American University of Sharjah (AUS), UAE. Dr Matthias Ruth has joined AUS as vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. He moves from the role of pro-vice-chancellor for research at the University of York in the UK, where he led the development and implementation of the university’s research strategy. Matthias previously held senior leadership positions at the University of Alberta, University of Maryland and Boston University. He is an internationally recognised scholar, with a multidisciplinary background that spans economics, engineering and biology and has served as an advisor to many governments and agencies, including the OECD, the European Commission and the US Environmental Protection Agency. With his rare combination of scholarly depth and institutional leadership, he is well placed to help drive AUS’ goal of building a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment forward.