Ali. With the University now in its second year, a "bottom-up approach" is being encouraged by senior authorities. Faculties have been encouraged to drive future partnerships based on needs and the strategic research directions of KAUST. "We have introduced a competitive program," explained Dr. Al-Ali. "We asked our faculty to submit proposals for activities, with their own choice of partners, that are connected and complementary so that each project includes research both inside and outside the Kingdom” The program attracted a strong response from faculty; ten partnerships were awarded from the 50 proposals submitted. "The proposals went through the peer review process and the selection panel evaluated them and came up with the top-ranked ones,”Dr. Al-Ali added. "As we expand our geographic distribution we are bringing research to KAUST that is of importance and will enrich the university's research agenda. "What matters is that it comes from a strong group with a good reputation. "
