Khalifa University Launches KU-MIRA to Help More Women Scientists Become Leaders

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has launched KU-MIRA, an initiative designed to support women scientists and academics as they build their research careers and move into leadership roles. The programme will focus on strengthening research output, increasing professional visibility and providing mentorship and networks to support long-term careers. The initiative also aims to contribute to the UAE’s research capabilities and knowledge-based economy. Khalifa University

• Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Organisation: Khalifa University of Science and Technology
• Launch date: 28 October 2026
• Who is affected: Women students, researchers, academics and aspiring scientific leaders
• Research impact: Supports scientific excellence, academic progression and leadership development
• What’s next: A phased rollout, a directory of women researchers and the Women Shaping Science platform

Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi has launched KU-MIRA (Mentoring & Impact in Research & Academia) to help more women scientists develop their careers and take on leadership roles. Announced on 28 October 2026, the initiative will cover science, health and engineering, with a focus on research achievements, academic progression, professional visibility and mentorship.

The initiative comes as the university reports a significant female presence among its students and researchers, while women remain less represented among its faculty. KU-MIRA aims to build on women’s participation in higher education and create stronger pathways into scientific leadership. It also aligns with the UAE’s wider efforts to develop research talent and strengthen its knowledge-based economy. Khalifa University+1

What Is KU-MIRA and How Will It Support Women Scientists?

KU-MIRA is an institutional initiative intended to help women contribute to scientific discovery, advance their academic careers and gain greater recognition for their work.

According to Khalifa University, the programme is built around three pillars: Producing Science, Amplifying Science and Sustaining Scientists. Each addresses a different part of a researcher’s professional journey, from producing high-quality research to building a lasting career in academia.

Rather than focusing only on participation in science education, the initiative aims to support women’s progression into positions where they can influence research priorities, contribute to teaching and lead scientific teams.

The university plans to introduce activities in phases and assess their impact over time. Its proposed measures include participation, research and teaching outcomes, academic progression and institutional impact. Khalifa University

Why Has Khalifa University Introduced the Initiative?

The university’s own figures show both the progress made and the opportunity to strengthen women’s representation across its academic community.

Women account for:

• 59% of undergraduate students
• 44% of PhD students
• 34% of researchers
• 19% of faculty members

These figures, published by Khalifa University, show that women make up a substantial share of its student population, including those pursuing doctoral studies. Their representation is lower among researchers and faculty members, highlighting the importance of supporting career progression beyond university education. Khalifa University

The figures do not, by themselves, explain why representation changes across career stages. However, they provide a useful starting point for an initiative focused on academic development, research visibility and leadership.

For the university, developing this talent pool could also strengthen its research community and support its contribution to scientific innovation in the UAE.

How Does KU-MIRA Fit Into the UAE’s Research and Women’s Empowerment Goals?

KU-MIRA is part of a broader national environment that supports women’s participation in education, employment and leadership.

The UAE’s National Policy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023–2031 provides guidance for government entities, the private sector and civil society to advance women’s participation across sectors. Its priorities include developing women’s skills, supporting their economic participation and improving the institutional environment for women’s advancement. UAE Legislation

The initiative also addresses a challenge seen internationally. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, women accounted for 31.4% of researchers worldwide in 2023, up from 29.5% in 2013. Women also represented 35% of STEM graduates globally, while their share of national science academy membership remained around 19%. Institute for Statistics (UIS)+1

These figures show that participation in science education does not automatically translate into equal representation in research and senior scientific positions.

By focusing on career development, recognition and professional networks, KU-MIRA aims to address several parts of this wider challenge within Khalifa University’s academic and research community.

What Are the Three Pillars of KU-MIRA?

Khalifa University has structured KU-MIRA around three complementary pillars, each targeting a different aspect of women’s scientific careers.

1. Producing Science

This pillar aims to strengthen research productivity, academic progression and scientific excellence. It focuses on supporting women as they develop their research portfolios, contribute to academic work and progress through their careers.

2. Amplifying Science

The second pillar focuses on making women’s scientific contributions more visible. It aims to increase recognition of their expertise, research achievements and influence within academia and the wider scientific community.

3. Sustaining Scientists

The third pillar centres on mentorship, professional networks and institutional environments that support long-term scientific careers. These areas are intended to help women build professional connections and access support as they progress into more senior roles.

Together, the three pillars cover research development, professional recognition and long-term career support. Khalifa University

Who Will Lead KU-MIRA at Khalifa University?

Dr Maryam Khaleel Alhashmi, Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, has been appointed as the initiative’s founding director.

She will oversee the implementation of KU-MIRA, coordinate activities across the university and help establish its priorities. Her responsibilities will include advancing the initiative’s objectives as the university introduces its activities in phases.

Khalifa University President Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri said the initiative builds on the UAE’s investment in education and scientific capabilities. He highlighted its role in supporting women to expand their influence in research and academia and take on greater leadership responsibilities.

The phased approach will also allow the university to assess participation and outcomes as the initiative develops. However, the university has not yet announced specific numerical targets or a complete timetable for each activity. Khalifa University

What Programmes Will KU-MIRA Introduce Next?

Two planned activities will focus on making women’s research contributions easier to discover and understand.

Khalifa University directory of women researchers: The university plans to establish a directory showcasing women researchers, their areas of specialisation, expertise and research contributions. This could provide a dedicated resource for identifying the work of female academics across the institution.

Women Shaping Science: This platform will highlight women scientists and academics whose work advances knowledge, addresses real-world challenges and contributes to the development of future generations. It aims to bring their achievements and experiences to wider audiences.

Both activities support the initiative’s focus on scientific visibility. Their implementation will form part of KU-MIRA’s phased rollout, with the university assessing the initiative’s progress through research, teaching, academic progression and other institutional measures.

The university has not yet confirmed when the directory and platform will become available to the public. Khalifa University

Why It Matters?

KU-MIRA could benefit women pursuing research careers at Khalifa University by placing greater emphasis on mentorship, professional recognition and academic progression.

For students considering research careers, greater visibility of women scientists may also provide examples of different career paths in science, health and engineering.

The initiative is relevant to the UAE’s wider research ambitions because universities play a role in developing skilled professionals, producing new knowledge and supporting innovation. Strengthening opportunities for researchers to progress can help institutions make better use of their existing talent.

The practical impact will depend on how KU-MIRA’s activities are implemented and what results the university records over time. Its planned assessments of research output, teaching, participation and career progression should help establish whether the programme is meeting its objectives.

FAQs About Khalifa University’s KU-MIRA Initiative

What does KU-MIRA stand for?

KU-MIRA stands for Mentoring & Impact in Research & Academia. Khalifa University launched it to advance women’s scientific and academic leadership.

When was KU-MIRA launched?

Khalifa University announced the initiative on 28 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

Who is the founding director of KU-MIRA?

Dr Maryam Khaleel Alhashmi, Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Khalifa University, will lead the initiative.

What are the three pillars of KU-MIRA?

The three pillars are Producing Science, Amplifying Science and Sustaining Scientists. They focus on research excellence, scientific visibility, mentorship and long-term career development.

What programmes will KU-MIRA introduce?

The university plans to establish a directory of women researchers and introduce Women Shaping Science, a platform highlighting the work and experiences of women scientists and academics.

Khalifa University’s KU-MIRA initiative aims to strengthen women’s research careers through academic development, mentorship and greater visibility. Its phased rollout will focus on supporting scientific excellence and leadership, with future assessments expected to help track its impact across the university.

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