Khalifa University Expands Global Research Network Through Dual PhD Partnership with Canada’s Western University

Opportunity Details

Program Enables Doctoral Students to Earn PhD Degrees from Both Institutions Through an Integrated Research Experience

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Canada’s Western University today announced a strategic Dual Degree PhD partnership across eligible doctoral programs, marking another milestone in Khalifa University’s growing global research ecosystem.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing research excellence, fostering innovation, and developing globally competitive talent equipped to address complex challenges facing industry and society. By combining the strengths of two leading research-intensive universities, the initiative will provide doctoral students with access to world-class academic expertise, advanced research infrastructure, and international collaborative opportunities across two continents. Khalifa University is ranked 147th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, while Western University ranked 142nd, is recognized as one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities.

The partnership also comes at a time when both the UAE and Canada are prioritizing research in sustainable energy, climate solutions, and artificial intelligence, fields in which demand for internationally trained doctoral talent continues to grow. It establishes a long-term framework for collaborative research, academic exchange, and scientific innovation, strengthening institutional ties between the two countries while expanding opportunities for future research collaboration.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: “At Khalifa University, we believe that research achieves its greatest impact when knowledge, talent and ideas transcend borders. Our partnership with Western University brings together two globally recognized research institutions with a shared ambition to advance scientific discovery, develop exceptional researchers and deliver solutions to the complex challenges facing our societies. Through this dual PhD program, we are not only preparing the next generation of research leaders, but also strengthening the international collaborations that drive innovation, support national priorities and create lasting global impact.”

Alan Shepard, President and Vice-Chancellor, Western University, said: “This new partnership will give outstanding doctoral students the opportunity to work alongside engineering leaders in two regions of the world, helping them develop a global perspective on research practices, infrastructure, knowledge translation and the evolving role of professional engineers. Western is proud to partner with Khalifa to support the next generation of experts who will accelerate discovery and strengthen international collaboration in the pursuit of innovation.”

The partnership will be available across eligible engineering PhD programs at both institutions. It will support collaborative research in areas such as sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, biomedical and healthcare technologies, and other strategically important fields.

Under the program, doctoral candidates will be jointly supervised by faculty members from both universities and will spend time at campuses in Abu Dhabi and Canada. The full-time, research-intensive doctorate, typically completed within four years, provides access to advanced research facilities and academic resources at both institutions. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of both universities and secure supervisors at each institution.

Students will benefit from integrated supervision and mentorship, working alongside leading researchers in multidisciplinary and internationally collaborative environments. The program culminates in the completion of a single integrated doctoral dissertation that reflects the combined academic requirements of both institutions. The dissertation will be examined by a joint committee comprising representatives from Khalifa University and Western University, together with an independent external expert.

Clarence Michael

English Editor – Specialist

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