Sharjah: In a significant move that reaffirms the UAE's position at the forefront of sustainability and environmental innovation, American University of Sharjah (AUS) and BEEAH have signed an agreement to establish the BEEAH Professorship in Environmental Innovation and Sustainable Development at AUS. Backed by a generous AED 5 million investment from BEEAH, the professorship aims to accelerate breakthrough research and equip future leaders with the tools to shape a more sustainable world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was signed at the AUS campus by Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Khaled Al Huraimel, Group Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of BEEAH, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, and representatives from both institutions. Dr. Laursen remarked that the partnership with BEEAH is a strategic alignment of vision and values, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through knowledge, innovation, and leadership. He noted that the BEEAH professorship will empower AUS to deepen its research agenda while preparing students to lead in a sustainability-focused global landscape.
Al Huraimel emphasized the importance of education, research, and innovation in solving societal challenges and driving sustainable progress. He stated that BEEAH's educational initiatives and its strategic partnership with AUS are a testament to this fact, with the new professorship marking a major step forward in collaboration. The professorship will unlock opportunities for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and transformational leadership dedicated to sparking innovations for a sustainable future.
The professorship will serve as a cornerstone for advancing research in climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and sustainable urban development. It will also foster innovation in key areas such as renewable energy, waste management, smart cities, and the circular economy, equipping the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and tools to drive impactful environmental change.
AUS is ranked first in the UAE for environmental sustainability (QS World University Rankings 2025) and has been named a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) Gold Institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) based on its accomplishments in campus sustainability.
Reem Bardan, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs at AUS, highlighted the depth and consistency of the partnership with BEEAH. She noted that BEEAH has supported AUS across many milestones, sponsoring campus events, engaging with students, and supporting initiatives aligning with academic and institutional goals. The professorship represents a natural progression in a relationship built on mutual trust, shared values, and long-term commitment, creating lasting impact for students, faculty, and the broader AUS community.
This new professorship enhances AUS' growing portfolio of academic positions that support faculty excellence and long-term research impact. As part of its broader research strategy, AUS continues to attract prestigious investments, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in innovation and academic advancement.