DR. NAJAH Y. ASHRY
Senior Associate to the President & VP Strategic National Advancement

Dr. Najah Ashry is Senior Associate to the President and Vice President of the Strategic National Advancement division, which empowers KAUST in its mission to support national priorities and develop Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy through long-term systemic efforts. In her current capacity, Dr. Ashry guides the university’s strategy for impact in Saudi Arabia, supporting the country’s transformation needs through a broad portfolio of strategic priorities including talent development and management, corporate social responsibility, institutional advancement, and outreach and partnerships. Through KAUST, her work is devoted to creating a strong national scientific infrastructure that will support a thriving innovation ecosystem for generations. Prior to her 11 years at KAUST, Dr. Ashry served as Dean of the female section at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. She has a bachelor’s in computer science, an MBA, a post-graduate diploma in quantitative and qualitative research methods, and a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems with a focus on strategic development and planning.