President Message
The International Advisory Board (IAB) of King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) provides KFUPM senior management with a global perspective on trends and issues that may affect the University. Since its founding in 2007, the IAB membership has included renowned academicians and some of the most influential local and international corporate figures. Dr. Charles Elachi, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Planetary Science of California Institute of Technology continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. The inaugural meeting was held in March of 2007 and the Board has adopted a biannual meetings schedule, holding meetings both in Saudi Arabia and abroad.
IAB members have considered a wide variety of topics relating to the University and have been very effective in providing guidance on the University’s academic programs, research activities, faculty recruitment, and others. The IAB also has provided guidance for development of action plans and specific strategies on key educational and research areas of national interest.
The University has benefited from continuity of the membership because follow-ups to topics considered are generally achieved over extended periods of time and thus discussions transcend from one meeting to the next. Occasionally, however, members have to leave their posts on the IAB due to other professional commitments. This year, for example, four members will be leaving the IAB. New appointments of well qualified individuals have been made to fill those positions and continue representation from industry and academe. On behalf of the KFUPM community, I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the outgoing members for their valuable contributions, and welcome the new members on the Board.
These individual are well versed in the subject areas relevant to the principal specific IAB objectives. As remarkable as the list of organizations represented is, it is even more impressive to consider the background of the individual members.
