Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
In the spirit of the UAE's Year of Community, NYU Abu Dhabi's (NYUAD) Arts and Humanities Research Platform hosted a dynamic Research Open Day, bringing together faculty, students, and representatives from prominent local institutions to spark new collaborations and strengthen community ties.
"Community is not only a place but a rhythm — it's the breath between languages. The platform is not just a site of research but a gathering where questions cultivate connectivity," Nathalie Handal, Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at NYUAD, told Aletihad.
The event served as fertile ground for intellectual exchange, as local, cultural and academic institutions gathered to showcase their research interests, share methodologies, and explore potential joint initiatives.
For many participants, it was a first-of-its-kind opportunity to meaningfully connect with peers across Abu Dhabi's cultural and research landscape.
"We want our research to intersect with the community, not sit in an ivory tower," Awam Amkpa, Dean of Arts and Humanities at NYUAD, told Aletihad.
The ethos of the UAE's Year of Community is at the heart of everything NYUAD does, Amkpa said.
"We see our research as a form of currency to build connections with cultural institutions and research-focused organisations. Our goal is to integrate our academic work with the vibrant cultural fabric of Abu Dhabi, ensuring that both our faculty and students extend their learning beyond campus walls."
Amkpa also stressed that NYUAD is committed to collaborative scholarship, as many faculty projects are interdisciplinary by design, combining the expertise of historians, filmmakers, philosophers, and linguists.
"Collaboration is at the heart of what we do," he added. "It starts small within our faculty and spirals outward into the wider community, aligning perfectly with the government's vision for the Year of Community."
Global Crossroads
The unique cultural and academic environment of Abu Dhabi - and the UAE as a whole - is integral to the success of cross-institutional research collaborations, Amkpa added.
"The UAE is an incredible country that offers opportunities for people from every corner of the world. We often call it a global crossroads; a place where cultures, ideas, and ambitions meet," he said.
"For us, as educators, it's about positioning ourselves at the crossroads of the future. We want the next generation to see the world not as a collection of isolated places, but as an interconnected community where their experiences and those of others are deeply linked."
The Louvre Abu Dhabi was among the participants in the NYUAD Arts and Humanities Research Open Day.
"This is one of the first times we've truly engaged with some of our colleagues from local institutions," said Sabrina Moura, Research and Development Manager at Louvre Abu Dhabi, in an interview with Aletihad. "We are eager to learn from their methodologies and see how our programmes can complement one another."
For the Louvre Abu Dhabi, partnerships with universities like NYUAD bring invaluable academic depth to its mission.
"Our collaboration allows us to benefit from NYUAD's research expertise while offering access to our collections, laboratories, and public audience - over 1.4 million visitors a year," Guilhem Andre, Director for Scientific Curatorial and Collection Management at the museum, told Aletihad.
He stressed that research isn't just for academia: "Ultimately, research findings must be shared with the public through exhibitions and publications. That's where we complement each other."
Growing Academic, Cultural Ecosystem
Marta Losada, Associate Vice Chancellor for Global Research at NYUAD, echoed this sentiment.
"Museums have already curated incredible collections and contexts. By partnering with them, we enrich our research and connect with their broad audiences, creating powerful synergies," she told Aletihad.
Reflecting on the growing academic and cultural ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, André praised the UAE's open, collaborative approach.
"There's a real dynamism here. Authorities are actively encouraging institutions to work together, and that's how we bring this vibrant research network to life."
