Science magazine has apologized to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah for an article it published earlier claiming that KAU hired top overseas academics part-time to improve its international university ranking. The apology came after Dr. Adnan Bin Hamzah Zahid issued an article responding to the claims in the Science Magazine article. In its apology, the magazine said KAU was making every effort to hire talented and high-ranking researchers. The magazine also said that KAU seeks to adopt a strategic investment program for the future of this country and that this is no different from other programs adopted by reputable universities around the world. Zahid also sent a letter to the magazine explaining the university's position and response to the article. The letter mentioned that KAU started a mathematics program in March 2010 which invited renowned mathematicians to visit KAU and give lectures and workshops about current research topics. Several mathematicians visited the university and cooperated with professors here to publish research papers and launched a journal called Bulletin of Mathematical Science. The same program was used by other departments to invite researchers from different specializations to work with KAU professors on joint projects. The letter also stated that: “It's not in the character of KAU to purchase published research papers for the sake of improving its global academic ranking. KAU won't sacrifice its reputation for the sake of getting false awards. Besides, renowned professors who work with KAU won't stoop to this unethical level.”
