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ـه1446 لا�س� ددـــــ ـــــعلا Forum 22
م2025 ليربإا

WiDS PSU Conference

underscores boosting women's empowerment in

digital transformation

In a strategic move that demonstrates its commitment strategic reforms and effective empowerment programs. leadership within the field. One of the highlights was Elaine
to Saudi Vision 2030, Prince Sultan University, in He expressed pride in mentoring four women in the Grunewald, President of Tonomus Venture Studio and
collaboration with Stanford University, has organized the university's research laboratories and highlighted the AIDA Chief Sustainability Officer at NEOM, who discussed how
8th International Women in Data Science Conference lab's role as a center for innovation and creativity. data science can foster sustainable innovation. Bathina Al-
(WiDS PSU 2025). This event took place from April 13 to 14 Wahibi, Director of Partnerships at Cisco, addressed the
and featured the participation of distinguished local and Dr. Heba Khoshaim, Vice President of the Women’s Campus
international experts, as well as prominent women leaders at the university and Chair of the Executive Committee impact of big data on the development of digital strategies.
in higher education, industry, and scientific research. for the Conference, expressed her pride in Saudi Arabia Additionally, Helene Panova, Head of Ecosystems at NEOM,
achieving a top global ranking in empowering women in and Atheer Almogbil, Lead Principal Investigator at the
The conference, organized by the AIDA lab, served as a artificial intelligence. This achievement was reported in the Cybersecurity Institute at KACST, contributed their insights.
prominent knowledge platform to showcase women's Stanford University 2025 Artificial Intelligence Index.
accomplishments in data science, engineering, and The event featured the announcement of the winners
computer science, with the inspiring slogan: "Empowering Dr. Heba Khoshaim highlighted that 43 researchers from of the "Innovate Spark Challenge," a competition that
Women: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability and Gender Prince Sultan University were recognized in the Stanford showcased innovative youth projects in the fields of
Inclusiveness." 2024 ranking as being among the top 2% of scientists
worldwide. Additionally, she noted that 6 out of the 24 artificial intelligence and technology. At the conclusion
Dr. Ahmed Yamani, President of Prince Sultan University, laboratories and research groups at the university were of the conference, Dr. Ahmed Yamani delivered an
highlighted in his opening statement that collaboration led by women, demonstrating a supportive academic inspiring message, encouraging collaboration across
with Stanford University is part of an ambitious vision environment that promotes empowerment and equality. disciplines, sectors, and borders. He stated, "Let’s continue
to advance scientific knowledge and foster innovation. Dr. Heba Khoshaim also announced the launch of the working together to create a future where everyone can
He emphasized that women today are not only integral "Motivator for Female Researchers in Their Early Careers," lead, innovate, and contribute to the world of artificial
to the landscape of transformation, but they also lead a year-long research training program designed to enhance intelligence, data science, and beyond."
as decision-makers and drivers of change in the fields of the skills and capabilities of female researchers at the early
artificial intelligence and sustainability. stages of their scientific careers.
With this vision, Prince Sultan University has reinforced
Dr. Ahmed stated that Saudi women have moved beyond The WiDS PSU 2025 event featured a lineup of its position as a regional and international center of
merely breaking down barriers; they are now leaders distinguished speakers who shared strategic insights into excellence in supporting women and has taken an active
in technology, research, and leadership roles, thanks to the future of data science and the pivotal role of women in role in building a sustainable and inclusive digital future.