Professor Ghassan Aouad, previously pro vice-chancellor research and innovation and dean of the College of Science and Technology at the University of Salford in the UK, has joined the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) as the president.

Professor Aouad said: ‘I am excited about joining a dynamic team at a rapidly progressing higher education institution in a very vibrant part of the world. I am also looking forward to working with our staff, students, and external stakeholders to strengthen the UOWD’s position in the UAE and the region.’

Professor Aouad has spent the last 20 years teaching and researching subjects related to the areas of information modelling and visualisation, simulation and process mapping within construction.

During his time in Salford, Professor Aouad successfully supervised 22 PhD students, externally examined 52 PhD students, authored three major research books and co-authored one book, generated more than £10 million in research funding as principal Investigator and £8 million as co-investigator, published 92 papers in top rated refereed journals, delivered more than 50 keynote speeches and invited lectures, and presented his work in more than 40 countries.

Professor Aouad was appointed as vice president of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) in March 2010 and will become president in 2014. – TradeArabia News Service