MBZUAI And Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Collaborate To Enhance AI Research And Ethical Innovation

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance AI research, education, and ethics. This collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Professor Eric Xing from MBZUAI and Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz from SUAD at the MBZUAI campus, with key leaders from both universities present.

The agreement outlines joint research initiatives in AI applications across sectors like healthcare, energy, climate science, transportation, and digital humanities. Both institutions will co-supervise Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers to nurture advanced academic talent. Faculty exchanges will further enrich educational experiences and promote interdisciplinary knowledge sharing.

The partnership aligns with MBZUAI's vision to be a global hub for AI innovation. It aims to expand through its Institute of Foundation Models labs in France and Silicon Valley. This initiative positions Abu Dhabi as a leader in ethical, inclusive, and impactful technologies. Meanwhile, SUAD’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), led by Professor Gérard Biau, supports interdisciplinary AI excellence within Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.

Both universities will collaborate with public and private sectors to apply AI solutions to real-world challenges. They will also contribute to developing ethical frameworks and data governance guidelines. The MoU includes plans for producing white papers, best practices, and policy research to guide responsible AI use regionally and globally.

Professor Eric Xing stated that the partnership reflects their shared belief in AI's transformative potential. He emphasised the responsibility of academic institutions to ensure AI development benefits society. By combining MBZUAI’s technical expertise with SUAD’s interdisciplinary strengths, they aim to explore knowledge exchange between France and the UAE.

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz expressed satisfaction in formalising the collaboration with MBZUAI. She highlighted that this partnership strengthens the UAE’s AI ecosystem by linking two leading research centres with a shared goal of advancing innovation. The collaboration aims to generate tangible impacts on the nation’s economy and industrial landscape.

The agreement also focuses on upskilling professionals and youth through courses, workshops, and summer schools covering AI fundamentals, generative AI, and ethics. This initiative supports UAE’s national priorities in AI education by empowering talent development.

This MoU marks a significant step in uniting two prominent UAE institutions in AI expertise. It aims to empower talent while positioning the UAE as a global hub for AI innovation and transformation.

With inputs from WAM