CSE Project and Faculty Shortlisted for Times Higher Education Awards

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Arab World Awards. 

AI for Palestine is in contention for ‘Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.’ Developed in collaboration with Applab, the platform incorporates an AI module named ‘Handala’ and gathers firsthand accounts, historical records, and contemporary datatech on Palestine, ensuring the preservation and amplification of underrepresented or misrepresented Palestinian narratives. 

The project also combines advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning methods with traditional digital humanities techniques. The result is a comprehensive dataset that includes oral testimonies, archival texts, and digital communications, all of which reflect Palestinian experiences. Additionally, AI for Palestine processes and analyzes this diverse data, adapting existing AI models to accurately interpret both spoken and written forms of Palestinian dialects.

Development of AI for Palestine was led by Dr. Mowafa Househ, Professor, Information and Computing Technology, CSE, with collaborators, including Dr. Samir Belhaouari, Associate Professor, Information and Computing Technology, CSE; Hassan Alsamamarrie, Lead Design Team, Applab; Dr. Hurmat Ali Shah, Postdoctoral Fellow; Ashad Islam; PhD Student Quantum Communication; Mohammad Bahri, Arabic Language Coordinator, TII; and Zain Tariq, Postdoctoral Researcher, CSE.

Highlighting the significance of this achievement, Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, said: “It is an incredible honor to be recognized for this distinguished award. We are a research university with a unique responsibility to ensure that our discoveries and innovations have a positive impact on society and are not confined to our laboratories. This nomination is more significant because this project addresses a significant event that affects not just Arabs and Muslims, but the entire world.” 

The CSE’s Dr. Azzam Abu Rayash, Assistant Professor, is also in contention for the 'Most Innovative Teacher of the Year' award. His unique teaching methods, which include industry partnerships, pitch labs, and gamified learning, have significantly impacted his courses on ‘Social Innovation’ and ‘Green Buildings’. This has inspired his students to launch five start-ups, including Dawa’ak, a venture designed for elderly care. Additionally, students secured QAR 25,000 in grants, and 90% of students earned LEED GA certifications. 

Dr. Azzam's students have also produced 10 peer-reviewed papers and concluded several internships.

“We are also pleased that our faculty has been selected for an award at this year’s ceremony,” added Dr. Hamdi. “Dr. Azzam’s dedication to fostering critical thinking and innovative approaches truly motivates his students and advances a culture of excellence within the institution.”

Now in its third year, THE Arab World Awards, recognizes the work of universities across the Arab world. It highlights countries exhibiting real quality and diversity across their higher education landscape, driving the region’s ongoing progress. This year’s winners will be announced November 25 at THE Arab Universities Summit in Amman, Jordan.