Podcasts about nyuad

This talk explores the profound artistry and scientific intricacies of Indian art music, with a focus on the Hindustani repertoire. Dr. Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli delves into the psychoacoustic and emotional dimensions of ragas, illustrating how pitch, timbre, and rhythm evoke deep responses. Bridging tradition with technology, he demonstrates the role of objective thinking in understanding melodic nuances and improvisation techniques. Speaker Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli, Associate Professor of Computing, Zayed University; Visiting Scholar, NYUAD

The Climate Crisis has created novel challenges for public policy in the Global South. Developing nations need to discover ways of continuing to grow without undermining the goals of the Paris Agreement, transitioning to green energy at the same time as addressing deep problems of economic growth and social inequality. They also need to mitigate some of the effects of extreme weather events, such as floods or forest fires. In this panel discussion four experienced judges will reflect on the role of the law on this process. Can a substantive conception of environmental rights make a difference? Does the constitution have anything to say about the green transition? Can a Supreme Court assist this process by providing safeguards of fairness and legitimacy? Panel Members Dr Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, Chief Justice of Bangladesh Justice Ananda Bahatarai, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal Moderated by Pavlos Eleftheriadis, Program Head of Legal Studies; Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD

This talk examines Soviet power through a transregional and global lens, focusing on its cultural and political exchanges with the Middle East. Drawing from a recently published book, The Eastern International: Arabs, Central Asians, and Jews in the Soviet Union's Anticolonial Empire, it traces how the Soviet concept of the “East” shaped both domestic policy and international influence, from the early Bolshevik era to Putin's Russia. Through the stories of Soviet Jews, Central Asians, and Arab Marxists, it uncovers a fascinating web of cultural and political exchanges that blurred the lines between empire and anti-colonialism. Speaker Masha Kirasirova, Author, "The Eastern International: Arabs, Central Asians, and Jews in the Soviet Union's Anticolonial Empire" (Oxford University Press, 2024); Assistant Professor of History, NYUAD

Ali Khan, author of Cricket in Pakistan: Nation, Identity, and Politics, examines the profound connection between cricket and Pakistan's socio-political landscape. The talk explores how the sport has shaped national identity, influenced political narratives, and served as a cultural touchstone, reflecting the broader dynamics of society and politics in the region. Speaker Ali Khan, Professor of Anthropology, LUMS and Author of Cricket in Pakistan: Nation, Identity, and Politics (Oxford University Press, 2022) In conversation with Saba Khan, Instructor of Social Science, NYUAD

Have the great ambitions for the role of international criminal justice in the world been misplaced? Can international courts deliver meaningful justice for the victims of extreme crimes in conflict? This conversation will explore the challenges of seeking accountability for war time atrocities with Erik Møse, one the pioneering figures of international criminal justice. His perspectives will draw from decades of experience, having served as the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and presided over the trials of the leading figures of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where an estimated 800,000 individuals were killed within 100 days. In his current role as Chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, he will share his reflections on the rapidly evolving techniques for investigating international crimes in conflict zones. Speaker Erik Møse, Chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine; former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda; former judge of the European Court of Human Rights and the Supreme Court of Norway In conversation with Rosemary Byrne, Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD

How do immigration policies from economically advantaged countries affect people in less advantaged countries and the immigrants who come in with these policies? "Structured Luck" takes us on a transnational journey to explore the societal, personal, and political implications of the US Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, a US immigration policy that is an annual economic and cultural event in many economically disadvantaged countries. It illuminates the trauma, resilience, determination, and mobility of immigrants who come to the U.S. through the DV program and closes with a call for the U.S. and other economically advantaged countries to develop policies that will better integrate their immigrants into society. Speaker Onoso Imoagene, Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD; Author, "Structured Luck Downstream Effects of the U.S. Diversity Visa Program" (Russell Sage, 2024), NYUAD In conversation with Natasha Iskander, James Weldon Johnson Professor of Urban Planning and Public Service, NYU Wagner

Can we reimagine the complex relationships among nature, culture, and homeland through the lens of a decolonial botany? In this conversation, Robert Zhao Renhui and Tuấn Mami explore plants as contemporary symbols of resilience and adaptation that can shape our understanding of multispecies ecosystems and migrating communities and enrich our collective existence. In a world grappling with the climate crisis, the artists invite the audience to rethink exclusionary binaries such as invasive vs native species and to see plants as matters of emotion, memory, history, and politics. Speakers Tuấn Mami, Artist; Co-founder, Nhà Sàn Collective Robert Zhao Renhui, Artist; Founder, Institute of Critical Zoologists In conversation with Katia Arfara, Curator; Assistant Professor of Theater and Performance Studies, NYUAD

By introducing artists to science and research institutions, sci-art collaborations are establishing new perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, and artistic work is contributing to scientific inquiry. In this talk, musician and sound artist Sam Nester introduces his work and how it has led to collaborative projects with institutions in the USA, Europe, and the UAE. From working alongside scientists at the European Joint Research Centre and policy officers of the Directorate General for Environment, to collaborating with members of the Center for Genomics & Systems Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi as the inaugural artist-in-residence. Speaker Sam Nester, Artist-in-Residence, Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, NYUAD

This talk explores the impact of immigration policies from economically advantaged countries on both the people in less advantaged nations, particularly in the Global South, and the immigrants who enter under these policies. The speaker will take us on a transnational journey, delving into the societal, personal, and political implications of the U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Highlighting the trauma, resilience, determination, and mobility of those who immigrate to the U.S. through the DV program, the talk will conclude with a call for economically advantaged countries to adopt policies that better integrate immigrants into their societies. Speaker Onoso Imoagene, Program Head of Social Research and Public Policy; Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD In conversation with John O'Brien, Associate Professor of Sociology, NYUAD

Dean Salomon will introduce the principal risks that multinational corporations (MNCs) face in the global marketplace. He will discuss the critical institutional investment challenges that underpin globalization and the tools that multinational investors can use to better navigate globalization's risks. Speaker Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern, NYUAD In collaboration with Stern at NYUAD

As the U.S. elections draw near, this panel will examine how leadership changes could influence global power structures, with a particular focus on the Middle East. The discussion will explore what impacts leadership changes might have on the broader geopolitical landscape and consider possible ripple effects in critical regions of the world as the US recalibrates its global strategies. Speakers David McCourt, Visiting Associate Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD Jarrett Blanc, Former Energy and National Security Advisor to the Secretary of Energy, Former Deputy Special Envoy for Iran, and Former Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Robin S. Brooks, State Department Fellow at The Fletcher School, Tufts University; Former Special Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris on Europe, Eurasia, Multilateral Affairs, and Democracy; Former National Security Council Director for Central Europe and the Balkans In conversation with Adam Ramey, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

This presentation explores the Arabic Maqam system of melodic modes, a pillar of traditional Arabic music, focusing on its distinctive structures and sounds. Using examples and guided listening exercises, the session offers a clear and engaging starting point for understanding Arabic music's depth and complexity. By complementing the deep dive into Maqam with insights into how it shapes specific musical traditions, the presentation provides a launchpad for further individual exploration of Arabic music. Speaker Layth Sidiq, Artistic Director of the New York Arabic Orchestra; Artist in Residence, NYUAD In conversation with Andrew Eisenberg, Associate Professor of Music, NYUAD; Global Network Associate Professor of Music, NYU

Bill Bragin of the New York University Abu Dhabi stopped by the studio to chat with Mark about the forthcoming season of events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Speaking Out of Place, we are honored to talk with Munira Khayyat, a Lebanese anthropologist whose book, A Landscape of War: Ecologies of Resistance and Survival in South Lebanon examines what she calls “resistant ecologies in a world of perennial warfare.”  Drawing on long-term fieldwork in frontline villages along Lebanon's southern border with Israel, she examines war not only as a place of death and destruction, but also necessarily, as an environment of living.We appreciate greatly that she was able to join us now, during the massive and deadly new war Israel is waging on Lebanon. Munira shows how this devastation is a continuation of wars Israel has waged against Lebanon for decades, but also how both the Lebanese people and the Lebanese landscape are resisting death and persisting in life.  This episode is especially useful to those wanting to know more about Lebanon, as Professor Khayyat gives us an informative account of the intertwined histories of Lebanon, Palestine, and the State of Israel.Munira Khayyat is an anthropologist whose research revolves around life in war, intimate genealogies of empire, and theory from the South. Her first book, A Landscape of War: Ecologies of Resistance and Survival in South Lebanon (University of California Press 2022) examines resistant ecologies in a world of perennial warfare. Drawing on long-term fieldwork in frontline villages along Lebanon's southern border with Israel, she examines war not only as a place of death and destruction, but also necessarily, as an environment of living.Khayyat is currently working on a second book that fleshes out the complex heart of empire in Saudi Arabia. Heart of Black Gold draws on a personal archive meticulously created by her maternal grandfather, who was among the first Arabian employees of ARAMCO, the Arab American Oil Company. How has oil — its extractive, shiny infrastructures, camps, big men, politics and corporations, its global ecologies — shaped lived environments? Insisting on a feminist and multidisciplinary rearranging of the archive, the book inhabits history-in-the-making as it unfolds in domestic scenes, lived quarters, the affective terrains of oil.Khayyat's research has been supported by the Wenner-Gren Foundation, the Arab Council for the Social Sciences, the Rachel Carson Center. Her writing has appeared in American Ethnologist, Public Culture, JMEWS, Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology News, HAU, and a number of edited volumes. Khayyat was a Member of the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2018-2019). Before joining NYUAD, she taught at the American University in Cairo (2013-2023) and the American University of Beirut (2011-2013). She holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Columbia University (2013), an MPhil in Social Anthropology from Cambridge University (1998) and a BA in history (1997) from the American University of Beirut.

The panel explores the evolving identity of contemporary media and its pivotal role in shaping national identity; focusing on the historic contributions of women in journalism and the influence of editorial control on the intellectual landscape. Discussions will address the challenges and barriers to innovation, particularly those related to institutional and societal norms. Speakers will explore the future trajectory of media, emphasizing the role of academic and professional environments in media evolution. The panel aims to shed light on how media shapes and reflects a nation's voice, culture, and future. Speakers Amer bin Jassas, Broadcaster and Interviewer Yusra Adel, Media Professional, Abu Dhabi Media Network In conversation with Noura Al Obeidli, Humanities Research Fellow, NYUAD

Even while the climate crisis deepens, the decarbonization of the global economy and the fourth industrial revolution have been subsumed by geopolitics that remain anchored in realist power struggles, now revolving around Sino-American hyper-competition. Access to indispensable minerals for a net zero future has become securitized undermining ties of global interdependence. The panel of interdisciplinary scholars, institutional stakeholders, and industry experts provides insight into this latest manifestation of resource competition and discusses their contributions to the book Critical Minerals, the Climate Crisis, and the Tech Imperium (Springer Nature, 2023). Panel Members Constantine Karayannopoulos, Former CEO, Neo Performance Materials Kristin Vekasi, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and School of Policy and International Affairs, University of Maine Owen Pell, The Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities; Retired Partner, White & Case LLP Vasileios Tsianos, Director of Corporate Development, Neo Performance Materials Moderated by Sophia Kalantzakos, Global Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Public Policy, NYUAD

Often, the United Arab Emirates is envisioned as a land of ultramodern skyscrapers or vast sand dunes. Yet, the Emirates are much more: a diverse tapestry of ecosystems that are home to a surprising array of life forms uniquely adapted to the Arabian environment. This talk explores the UAE's unique ecosystems, its terrestrial and marine biodiversity, and humanity's role in this young, rapidly evolving nation. Speaker John A. Burt, Author, "A Natural History of the Emirates" (Springer Nature, 2023); Head of the Marine Biology Lab and Associate Professor of Biology, NYUAD

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day 2024 with an inspiring event themed Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. The program features a lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of women and youth empowerment across the globe and will discuss the interplay of education and diplomacy regionally and globally, with a focus on women in innovative leadership. Speakers Gugu Ndebele, Executive Director, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Prize Co-Laureate, Former President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts Opening Remarks Wana Udobang, Multidisciplinary Artist and Storyteller Lisa Coleman, Visiting Professor, NYU Stern School of Business In conversation with Fatiah Touray Esq., Executive Director of Inclusion and Equity, NYUAD

A conversation with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur about his journey through diverse film industries and film genres, across national boundaries. From Masoom (Innocence); India, 1983 to his most recent What's Love Got to Do with it? UK, 2022, from the fantasy film, Mr. India; India, 1987, to realism, Bandit Queen; India, 1994 and historical fiction, Elizabeth; UK 1998, Kapur will share his experiences and insight. Not limited to the single screen, Kapur will share his future projects that include multi-screen installations, gaming, comics and animation. Speakers Shekhar Kapur, Film Director, Producer, Actor; Recipient of National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, BAFTA Nominations In conversation with Surabhi Sharma, Program Head of Film and New Media; Associate Professor of Practice of Film and New Media, NYUAD

Obtaining accurate and current information from conflict zones has long posed numerous challenges for global media. The rise of generative AI and its use in targeted disinformation campaigns presents many new challenges that threaten to undermine the credibility of reporting and sway opinion. In this panel, four distinguished panelists will consider the problems posed by disinformation and generative AI from various perspectives, focusing in particular on the current research about the role of disinformation in today's rapidly changing media landscape. Panel Members Donald Jensen, Senior Advisor for Russia and Europe, US Institute of Peace Joshua Tucker, Professor of Politics, Director Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia, NYU Moderated by Leonid Peisakhin, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

Kicking off a week-long New York City residency by Kuwaiti music ensemble Boom.Diwan, this panel explores the history and intercultural dynamics of musical cultures in the Arabian Gulf and Africa's Swahili Coast. Based in mercantile trade and cultural exchange dating back many centuries, the music of the Gulf and Western Indian Ocean have developed uniquely rich and cosmopolitan song forms and styles infrequently explored and heard in the West. The panel discusses their ongoing research on this musical nexus and offers musical demonstrations. Panel Members Ghazi Faisal al-Mulaifi, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, NYUAD Andrew Eisenberg, Program Head and Associate Professor of Music, NYUAD Moderated by Jonathan H. Shannon, Professor of Anthropology, Hunter College and Graduate Center, CUNY; Faculty Director, J-Term Curriculum, Office of Global Education, NYUAD

Explore the captivating realm of Shehan Karunatilaka's fiction, which masterfully intertwines the surreal and humorously dark. "The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida" is noted as “an afterlife noir” that reflects Sri Lanka's tumultuous history through a unique lens. In this session, Shehan will share excerpts from his work and discuss his artistic craft, inspiration, and the nuances of addressing conflict and contested memories in writing. Drawing influence from global literary icons like Kurt Vonnegut and Margaret Atwood, Shehan's writing effortlessly connects local experiences to a worldwide audience. Speaker Shehan Karunatilaka, 2022 Booker Prize Winner, Author of 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' (WW Norton & Co, 2022) In conversation with Harshana Rambukwella, Visiting Professor of Literature and Creative Writing, NYUAD

The roles of mothers across the public/private divide have long been contested and negotiated. How have women leveraged their identities as mothers to assert change in the public sphere? Beyond their achievements, what are the costs borne from these sacrifices? How has motherhood been instrumentalized or weaponized, and whose motherhood counts and whose is discounted? This talk will bring together three speakers to discuss the ways mothers assert agency in public domains and discourses. Their research and experiences - focusing on Argentina, Bangladesh and Egypt - provide insight from across geographies of the Global South on past and present, cross-generational, women's experiences with public work. This talk is part of On Motherhood and its Shadows, an NYUAD Arts & Humanities Research Kitchens Initiative Panel Members Dina M. Siddiqi, Clinical Associate Professor, Global Liberal Studies, NYU Maria Adela Antokoletz, President of International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED) Mona Anis, Writer, Editor, and Translator Moderated by Zaynab El Bernoussi, Visiting Assistant Professor of Social Research and Public Policy, NYUAD

In this talk, Dr. Sarmast, Founder and Director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), shares the inspiring journey of ANIM—a remarkable institution that has overcome adversity to emerge as a national and global symbol of hope, resilience, and artistic freedom. The presentation explores how ANIM—known as Afghanistan's happiest place— plays a critical role in preserving the nation's rich musical heritage, while offering a platform for all young Afghans to find their voices and develop their musical abilities. The narrative illustrates the unbreakable spirit of human creativity and music's transformative power in overcoming difficult circumstances by highlighting ANIM's role in advocating for music rights, while also fostering excellence, empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding. ANIM's story is an inspiring example of resilience and unity through the arts. Brought to you by Mubadala and Part of RIWAQ AL FIKR ADMAF Talks Speaker Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast, Founder and Director, Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM); UNESCO's Second Annual Cultural Heritage Rescue Prize; International Music Council Musical Rights Award; David Chow Humanitarian Award Moderated by Gwyneth Bravo, Assistant Professor of Music, NYUAD; Global Global Network Assistant Professor of Music, NYU

In celebration of UAE National Day, this talk offers an overview of the origins and evolution of Emirati cuisine as an expression of Emirati culture and history. Emirati foodways have grown in tandem with the development of the region within the contexts of trade across the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean regions. The rise of an Emirati cuisine parallels the remarkable transformation of the UAE into a global leader in technology and culture, as well as in the transition to a more sustainable and secure future. Speaker Jonathan H. Shannon, Professor of Anthropology, Hunter College and Graduate Center, CUNY; Faculty Director, J-Term Curriculum, Office of Global Education, NYUAD

Black holes are one of the most interesting and confusing objects in the universe. Their inevitable possibility is predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, and their existence is confirmed by numerous experimental observations. Thus, we have to contend with the reality of black holes and seek to understand their ins and outs. In this talk, we journey from the knowns of black holes as one-way streets into an unavoidable end and venture into the unknowns which suggest that the inside of a black hole is secretly on the outside. Speaker Ahmed Almheiri, Assistant Professor of Physics, NYUAD

This panel focuses on the journeys of four outstanding theater professionals who found their voices at NYU Abu Dhabi and are making their way in the US as playwrights, screenwriters and actors—each unique, but having shared the experience of studying and exploring the arts in Abu Dhabi. Image credit: Rubén Polendo Panel Members Fatima Maan, Playwright, NYUAD '18 Adam El Sayigh, Playwright, Screenwriter and Dramaturg, NYUAD ‘18 Arianna Gayle Stucki, Actor and Playwright, NYUAD ‘18 Attilio Rigotti, Theater Maker, Game Designer, Teacher, NYUAD ‘14 Moderated by Rubén Polendo, Associate Dean for the Institute of Performing Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts; Founding Theater Program Head, NYUAD

Explore the intriguing connections between the realms of physics, cosmology, and quantum physics with the music that defines an era. This talk examines the narrative of cosmic structure, interpreting it through the elements of jazz music, and unveiling the harmonious relationship between these diverse yet unified fields. Speakers Stephon Alexander, Professor of Physics, Brown University In conversation with Arlie Petters, Provost, NYUAD

Addressing the urgency of climate change and the foundational role of international agreements like the Paris Agreement of 2015, countries are urged to adopt concrete domestic measures. Beyond the realms of international directives, the evolution of 'climate law' encompasses various sectors, including administrative, commercial, human rights, and more. As nations worldwide adopt distinctive models for this, such as the UK, France, and the USA, understanding these shifts becomes paramount. This panel's primary focus is to assemble legal experts to extensively explore the intricacies and challenges of climate law and its domestic implications, particularly emphasizing the path toward achieving Net Zero. Speakers Benedict Kingsbury, Vice Dean, Global Programs Murry and Ida Becker Professor of Law Director, Institute for International Law and Justice, NYU Damilola S. Olawuyi, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, UNESCO Chairholder on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Jinan Bastaki, Associate Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD Richard Honey KC, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building Moderated by Aude Epstein, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, NYUAD

This talk discusses how it's common to embark on a challenging pursuit without knowing the likelihood of success. As we encounter hurdles and setbacks, we face a crucial decision: to give up or persevere. Optimism about our chances can prevent premature despair. The talk argues that "grit"—persisting in adversity—is rational only if it avoids unrealistic optimism. Rational striving requires close attention to our abilities and strengths and assessing whether our circumstances will likely support our success. We present a model of striving that seeks to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of this essential capacity of agents. Speakers Jennifer Morton, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Pennsylvania Sarah Paul, Professor of Philosophy, NYUAD

Sam Altman may be on the verge of a dramatic comeback at OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company that created ChatGPT. Altman was fired by the board of directors on Friday – but multiple media reports suggest that investors including Microsoft want him back. We've got the latest analysis from Nancy Gleason, Director of the Hilary Ballon Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at NYUAD, and Associate Professor of Practice, Political Science, New York University Abu Dhabi on whether Altman's a hero or a villain. In the lead up to National Day we look at what the UAE's job market is looking like and where the country has reached in its Emiratization efforts with Talib Hashim, Managing Director of TBH Advisory and Partner in Sdara. Plus, we speak to ​​​​​Zhann Jochinke, COO, Property Monitor + Director of Market Intelligence & Research at Cavendish Maxwell on Dubai property transactions setting a new annual record. Finally, the Coca-Cola Arena is hosting more business conferences, pivoting from its usual diet of concerts and entertainment events - we speak to Mark Jan Kar, General Manager, Coca-Cola Arena to tell us more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This talk explores the groundbreaking achievements of our ancestors in ancient Abu Dhabi, highlighting the complexity and significance of their pioneering innovations in archaeology. Discover the techniques and methods employed by ancient societies to craft stone axes, domesticate animals, transport goods over long distances, and develop bronze, humanity's first composite artificial material. The talk also discusses the UAE's global role as an exporter of copper long before the advent of oil. Speakers Ivan Semian, Director of Karmir Bloor Archeo Park in Yerevan, Armenia In Collaboration with Dhakira Center for Heritage Studies in the UAE, NYUAD

Key figures involved in The Arts Center's creation explore the significance and meaning of arts documentation while reflecting on their collaborative journey capturing seven years of The Arts Center's history. They offer unique perspectives on their approaches and their individual and collective contributions toward this effort. Speakers Waleed Shah, Photographer, Creative Thinker, and Entrepreneur Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director, The Arts Center, NYUAD Nadine Khalil, Editor, Curator, and Critic Moderated by Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor, NYUAD

The explosion at Beirut's port in 2020 wreaked havoc on the American University of Beirut (AUB) Archaeological Museum, shattering 72 valuable glass artifacts. This talk reveals the story of these vessels' journey from Beirut to the British Museum in London, through their recovery, conservation, and exhibition phases. And it underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration, training, and outreach in heritage conservation. Speakers Dr. Duygu Çamurcuoğlu, Senior Conservator and Researcher, Department of Collection Care, The British Museum In Collaboration with Dhakira Center for Heritage Studies in the UAE, NYUAD

Bill Bragin – executive artistic director of the NYUAD Arts Center – talks to us about the center's upcoming season, how it's impacted the city of Abu Dhabi so far, and what he envisions for the future of both the center and its ripple effect on the country as a whole. Bill shares his approach to curatorial work and practice, as well as the importance of responding to a space/venue when programming. We also reflect on what it means to exchange culture and build long-lasting educational institutions, and how Abu Dhabi's unique audience has reacted to the center's work so far. This conversation kicks off the second season of the podcast series in collaboration with The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi and delves deep into the intricate tapestry of the Arab world's histories and cultures. This podcast is your passport to the Arab world's rich and diverse histories and cultures. Get ready to embark on an immersive journey of knowledge, inspiration and endless curiosity. ABOUT THE SERIESJoin us on an intellectual odyssey with The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast Series that delves deep into the intricate tapestry of the Arab world's histories and cultures. As our guests share their expertise and personal journeys, we invite you to embark on a voyage of discovery. Prepare to be enlightened, entertained, and intrigued, as each conversation sparks a new flame of curiosity within you. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi Podcast Series  is your passport to the Arab world's rich and diverse histories and cultures. Get ready to embark on an immersive journey of knowledge, inspiration, and endless curiosity.****** ABOUT AFIKRA ******‎ afikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity.

This talk focuses on the issue of urban mobility and the associated traffic congestion that is a concern in cities worldwide. With the increasing urban population and motorization rates, it is expected that congestion levels will continue to rise, along with negative externalities. The talk explores whether it is possible to predict how congestion spreads in a city, to develop proactive mitigation strategies, and to alleviate congestion by promoting more sustainable transportation modes. The talk also discusses how technology and information can be used to understand current mobility patterns and propose more sustainable alternatives for the future. Speakers Monica Menendez, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs; Director of the Research Center for Interacting Urban Networks (CITIES); Professor of Civil and Urban Engineering, NYUAD

This panel delves into the 20th century architectural production in the modernization era of the Arabian Gulf and its impact on the notions of locality, cosmopolitanism, and modernity. The speakers will examine the initiatives that have re-engaged with the ville moderne and reflect on the role of the urban fabric in narrating social growth, East–West dynamics, and citizens' memories. The panel explores the concept of modern heritage in the context of the contemporary city, interrogate the value of modern architecture in the non-West, and discusses the expanding academic research on Gulf urbanism. Speakers Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation Roberto Fabbri, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, Zayed University In conversation with Nelida Fuccaro, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Professor of Middle Eastern History, NYUAD

The Cairo Genizah is a collection of Jewish manuscripts from the Middle Ages found in an ancient synagogue in Al-Fustat, Egypt. It is a valuable resource for understanding the history, culture, and everyday life of Jews in the medieval Islamic world. Recently, it has been recognized for its significance in the study of Arabic literature and culture, as Jews in the Genizah also wrote and copied poetry in Arabic for both sacred and leisurely purposes. This panel discusses the Genizah Collection's role in helping us understand medieval culture, and highlights the collection's Arabic poetic literature, showcasing the enduring role of poetry in communal life. Speakers Benjamin Outhwaite, Head of Genizah Research Unit, Cambridge University Library Mohamed Ahmed, Al Maktoum Associate Professor, Near & Middle Eastern Studies, Trinity College Dublin In conversation with Nathaniel Miller, Humanities Research Fellow for the Study of the Arab World, NYUAD

For decades now, the “universal museum,” an institution invented in Western Europe, has been challenged, and its decolonization has become a subject of debate within the institution itself. Yet, Françoise Vergès argues that the decolonization of the Western museum is impossible if we adopt Frantz Fanon's remark that "Decolonization is a program of absolute disorder” (1961). In this conversation, Vergès retraces the connection between collecting and colonialism, explores the capacity of neoliberalism to commodify critiques, and presents the project of a “museum without objects” and different decolonial practices of the arts. Speakers Françoise Vergès, Political Scientist, Historian and Curator; Author of "A Feminist Theory of Violence: A Decolonial Perspective" (Pluto Press, 2022) In conversation with Katia Arfara, Curator; Assistant Professor of Theater, Performance Studies, NYUAD

Justin K. Stearns talked about his work as professor of Arab Crossroads Studies at NYUAD and his research in contagion and diseases in Al-Andalus and North Africa.Justin Stearns received his BA in English and History from Dartmouth College in 1998 and his PhD in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University in 2007. He is a Professor of Arab Crossroads Studies at New York University Abu Dhabi. His research interests focus on the intersection of law, science, and theology in the pre-modern Muslim Middle East. His first book was a comparative intellectual history of Muslim and Christian understanding of contagion, especially in the context of the plague, entitled Infectious Ideas: Contagion in Pre-Modern Islamic and Christian Thought in the Western Mediterranean (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011).Created by Mikey Muhanna, afikraHosted by Aya NimerEdited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About the afikra Conversations:Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, ‎and media experts who are helping document and/or shape the history and culture of the Arab world through their ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with newfound curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into headfirst. ‎Following the interview, there is a moderated town-hall-style Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience ‎on Zoom.‎ Join the live audience: https://www.afikra.com/rsvp   FollowYoutube - Instagram (@afikra_) - Facebook - Twitter Support www.afikra.com/supportAbout afikra:‎afikra is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity. Read more about us on  afikra.com 

The wildly successful world premiere of Iranian-American Sanaz Toossi's award-winning play and production English (2022) captivated audiences who had never before seen their story captured in live performance. Set in a TOEFL classroom in Karaj, Iran in 2008, English occurs during a period of political transformation resulting in travel restrictions and family separations. The play focuses on the many personal, cultural and political questions raised by “foreign” language acquisition that are both specific and expansive upon its Iranian context. In conversation about this theatrical work, the award-winning English creative team discusses these topics and the process from script to production. Speakers Knud Adams, Director, English (2022) Sanaz Toossi, Iranian-American Playwright, English (2022) Moderated by Robert H Vorlicky, Visiting Professor of Theater, NYUAD Marsha Ginsberg, Scenic Designer, English (2022); Associate Arts Professor of Theater, NYUAD

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, technological shifts, the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change, governments have been working to deliver more effective economic policies and looking to understand how to best implement them.   The study of human behaviour has, as a result, become more critical in areas such as education, health and jobs.   Nikos Nikiforakis, professor of economics and co-director of the Centre for Behavioral Institutional Design (C-BID) at NYU Abu Dhabi, talks to host Mustafa Alrawi ahead of the centre's Behavioral Policy Design Conference in the capital in November.   Experts and policymakers will gather at the event to discuss how what we know about human behaviour is increasingly influencing how policy is being set.   In this episode: What is behavioural social science? (48s) The link between human behaviour and economic policy (1m 42s) How is this implemented? (3m 24s) Helping policy-makers make better judgements (6m 29) How are theories tested? (10m 13s) The role of economists (14m 58s)   Read more on our website: What does it take to ensure a green-energy future? Liz Truss's downfall and the problem with markets dictating government policy Disruption is the new normal Subscribe to Business Extra for free to receive new episodes every week Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean

Recent research in the social sciences suggests that families' past experiences of violence –notably, war and displacement – shape descendants' preferences and behaviors for generations and influence economic, political, and social decisions within these families over decades and, at times, centuries. This talk provides an overview of the cutting-edge research on the legacies of violence and describes what we know about the intergenerational effects of violence and the social processes by which family trauma is inherited. To illustrate the argument, the talk draws in part on fieldwork among victims and their descendants in Ukraine, Catalonia, Cambodia, and Guatemala. Speaker Leonid Peisakhin, Associate Professor of Political Science, NYUAD

Pandemic, war, rising oil prices, food shortages, … there is no uncertainty about how uncertain these times are. Yet, we have to make decisions at all scales—from individuals trying to decide how to financially invest to policy-makers trying to curb epidemics with sound public health interventions. Faced with many decision-making complexities, we look to technology with its promise of data-driven insights and artificial intelligence to come to our aid. This talk examines how prescriptive analytics can help with these challenges but also discusses their limitations and what the landscape of computational decision-making looks like. Speaker Azza Abouzied, Associate Professor of Computer Science, NYUAD

Hervé Koubi spoke to us in this special collaboration episode with NYUAD about What The Day Owes To The Night, which tells the story of a young boy from Yasmina Khadra's novel through  highly physical, stunningly fluid, gravity-defying piece that combines capoeira, martial arts, urban, and contemporary dance.Hervé Koubi is a dancer at the National Choreographic Center of Nantes Claude Brumachon and Benjamin Lamarche then at the National Choreographic Center of Caen with Karine Saporta and the Thor Company in Brussels with Thierry Smits, he created his choreographic project in 2000. His choreographic work was born from a mixture of techniques and influences, at the crossroads of urban dances and ballet. Hervé Koubi today wishes to question these choreographic languages ​​to get rid of a unique technique and develop a new style of writing. Considering the porosity of techniques between them as a space for experimentation and going beyond technical and aesthetic frameworks and affiliations, he now wishes to pose the precisely blurred borders of a ballet of the 21st century, precisely open and current. Choreographer committed in the developpement of dance for the communities, it is also in the encounter and sharing between his works, his audiences and his practices that he develops numerous projects of territories and artistic education. He was awarded in July 2015 with the Order of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.Created and hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikraEdited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About the afikra Conversations:Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, ‎and media experts who are helping document and/or shape the history and culture of the Arab world through their ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with newfound curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into headfirst. ‎Following the interview, there is a moderated town-hall-style Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience ‎on Zoom.‎ Join the live audience: https://www.afikra.com/rsvp   FollowYoutube - Instagram (@afikra_) - Facebook - Twitter Support www.afikra.com/supportAbout afikra:‎afikra is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity. Read more about us on  afikra.com

Reem Almenhali and Joanna Settle spoke to us in this special collaboration episode with NYUAD about their play, Al Raheel | Departure, which is about the depth and diversity of life as a woman in the UAE.Created and hosted by Mikey Muhanna, afikraEdited by: Ramzi RammanTheme music by: Tarek Yamani https://www.instagram.com/tarek_yamani/About the afikra Conversations:Our long-form interview series features academics, arts, ‎and media experts who are helping document and/or shape the history and culture of the Arab world through their ‎work. Our hope is that by having the guest share their expertise and story, the community still walks away with newfound curiosity - and maybe some good recommendations about new nerdy rabbit holes to dive into headfirst. ‎Following the interview, there is a moderated town-hall-style Q&A with questions coming from the live virtual audience ‎on Zoom.‎ Join the live audience: https://www.afikra.com/rsvp   FollowYoutube - Instagram (@afikra_) - Facebook - Twitter Support www.afikra.com/supportAbout afikra:‎afikra is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region- past, present, and future - through conversations driven by curiosity. Read more about us on  afikra.com

Every part of existence is fueled by water. It supports the most important industries in society including the energy sector, agriculture, and transportation. Water resources are under increasing strain as the world's population rises and the economy grows, resulting in decreased river flows, the loss of lakes and wetlands, and declining ground-water levels. This panel explores the main threats to water security, shares insights, and identifies actions to tackle water-related security risks, specifically in the UAE, based on a shared understanding and close collaboration among government, private sector, and academia. Opening Remarks Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor, NYUAD Panelists Nidal Hilal, Professor of Engineering and Director of NYUAD Water Research Center, NYUAD Luke Sumner, Director of Integrated Planning, Emirates Water and Electricity Company Sofia Berglund, Business Development Manager Middle East, SOURCE Moderated by Antonios Vouloudis, Director of Sustainability and Stewardship, NYUAD

A roller coaster through cosmic time, this talk truncates the 13.7 billion years of life of our Universe into 60 minutes. Starting from a very hot cosmic soup, the Universe evolved from tiny initial perturbations to the large variety of structures we can observe today. The talk also explores the biggest mystery in modern physics: the dark side of the Universe. Speakers Andrea Valerio Macciò, Associate Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for Astro, Particle, and Planetary Physics, NYUAD

On the latest episode of Podbridge, UAE Ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba recently hosted a discussion on the founding and vision of NYU Abu Dhabi with those most responsible for making it a reality. John Sexton is President Emeritus of NYU. Mariët Westermann is Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi. Rima Al Mokarrab is Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Executive Affairs Authority. Together, they discuss how NYUAD became a reality, the impact on the community and why the venture has been so successful.This material is distributed by TRG Advisory Services, LLC on behalf of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the U.S.. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Glad to welcome Dr. Cyrus R.K. Patell on the show to discuss the philosophies that surround Star Wars. Dr. Patell is the author of "Lucasfilm: Filmmaking, Philosophy, and the Star Wars Universe," which is part of the Philosophical Filmmakers series. Book - https://www.amazon.com/Lucasfilm-Filmmaking-Philosophy-Philosophical-Filmmakers/dp/1350100609 Website - https://patell.net/ Profile (bio copy and pasted below) - https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/academics/divisions/arts-and-humanities/faculty/cyrus-r-k-patell.html Artwork by Phillip Thor - https://linktr.ee/Philipthor_art. To watch the visuals with the trailer go to https://www.podcasttheway.com/trailers/ The Way Podcast - www.PodcastTheWay.com - Follow at Twitter / Instagram - @podcasttheway (Don't forget to Subscribe and Follow on streaming platforms and social media!) As always thank you Don Grant for the Intro and Outro. Check out his podcast - https://threeinterestingthings.captivate.fm Intro guitar melody copied from Aiden Ayers at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UiB9FMOP5s (Shortened Bio) Cyrus R. K. Patell is Professor of Literature at NYUAD and Professor of English at NYU in New York. He began his scholarly career as a specialist in 19th- and 20th-century US literature and culture, but his recent scholarship and teaching has centered on the theory and practice of cosmopolitanism, on late-20th century US emergent literatures, and onGlobal Shakespeare. He has served as Director of Undergraduate Studies and Director of Undergraduate Honors for the English Department at NYU. From 2010-2013, Patell was the Associate Dean of Humanities for NYU Abu Dhabi. At NYU Abu Dhabi, Patell teaches a variety of courses including "Foundations of Literature I & II," "Global Shakespeare," and "Technophilia and Its Discontents." Past courses include "Classic American Literature," "The Cosmopolitan Imagination," "Global Text: Moby-Dick" (with Shamoon Zamir), "Shakespeare and Cosmopolitanism," and "Speculative Fiction." Recent publications include Emergent U.S. Literatures (NYU Press, 2014) and Cosmopolitanism and the Literary Imagination (Palgrave, 2015). Patell serves as the publisher for Electra Street: A Journal of the Arts and Humanities and its sister publication, Airport Road, a journal of student creative work. He is also the director of the NYUAD Global Shakespeare Project. Patell received his AB, AM, and PhD in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University. *The views expressed are exclusively the views of The Way Podcast*