CEO Today Management Consulting Awards 2021

SAUDI ARABIA

CEO TODAY MANAGEMENT CONSULTING AWARDS 2021

Basma

Contact Details Basma El-Zein E: basma@ieee.org W: www.ubt.edu.sa

El-Zein Director General, Governance and Sustainability Center University of Business and Technology

ABOUT BASMA EL-ZEIN Chief Basma El Zein is an outstanding professional,mentor, researcher, consultant and professor. For several years, she was among the most visible proponents in developing academic institutions, colleges and research organisations in Saudi Arabia - specifically in higher education. She is currently Director-General of the Governance and Sustainability Centre, where she reports directly to the Chairman of the board of trustees, at the University of Business and Technology. With an experience of more than 22 years in academic and research institutions, Basma has held different positions, from academic, research and consultancy perspectives. She recently conducted her own scientific research and before that, was a research scientist at the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, as well as an associate researcher at the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN) in France. Basma has a PhD in Nanotechnology and a Masterʼs degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Her research interest is currently focussed on Energy Conversion and Energy Storage. The main objective of her research is to develop an eco-green Solar Cell with high efficiency and long durability. In addition, Basma is exploring new materials such as kesterite, perovskite, and protein to be used as a light absorber for Solid State Sensitized Solar Cells. Sheʼs also exploring Printed Metal Oxide Batteries and has written extensively on the topic. She has one filed patent related to materials for solar cells.

Basma is a grand Judge at Intel ISEF-USA, an examiner at KACST, and a renowned guest speaker at many international conferences on renewable energy and nanotechnology. During her previous roles, she has supervised many PhD students and around 250 projects (as final year projects at the bachelor and master level and as development and strategical projects). She is a reviewer for many international, peer-reviewed journals, the chair or co-chair of committees at many different international conferences. She is also a member of many international associations. From a community service perspective, Basma is the Vice President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace for Scientific and Academic Affairs. During my years of experience, I distinguished myself with my ongoing, big research projects and my commitment to development. In addition to research, I founded and established the Governance and Sustainability Centre and the research deanship. During the last 12 months, I worked on restructuring the university and specifying the responsibilities, duties and authorities of its top management, supporting the strategic plan of the university. What excites you about the work you do? My diversified knowledge in various scientific streams, coupled with 22 years of experience has empowered me with leadership skills, where I am excelling in teaching, management, strategic planning What have you been working on over the past 12 months?

and development, research, and community service. I am playing a leadership and changemaker role by demonstrating my skills through working on new topics and developing new strategies in order to make a difference in the world. I have developed the research strategy and the newacademicprograms, aswell asmanycreative programs for entrepreneurship, technology transfer and economic development. I have established international relations with many international universities and industries and have developed many curricula and academic programs to international standards, always empowering women along the way. In all of my work, I also take into consideration the community, doing my best to contribute to the economic development of the kingdom.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

I am a change-maker and I always leave my fingerprint wherever I go. I still have some objectives that I want to meet, including holding a senior position at an international association or organisation where I can contribute not just to people around me but also to the whole world. I also hope to one day win a Nobel Prize!

What does this award mean to you?

This award means a lot to me, recognising my achievements and my contribution - and it pushes me to work more, contribute more and serve more.

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