King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has appointed Professor Peter Goadsby, one of the world’s foremost neurologists and neuroscientists, as Senior Associate to the President and Founding Dean of the University’s new Division of Biomedical Sciences. 

The arrival of Professor Goadsby, whose pioneering work has transformed the understanding and treatment of migraine and cluster headache, marks a significant milestone for KAUST, strengthening the capacity of both the University and the Kingdom to drive impact from campus laboratories to healthcare systems across the region. 

At KAUST, Professor Goadsby will lead the establishment of the University’s fourth academic division, focusing on Biomedical Sciences, where he will serve as Founding Dean. His expertise will be central to advancing the neuroscience department, developing the University’s capabilities in experimental medicine and clinical trials, and building global partnerships to accelerate solutions for neurological disorders,  

In fulfilling this remit, Professor Goadsby will build on an academic career which has won him international recognition. His groundbreaking research identified calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a central driver of migraine, a discovery that led directly to the development of entirely new classes of migraine-specific medicines that have improved the lives of millions worldwide. For these contributions, he received the 2021 Brain Prize – the world’s largest neuroscience award – and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2022. 

“I am honored to join KAUST and contribute to the ambitious vision for scientific and healthcare advancement in Saudi Arabia,” said Professor Peter Goadsby. “I look forward to collaborating with the brilliant minds at the University and across the Kingdom to translate groundbreaking research into tangible health solutions that benefit patients here and around the world.” 

Sir Edward Byrne, President of KAUST, said: “This appointment is a testament to KAUST’s strategic investment in world-class talent and its dedication to becoming a global hub for health innovation, directly supporting the Kingdom’s national health priorities and Vision 2030. Having worked closely with Peter previously, I know firsthand how well suited he is to the leadership of the University’s newest academic division.” 

Professor Goadsby obtained his medical degree and initial neurology training at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. His extensive postdoctoral and postgraduate training included work at Cornell University and in Paris, followed by neurology training at Queen Square, London. His distinguished career also encompasses leadership roles at UNSW, the Institute of Neurology, University College London, and the University of California, San Francisco.