Dr. Wassim El Hajj: AUB will have a substantial role in positioning Cyprus as an innovative research hub

Dr. Wassim El Hajj, Rector of the American University of Beirut – Mediterraneo (AUB Mediterraneo) explains why Cyprus – and Paphos in particular – was chosen as the location of a twin AUB campus and how it is expected to fuel economic growth and innovation in Cyprus.

Why did you decide to invest in Cyprus and specifically Paphos? What strategic advantages does the location offer and how does being located in Cyprus enhance the University’s ability to attract international students and faculty?

The decision to establish a twin campus of the American University of Beirut in Cyprus was made after extensive study and discussion. We wanted to stay in the Mediterranean area because this is where AUB has been for 158 years and it is where we would like to contribute further, while expanding our impact to other parts of the world. Cyprus stood out for many reasons, including its commitment to academic freedom, which we value especially highly, its location in Europe, safety, stability and the presence of a growing student market. It was after meeting Mayor Phedon Phedonos that we became interested in Paphos. His vision for the municipality of Paphos matched AUB’s aspirations and vision. We visited Paphos and quickly saw that it was a great place to locate a university.

How would you describe its anticipated impact on the local economy?

As we grow and introduce new academic programmes, activities and initiatives, we will have an even greater impact, not just on Cyprus but on the broader region. In the classroom and in our research, we will address issues that are relevant to Cyprus. We plan to contribute to the local economy through the injection of human capital and innovation in research. By fuelling economic growth and driving innovation, we are confident that we will have a significant economic impact on local communities and districts.

Successful investments often involve collaboration with local stakeholders and communities. What has been your experience with local businesses, government agencies and the community?

We have received wonderful and critical support from government agencies and communities in Cyprus. This collaboration is essential, especially when you are new to a community and embarking on such an ambitious initiative.

Looking ahead, how do you see your presence evolving in the country and what role do you envision AUB Mediterraneo playing in the efforts to make Cyprus a quality higher education hub?

We believe that our presence in Cyprus, as a twin campus of a globally ranked university, will enable us to play a substantial role in positioning Cyprus as a hub for innovative research, entrepreneurship and social impact.

Congratulations on recently winning an Invest Cyprus International Investment Award. What does this recognition mean for you?

All of us at AUB Mediterraneo in Paphos and the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon are very proud to have been selected to receive this prestigious award. We are truly invested in Cyprus and this award recognises that investment and our commitment to introduce an American-style liberal arts education to Cyprus and to contribute to knowledge generation in the country and the region.

AUB Mediterraneo

It is an approved branch campus of the globally-ranked American University of Beirut (AUB) in Beirut, Lebanon. Cyprus was selected for the location of AUB’s first twin campus outside Lebanon because of its commitment to academic freedom and its attraction to students. In autumn 2024, AUB Mediterraneo will welcome students to a stunning new and sustainable campus in downtown Paphos, close to the sea. Students in Cyprus who excel in the Cypriot School Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion) exams can still apply to AUB Mediterraneo for autumn 2024 and benefit from at least 70% in scholarships for their entire duration of study.

This interview first appeared in the July edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.