HBMSU strengthens global research leadership through ICDE Global Doctoral Consortium at World Conference 2025
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) reaffirmed its global research leadership as a core partner of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) Global Doctoral Consortium (GDC) during the ICDE Global Doctoral Symposium held in Wellington, New Zealand.
The symposium brought together doctoral candidates, emerging scholars, and senior academics from leading universities worldwide, creating a dynamic platform for research exchange and collaboration in online, open, and smart learning. HBMSU, a long-standing GDC supporter, played a key role in shaping the event’s academic discussions and advancing the future of doctoral research in inclusive and technology-driven education.
H.E. Dr. Mansoor Alawar, Chancellor of HBMSU, delivered the official welcome address, emphasizing the University's commitment to empowering the next generation of researchers and contributing to global knowledge creation. He also introduced the Center of Excellence in Smart Learning (CESL), describing it as a decentralized, AI-enabled, blockchain-powered ecosystem designed to transform worldwide research collaboration.
Prof. Moustafa Hassan, Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation, expanded on the CESL vision in a dedicated presentation, outlining its research pillars, governance framework, and pathways for researcher participation. He highlighted the vital role of GDC scholars in shaping future research priorities, particularly in fields such as AI in education, stackable learning, and immersive digital learning environments.
The symposium featured doctoral presentations, collaborative research exercises, and expert-led feedback sessions, strengthening mentorship channels and fostering cross-institutional research networks. The event further supported GDC’s mission of building a sustainable, globally connected research ecosystem for digital learning.
HBMSU’s continued leadership within the GDC aligns with its long-term ambition to advance global research in smart learning, technology governance, and online education, empowering early-career scholars to address emerging challenges in the evolving digital education landscape.
