The inaugural meeting of the Board of Trustees for the Sharjah Award for Best Doctoral Thesis in Administrative and Financial Sciences in the Arab World has been held, marking a pivotal step in enhancing research excellence within these fields. Chaired by Dr. Issam El-Din Ajami, President of the University of Sharjah, the meeting brought together both new and existing council members to evaluate strategies for advancing the award’s impact and reputation, not only regionally but also internationally. This article delves into the highlights of the meeting and the plans laid out for the upcoming academic year.
Strategic Developments and Membership Expansion
At the meeting, Dr. Issam El-Din Ajami welcomed new council members, including Major General Saif Mohammed Bin Aed Al-Muhairi, Assistant Commander for Excellence and Leadership in Dubai Police, and Khalid Abdullah Imran Tareem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dar Al-Khaleej for Press, Printing, and Publishing. This addition aims to enrich the board with diverse national and institutional expertise, reinforcing the Sharjah Award for Best Doctoral Thesis in Administrative and Financial Sciences as a leader in fostering innovative research and academic excellence.
Key Discussions and Recommendations
Throughout the session, the board discussed various strategic points aimed at enhancing the award’s stature and operational mechanisms. Members emphasized the strategic importance of the council in guiding the award’s governance and sustainability while focusing on long-term impact. Among the key recommendations was the phased expansion of the award to include new scientific categories in engineering and technology, aligning with the forward-looking vision of the University of Sharjah and the future priorities of the Emirate of Sharjah.
Fostering Sustainable Collaborations
The council also explored opportunities for sustainable collaboration through strategic partnerships with leading institutions, including Dar Al-Khaleej. Additionally, the board proposed the development of a comprehensive digital platform for the award in partnership with the university’s College of Computing, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for participants. Moreover, they discussed expanding non-financial benefits for winners to further increase the value added by the Sharjah Award for Best Doctoral Thesis in Administrative and Financial Sciences.
This first meeting sets a promising trajectory for the award, underscoring its commitment to uplifting academic standards and fostering research that contributes significantly to the fields of administrative and financial sciences across the Arab region. As the initiatives discussed during this gathering come to fruition, the Sharjah Award for Best Doctoral Thesis will likely continue to solidify its role in promoting research excellence.