MBZUAI’s Inaugural Scholar Advances AI Research at Oxford University
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has placed its first Ruwwad AI Scholars fellow at the University of Oxford, marking a significant milestone in developing Emirati research leadership. Dr Mohamed Almarei will pursue a two-year placement exploring artificial intelligence applications in synthetic biology.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has achieved a notable milestone by placing Dr Mohamed Almarei, the inaugural fellow of its Ruwwad AI Scholars (RAIS) Fellowship, at the University of Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science. The placement underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering advanced research capacity among Emirati academics and building expertise in artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary fields.
Fellowship Vision and Impact
The RAIS Fellowship represents a strategic initiative designed to support the professional development of Emirati postdoctoral researchers and emerging academic leaders. The programme targets scholars working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and complementary disciplines, with the explicit aim of preparing fellows for future faculty roles and strengthening the nation’s research and teaching capabilities in AI.
Dr Almarei’s Research Focus
During his two-year fellowship at Oxford, Dr Almarei will collaborate with Professor Jean-Baptiste Lugagne in research that employs machine learning to predict and control cellular behaviour. His work represents a convergence of synthetic biology and computational science, combining experimental bioengineering with advanced analytical approaches. Dr Almarei holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Imperial College London, where he developed expertise in engineering biological systems for sustainable bioproduction, including enhancing microorganism performance in industrial settings.
The fellowship draws together his substantial background in experimental bioengineering with cutting-edge computational methodologies, positioning him to develop distinctive expertise at the nexus of artificial intelligence, engineering and biology.
Scholar’s Perspective
Dr Mohamed Almarei commented on his selection: “I chose to pursue research at the intersection of AI and biology because I believe it has the potential to ultimately benefit humanity. Through the RAIS programme and my time at Oxford, I hope to deepen my expertise, advance research with meaningful real-world impact, and bring that knowledge and experience back to contribute to the UAE’s ambitions in the field.”
Expanding Opportunities
Applications for the RAIS Fellowship’s second cohort are now open to eligible Emirati postdoctoral researchers engaged in AI-related and interdisciplinary research. MBZUAI will host information sessions for prospective applicants during autumn and winter 2026, providing guidance on eligibility criteria and the application process. Full details are available through the university’s admissions portal at mbzuai.ac.ae/admissions/ruwwad-ai-scholars-postdoctoral-fellowship.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office