-Haddad and Hadjisolomou and the international team on coping with global crises (such as the Global Experience Sampling Method Study), further establishing AUK as a pivotal contributor to global psychological research.
Dr. Rita El-Haddad
Dr. Stavros Hadjisolomou
10, Mar 2024
The American University of Kuwait Awards Faculty for Pioneering Research Contributions
AUK hosted the prestigious Faculty Intellectual Recognition Ceremony at the AUK theater, organized by the Office of Research and Grants (ORG). Dedicated to honoring the exceptional research endeavors of its esteemed faculty members spanning diverse disciplines, the ceremony was attended by AUK’s entire faculty body.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awaad, emphasized how the faculty’s contributions enrich the University's standing, “Your role in this journey is immeasurable. You've taken knowledge and turned it into a living, breathing part of our campus, pushing boundaries and inspiring not just our students but every one of us to think bigger and do better. It's your hard work and insight that have made AUK a place where education transcends the classroom, where ideas ignite change. What you provide our students goes beyond academics; it's the toolkit for success in life.”
Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, ORG director, provided insightful statistics illustrating the faculty's outstanding research output. Notably, many publications garnered recognition in SCOPUS, which combines an expertly curated abstract and citation database with enriched data and linked scholarly literature across a wide variety of disciplines.
Acknowledging the scholarly achievements of faculty members across all colleges, Ms. Afsah Abdullah, ORG research assistant, highlighted the pivotal role of research within the academic community. Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, Dr. Ahmad Alsaber, and Dr. Clark Stoeckley were among the distinguished recipients awarded for their exemplary research endeavors that contributed significantly to their respective fields.
The Faculty Intellectual Recognition Ceremony provided a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements of AUK's faculty members, inspiring present and future generations of scholars to pursue excellence in research and academia.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awaad, emphasized how the faculty’s contributions enrich the University's standing, “Your role in this journey is immeasurable. You've taken knowledge and turned it into a living, breathing part of our campus, pushing boundaries and inspiring not just our students but every one of us to think bigger and do better. It's your hard work and insight that have made AUK a place where education transcends the classroom, where ideas ignite change. What you provide our students goes beyond academics; it's the toolkit for success in life.”
Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, ORG director, provided insightful statistics illustrating the faculty's outstanding research output. Notably, many publications garnered recognition in SCOPUS, which combines an expertly curated abstract and citation database with enriched data and linked scholarly literature across a wide variety of disciplines.
Acknowledging the scholarly achievements of faculty members across all colleges, Ms. Afsah Abdullah, ORG research assistant, highlighted the pivotal role of research within the academic community. Dr. Iyad Abu Doush, Dr. Ahmad Alsaber, and Dr. Clark Stoeckley were among the distinguished recipients awarded for their exemplary research endeavors that contributed significantly to their respective fields.
The Faculty Intellectual Recognition Ceremony provided a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements of AUK's faculty members, inspiring present and future generations of scholars to pursue excellence in research and academia.
Dr. Rawda Awwad giving her speech
Dr. Iyad Abu Doush giving his speech
Awardees with Dr. Rawda Awwad and college deans
Dr. Ahmad Alsaber receiving award
General photo of the ceremony
07, Mar 2024
AUK Appoints Dr. Mohamed El-Abd as Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
AUK professor of computer engineering, Dr. Mohamed El-Abd, has been appointed as the new dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS). Dr. El-Abd, who joined AUK in 2010, has distinguished himself through his commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership.
Dr. El-Abd has made significant contributions to AUK’s curriculum, teaching a wide array of courses that have enriched the University’s computer engineering program, among others. His dedication to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment, alongside his adaptive teaching philosophy, has impacted our students' educational journey, especially in navigating the challenges of the current times.
In his previous role as associate dean, Dr. El-Abd showcased leadership and dedication to advancing CEAS's mission. His efforts in streamlining assessment plans, chairing crucial committees, and enhancing our academic standards have played an important role in the College's strategic development.
Beyond his administrative service, Dr. El-Abd has been a vanguard in the engineering field, founding the IEEE Symposium on Cooperative Metaheuristics and co-chairing the 2023 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, among other notable contributions.
Dr. El-Abd's research work, particularly in nature-inspired algorithms and engineering education, is recognized globally, with a prolific publication record and acknowledgments such as being named among the top 2% of researchers in Artificial Intelligence. His leadership in securing grants and awards, including the AUK-Dartmouth Fellowship, underscores his dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for education and research, promises to advance AUK’s College forward in preparing future leaders and innovators.
Dr. El-Abd has made significant contributions to AUK’s curriculum, teaching a wide array of courses that have enriched the University’s computer engineering program, among others. His dedication to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment, alongside his adaptive teaching philosophy, has impacted our students' educational journey, especially in navigating the challenges of the current times.
In his previous role as associate dean, Dr. El-Abd showcased leadership and dedication to advancing CEAS's mission. His efforts in streamlining assessment plans, chairing crucial committees, and enhancing our academic standards have played an important role in the College's strategic development.
Beyond his administrative service, Dr. El-Abd has been a vanguard in the engineering field, founding the IEEE Symposium on Cooperative Metaheuristics and co-chairing the 2023 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference, among other notable contributions.
Dr. El-Abd's research work, particularly in nature-inspired algorithms and engineering education, is recognized globally, with a prolific publication record and acknowledgments such as being named among the top 2% of researchers in Artificial Intelligence. His leadership in securing grants and awards, including the AUK-Dartmouth Fellowship, underscores his dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for education and research, promises to advance AUK’s College forward in preparing future leaders and innovators.
Dr. Mohamed El-Abd
06, Mar 2024
AUK Commemorates Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days with Activities
AUK hosted a week-long series of events to honor Kuwait's National and Liberation Days, reinforcing Kuwait’s national identity and promoting an appreciation of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
The festivities commenced with the grand opening of "The Pearl Museum," a collaborative effort between AUK and The Kuwaiti Old Crafts Society. This captivating exhibition transported attendees on a journey through Kuwait's rich history, showcasing an impressive array of antiques and artifacts. Concurrently, the International Relations Club collaborated with renowned singer Abdulaziz Al Dhuwaihi to present an enthralling musical event.
Throughout the week, the campus community enjoyed various activities, including performances by the Al-Qurain band, displays of vintage cars, and a traditional café experience. Sports enthusiasts also participated in a football tournament organized by the Football Club, with different groups named after iconic Kuwaiti football teams. Students had the opportunity to partake in old traditional games, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Kuwait's rich cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the success of the events, Omar Mehdi, director of Student Life, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The National and Liberation Day events were a resounding success and truly showcased the vibrant spirit of Kuwait. It was heartwarming to witness our community come together to celebrate the nation's heritage."
AUK ensures students deepen their understanding of Kuwait’s culture and traditions whilst also celebrating the achievements of Kuwait and its people. With the campus-wide celebrations and decorations in place, AUK continues to foster a sense of national pride and identity among students, faculty and staff.
The festivities commenced with the grand opening of "The Pearl Museum," a collaborative effort between AUK and The Kuwaiti Old Crafts Society. This captivating exhibition transported attendees on a journey through Kuwait's rich history, showcasing an impressive array of antiques and artifacts. Concurrently, the International Relations Club collaborated with renowned singer Abdulaziz Al Dhuwaihi to present an enthralling musical event.
Throughout the week, the campus community enjoyed various activities, including performances by the Al-Qurain band, displays of vintage cars, and a traditional café experience. Sports enthusiasts also participated in a football tournament organized by the Football Club, with different groups named after iconic Kuwaiti football teams. Students had the opportunity to partake in old traditional games, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Kuwait's rich cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the success of the events, Omar Mehdi, director of Student Life, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The National and Liberation Day events were a resounding success and truly showcased the vibrant spirit of Kuwait. It was heartwarming to witness our community come together to celebrate the nation's heritage."
AUK ensures students deepen their understanding of Kuwait’s culture and traditions whilst also celebrating the achievements of Kuwait and its people. With the campus-wide celebrations and decorations in place, AUK continues to foster a sense of national pride and identity among students, faculty and staff.
General photos of the activities
22, Feb 2024
AUK Welcomes Exchange Students from Sciences Po
AUK hosts an enriching academic exchange during the Spring 2024 semester, welcoming Imen Lassel and Lucas Desgardin, two students from Sciences Po, Paris. The Office of International Student Programs played a pivotal role in facilitating this cross-cultural collaboration, forging partnerships with universities worldwide to offer students exceptional global experiences.
Imen is a third-year student majoring in politics and government. She previously travelled to Cairo where she learned literary Arabic, and by choosing AUK for her exchange semester, she hopes to explore other horizons of the Arab world.
Lucas, a third-year student majoring in political humanities, aims to gain a deeper understanding of Kuwait's cultural traditions, rich history, and societal dynamics through this exchange. He is eager to engage in cross-cultural interactions, connect with local students, and immerse himself in the Kuwaiti way of life.
Student exchanges, study abroad programs, and international internships foster cultural awareness, enhance academic and professional mobility, and nurture essential qualities needed in today’s global landscape.
Imen is a third-year student majoring in politics and government. She previously travelled to Cairo where she learned literary Arabic, and by choosing AUK for her exchange semester, she hopes to explore other horizons of the Arab world.
Lucas, a third-year student majoring in political humanities, aims to gain a deeper understanding of Kuwait's cultural traditions, rich history, and societal dynamics through this exchange. He is eager to engage in cross-cultural interactions, connect with local students, and immerse himself in the Kuwaiti way of life.
Student exchanges, study abroad programs, and international internships foster cultural awareness, enhance academic and professional mobility, and nurture essential qualities needed in today’s global landscape.
Lucas Desgardin
Imen Lassel
22, Feb 2024
Exploring Kuwait’s Press History: AUK Library Hosts Lecture and Exhibition
AUK library hosted a captivating lecture and exhibition, shedding light on the rich history and evolution of press in Kuwait. Titled “Kuwaiti Press: From Inception to Liberation,” the talk featured Mr. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljaleel, Chairman of the Kuwait Heritage Society and author of the Encyclopedia of Kuwaiti Press, alongside Mr. Saleh Al Mesbah and Ms. Nada Al-Rifae.
Mr. Al-Abduljaleel highlighted pioneers who contributed to the development of press in Kuwait such as Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed who established the first Kuwaiti magazine, Majalat Al-Kuwait in 1928. The Kuwaiti students union in Cairo also established Al-Bitha magazine (the mission), which played a prominent role in covering news from Kuwait and allowing students to express their viewpoints on political and social affairs. Additionally, Kuwait published Al-Arabi magazine in 1958 which became a leading cultural magazine in the Arab world and a hub for prominent Arab writes, poets, and intellectuals.
Kuwaiti press did not stop during the invasion but re-emerged as a voice of resistance. Most of the newspapers continued to publish domestic and international editions from various locations abroad such as London, Saudi Arabia, and Cairo. The first edition of "Sawt Al Kuwait" newspaper was launched during the occupation to support the legitimacy of the government.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and an exhibition showcasing the first issues of various publications dating back to 1928.
Mr. Al-Abduljaleel highlighted pioneers who contributed to the development of press in Kuwait such as Abdulaziz Al-Rasheed who established the first Kuwaiti magazine, Majalat Al-Kuwait in 1928. The Kuwaiti students union in Cairo also established Al-Bitha magazine (the mission), which played a prominent role in covering news from Kuwait and allowing students to express their viewpoints on political and social affairs. Additionally, Kuwait published Al-Arabi magazine in 1958 which became a leading cultural magazine in the Arab world and a hub for prominent Arab writes, poets, and intellectuals.
Kuwaiti press did not stop during the invasion but re-emerged as a voice of resistance. Most of the newspapers continued to publish domestic and international editions from various locations abroad such as London, Saudi Arabia, and Cairo. The first edition of "Sawt Al Kuwait" newspaper was launched during the occupation to support the legitimacy of the government.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and an exhibition showcasing the first issues of various publications dating back to 1928.
Mr. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljaleel
Mr. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljaleel
Group photo of Mr. Fahad Ghazi Al-Abduljaleel and AUK members
General photo from the exhibition
20, Feb 2024
AUK Exhibition: First of its Kind Arab Design Course
Graphic design students at AUK showcased their work in an exhibition organized by assistant professor of graphic design, Dr. Fahad Dhawi, for his Special Topics course, “History of Arab Design: Student Exhibition Two.” This is the first course in Kuwait that explores the works of over 200 Arab designers, including detailed timelines on the establishment and evolution of Arab art and design colleges, editorial design, poster design, cinema, typewriter, language learning, and printing press.
The students’ work reflected the style of existing Arabic graphic designers or artists whose work was featured in the course’s textbook. The exhibition included a selection of art & design student projects that feature Arabic calligraphy, typography and lettering, sculpture, mix media, painting, illustration, manuscript, mashrabiya/rug design, poster design, product design, and furniture design.
Commenting on the significance of this exhibition and its distinctiveness, Dr. Dhawi stated, “This exhibition has given our students the opportunity to celebrate creativity, strength of communication design, power of voice and artistic expression as well as the power of art, culture and most importantly the power of collaboration. It is important to know that our students are now learning the History of Arab design for the first time as well as how earlier Arab designers and artists struggled; either from the lack of art materials, or political resistances that were met during the execution of their projects back in time.”
AUK prioritizes exposing its students to various Arab cultures and heritages. Through these courses, students gain invaluable insights and foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
The students’ work reflected the style of existing Arabic graphic designers or artists whose work was featured in the course’s textbook. The exhibition included a selection of art & design student projects that feature Arabic calligraphy, typography and lettering, sculpture, mix media, painting, illustration, manuscript, mashrabiya/rug design, poster design, product design, and furniture design.
Commenting on the significance of this exhibition and its distinctiveness, Dr. Dhawi stated, “This exhibition has given our students the opportunity to celebrate creativity, strength of communication design, power of voice and artistic expression as well as the power of art, culture and most importantly the power of collaboration. It is important to know that our students are now learning the History of Arab design for the first time as well as how earlier Arab designers and artists struggled; either from the lack of art materials, or political resistances that were met during the execution of their projects back in time.”
AUK prioritizes exposing its students to various Arab cultures and heritages. Through these courses, students gain invaluable insights and foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
Students projects
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