Imagine a future where tiny devices inside your body can detect diseases and send the information directly to your doctor. This is the vision behind the Internet of Bio-NanoThings (IoBNT), which connects biological cells to the internet. In this talk, we introduce PANACEA, a groundbreaking system designed to diagnose and treat infectious diseases using submillimeter bio-nanodevices. These devices, called Bio-NanoThings, can detect infection levels within the body and transmit the data to external hubs, enabling healthcare providers to monitor and respond remotely. By merging biological communication with advanced technology, PANACEA offers a responsive, real-time solution for managing diseases.

Speaker

Ian Akyildiz, Professor in Telecommunications, President & CTO, Truva Inc

This talk explores the enduring relevance of medieval Arab philosopher Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406), often regarded as the father of sociology and historiography. His magnum opus, the Muqaddimah (1377), written nearly 650 years ago, has significantly influenced both Islamic and Western traditions. Ibn Khaldun’s ideas on social solidarity (assabiyah) and the interconnected dynamics of power, economic development, and social justice in his Circle of Equity are especially pertinent today. The lecture reprises a talk delivered at COP-28 at the DIFC, offering insights from Ibn Khaldun and other thinkers such as Adam Smith on addressing contemporary poly-crises, including climate change, inequality, and broader human challenges. The speaker will explore how these historical perspectives can inform our responses to today's most pressing issues.

Speaker

Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, Chairman, Leadership Council of the Malaysia International Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC); Chairman of the Board of Directors of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

This talk features a conversation with Ibrahim al-Koni, a prominent contemporary author in Arabic literature. Raised as a Tuareg in the Libyan desert, al-Koni's storytelling is informed by his educational background and extensive travels. His extensive body of work, encompassing over a hundred books, examines the history of the Mediterranean region and the desert. The discussion will focus on al-Koni's unique portrayal of the desert landscape and its cultural and historical significance.

Speaker

Ibrahim al-Koni, Libyan-Swiss Author, Winner of the 2008 Sheikh Zayed Award for Literature, and 2023 Sharjah Book Fair Cultural Personality of the Year

In conversation with

Maurice Pomerantz, Executive Director NYUAD Institute, Professor of Literature and Arab Crossroads Studies, NYUAD

In collaboration with

Humanities Research Platform

As the U.S. elections draw near, this panel will examine how leadership changes could influence global power structures, with a particular focus on the Middle East. The discussion will explore what impacts leadership changes might have on the broader geopolitical landscape and consider possible ripple effects in critical regions of the world as the US recalibrates its global strategies.

Speakers

David McCourt, Visiting Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD

Jarrett Blanc, Former Energy and National Security Advisor to the Secretary of Energy, Former Deputy Special Envoy for Iran, and Former Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan

Robin S. Brooks, State Department Fellow at The Fletcher School, Tufts University; Former Special Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris on Europe, Eurasia, Multilateral Affairs, and Democracy; Former National Security Council Director for Central Europe and the Balkans

In conversation with

Adam Ramey, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

This presentation explores the Arabic Maqam system of melodic modes, a pillar of traditional Arabic music, focusing on its distinctive structures and sounds. Using examples and guided listening exercises, the session offers a clear and engaging starting point for understanding Arabic music's depth and complexity. By complementing the deep dive into Maqam with insights into how it shapes specific musical traditions, the presentation provides a launchpad for further individual exploration of Arabic music.

Speaker

Layth Sidiq, Artistic Director of the New York Arabic Orchestra; Artist in Residence, NYUAD

In conversation with

Andrew Eisenberg, Associate Professor of Music, NYUAD; Global Network Associate Professor of Music, NYU

After a brief introduction to rain formation and clouds, the talk explores climate engineering and the scientific challenges we are facing. The speaker will discuss the role of fluid turbulence in cloud formation and will present two experiments to illustrate these concepts.

Speaker

Eberhard Bodenschatz, Director, Max-Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPIDS), Göttingen, Germany

In a rapidly evolving world, the preservation of cultural heritage serves as a bridge between the past and the future. This talk explores the need for a dynamic interplay of adaptation and continuity within cultural practices and identities in the Gulf and Arab regions. The speaker will discuss how societies in this part of the world can navigate modern challenges by devising policies and projects to safeguard and continue their unique traditions — from innovative and integrated preservation approaches to the revitalization of inter-generational knowledge. Join us as we examine the transformative power of embracing change while steadfastly honoring the timeless values embedded in our shared and diverse cultural legacies in the Arab and Muslim Worlds.

Speaker

Zaki Aslan, Professor of Practice at the American University of Sharjah, Advisor at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, and Former Founding Director of ICCROM-Sharjah

This talk focuses on the escalating issue of carbon emissions, which exceed levels year after year. The rising CO2 concentration exacerbates various climatic challenges, affecting human well-being and ecosystems, particularly for the nearly one billion people facing hunger daily. The speaker will discuss global analyses of climate change's impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting how these changes threaten vital sources of income, food, and jobs for many. The talk also underscores the importance of public engagement in proactive solutions to this crisis.

Speakers

Asryelle Mora Rollo, Student

Camilo Mora, Professor, Department of Geography and Environment, University of Hawai`i

In Collaboration with

CGSB NYUAD

In this talk, the speaker will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of wireless communication, a fundamental pillar of modern connectivity that drives everything from smartphones to smart cities. As we move from the era of 5G to the horizon of 6G, the speaker will discuss how the future of wireless communication is set to revolutionize our digital experiences with unmatched speed, reliability, and innovation. The talk will focus on the transformative role of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in shaping the next generation of wireless networks.

Speaker

Merouane Debbah, Professor of Wireless Communication, Director of the 6G Research Center, Khalifa University

This talk explores the use of deep neural networks in advancing computational microscopy and biomedical diagnostics. It highlights innovative methods for generating histological stains digitally, providing a faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional techniques. The discussion will cover virtual staining techniques that create various stains from label-free microscopic images and methods for transforming already stained images into different types. Additionally, it introduces AI-enabled paper-based sensors for quick and efficient biomarker detection using a mobile phone.

Speaker

Aydogan Ozcan, Chancellor’s Professor and the Volgenau Chair for Engineering Innovation, UCLA