| Issue 4
Dr Asmaa E Al Fadala
Putting education at the heart of global development
Research director aims to collaborate , innovate and advocate with partners across the world to raise standards of teaching and learning
For Dr Asmaa E Al Fadala , the field of education has always been one that requires a local understanding and a global outlook . In her pursuit of educational reform , her career path has transitioned from being a physics teacher in Qatar ; a science coordinator following her acquisition of a Master ’ s degree ; to joining the RAND Policy Institute , focusing on educational research .
At Cambridge University , Dr Al Fadala explored case studies of schools in Qatar impacted by educational reform . The research earned her a PhD in Educational Leadership . Afterwards , she joined the World Innovation Summit for Education ( WISE ), an international initiative aimed at transforming education through innovation . Today , she is Director of Research at WISE , focusing on promoting innovation in education across three ‘ pillars ’.
“ The first pillar that we focus on requires us to collaborate with renowned institutions around the world , and produce policy-relevant research on a wide range of educational topics ,” she explains . “ Secondly , we have programmes that recognize and actively facilitate innovation in education . Lastly , we promote innovation in education through our advocacy work , as we participate in different forums around the world .
“ Our most significant achievement has been that we succeeded in putting education on the global agenda . That was very much part of Her Highness ’ s vision following her establishment of WISE in 2009 .”
Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser as a global initiative under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation , WISE hosts the biennial WISE Summit . The conference brings together over 1,500 worldwide experts , researchers , and innovators to form new collaborations and develop solutions to inspire creative changes in education . In her role as Director of Research , Dr Asmaa E Al Fadala is central to the success of the project and to WISE ’ s international outreach .
“ Our most significant achievement has been that we succeeded in putting education on the global agenda . That was very much part of Her Highness ’ s vision following her establishment of WISE in 2009 .”
“ Working at WISE has taken my work a step further to reach global platforms ,” she says . “ For example , I have been invited to serve as an advisory member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation , working on a new
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