The Faculty of Computing and Information Technology of the King Abdulaziz University (KAU) signed an agreement with the Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria for cooperation in the field of computing technologies with reference to research proposals, graduate thesis and dissertation work, as well as the assessment of research workshops and the mobility of involved researchers. This is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding for research and education cooperation between KAU and Politecnico di Milano signed in 2020.

Under the agreement, the Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria of the Politecnico di Milano will act as reviewer for the doctoral and master's degree thesis proposals of students of the KAU University and workshops will be organized, in Saudi Arabia and in Italy, to exchange ideas and try to identify further forms of cooperation.

Through the agreement with the Politecnico di Milano, which in recent years has been constantly expanding its international network and outreach, KAU aim to enhance and develop the capabilities of its students and enrich their knowledge and research skills, especially in the computing fields required in today’s labor market, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and IoT. Furthermore, this collaboration will help to improve scientific and cognitive research among scholars and students.

On the occasion of the signing event of October 28, 2021, Prof. Stefano Tubaro, Chair of the Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, stated: “This is an important first step in cooperation with our department. Computer Science is a key field for us, and we have other specializations as well. I look forward to start working together and explore other possibilities for cooperation”. Prof. Luciano Baresi, who is the faculty member in charge of the project, added: “This agreement is wide-ranging in terms of specialization and for this reason I involved the top experts in multiple fields in our Department. I am eager to start the cooperation, to deepen research and graduate student projects, to coordinate research exchange and workshops in Italy and Saudi Arabia”.