HBKU awarded a Unesco chair

DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been awarded a Unesco Chair on Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, with the College of Science and...

DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has been awarded a Unesco Chair on Digital Technologies and Human Behaviour, with the College of Science and Engineering’s (CSE) Dr. Raian Ali appointed as Chairholder from June 2025 to June 2029.

The new Chair will explore the intersection between digital technologies and human behaviour, promoting digital well-being, ethical use of technology, and positive societal transformation.

Commenting on the announcement Dean, CSE, Dr. Mounir Hamdi, stated, “Technology is transforming every aspect of how we live, work, and connect. Through this Unesco Chair, HBKU will lead a global effort to ensure that digital transformation empowers people, strengthens communities, amplifies underrepresented voices, and contributes to a healthier relationship between humanity and evolving technologies.”

For his part, Dr. Ali added: “I am proud to lead this exceptional opportunity to advance research that ensures technology serves human values responsibly. At HBKU, we aim to generate evidence-based insights that promote digital well-being, impact-driven innovation, and a digital future shaped by ethics.”

By collaborating with more than 15 partner institutions from over 10 countries, the Chair reflects HBKU’s commitment to a holistic and forward-thinking ecosystem.