New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has received a commitment of over US$1 million from the Laidlaw Foundation to establish the Laidlaw Scholars Program, a first-of-its-kind partnership in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), dedicated to developing the next generation of global leaders.
The programme will launch with its first class in spring 2026, offering selected undergraduates an immersive two-year experience featuring a combination of leadership development and training, an experiential research project, and a community-based work experience. The comprehensive programme empowers real-world impact and includes the opportunity to join a global network of over 2,500 Laidlaw Scholars from leading institutions around the world.
Fabio Piano, Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, said: “We are honoured to partner with the Laidlaw Foundation in our shared mission to build a diverse and inclusive community of ethical leaders. This collaboration reflects our commitment to empowering young individuals from all backgrounds to unite in building a global society, preparing them to lead with purpose and integrity. We are proud of our partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation and the lasting impact we will make together.”
Susanna Kempe, CEO of Laidlaw Foundation, said: “Partnering with the exceptional NYU Abu Dhabi enables us to extend the geographical reach, cultural richness, and global impact of the Laidlaw leadership and research scholarship program. Thanks to Vice Chancellor Fabio Piano and his dedicated team, we look forward to supporting more extraordinary Scholars to become good leaders and wise thinkers.”
NYUAD is the first university in the MENA region to join the prestigious Laidlaw Scholars Network, which comprises 20 leading universities across Europe, North America, and Asia. Members of the network include the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, Imperial College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Brown University, and the University of Hong Kong among others. This affiliation creates unique opportunities for collaboration among undergraduate students and faculty members and aligns with NYUAD’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and social responsibility.
