DRAFT - Research Institute NYUAD

The Research Institute NYUAD is a world-class epicenter of groundbreaking research, pioneering scholarship, and vibrant cultural engagement, driving innovation and shaping excellence across disciplines globally. It supports centers that address questions of global significance and local relevance and allows leading faculty members from across the disciplines to carry out creative scholarship and high-level research on a range of complex issues with depth, scale, and longevity that otherwise would not be possible. Research Institute NYUAD centers provide an extraordinary, interdisciplinary atmosphere for research and creative practices that impact knowledge and artistic efforts and directly engage students at all levels in the creative process.

Research Institute centers consist of multiple projects that work toward a common, well-articulated set of goals, allowing NYU Abu Dhabi to apply its world-class academic and research capabilities to advance Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s development efforts. These centers strengthen cross-disciplinary engagement and innovation among the faculty, building critical mass and international recognition in areas of major local and global significance, strengthen NYU Abu Dhabi’s connection to NYU and the global network, forge local and international research partnerships, and build NYU Abu Dhabi’s research and educational mission and capacity to ensure student success.

As a form of sponsored research, the Research Institute NYUAD offers substantial and sustained funding for multi-year research programs led by top global scholars that address complex issues of global and national significance. The Research Institute catalyzed the development of premier science and engineering facilities and NYUAD’s Core Technology Platforms. These technology platforms support research across NYU Abu Dhabi, including regular faculty and student research. Research Institute projects draw top talent to NYU Abu Dhabi, including prospective faculty members, but also postdocs, graduate students, undergraduate students, and researchers.

Leader Profile

Professor Sehamuddin Galadari is currently the Managing Director of the Research Institute NYUAD, and Professor of Biology at NYUAD.

As the University’s first Senior Vice Provost of Research (2018 - 2024), Sehamuddin is dedicated to advancing science and education, commendably contributing in shaping NYUAD’s academic and research strategies, securing external funds, and cultivating long-term strategic partnerships, solidifying NYUAD’s profile as a world-class research institution. His mentorship over students, junior researchers, and faculty has left a lasting impact, shaping the next generation of scientists and innovators, and contributing to the university’s vision of becoming a global leader in higher education.

Under his tenure, the Research Institute NYUAD made significant strides, fostering high-impact scholarship that addresses complex global and regional challenges. His guidance helped establish and advance NYUAD’s Core Technology Platforms, Research Labs Support, and High-Performance Computing facilities, positioning the university as a leader in cutting-edge innovation and research collaboration.

With a PhD in biochemistry from Imperial College London, Sehamuddin serves as a Professor of Biology at NYUAD, playing a key role in the development of the Division of Science. His ground-breaking research on cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer saw numerous publications in leading scientific journals. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of Chemistry, serves as chair of the Natural Sciences Committee of the Great Arab Minds, is an elected member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Academy of Scientists, and a member of the Emirates Scientists Council. Sehamuddin has been a visiting Professor at Harvard Medical School, Oxford University, Imperial College, University of Glasgow, Duke University Medical Centre, POSTECH, and Medical University of South Carolina.

A thought leader in the scientific community, Sehamuddin is a driving force in advancing UAE-based research, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations and the integration of science into policymaking, earning him international-level recognition.

“In service of human advancement.” - Sehamuddin Galadari

Key People