Obaid Younossi focuses on translating KAUST’s cutting-edge scientific research into actionable policy insights that inform decision-making in the Kingdom.

Younossi is committed to building a world-class policy institute that serves as a trusted advisor to policymakers, advances evidence-based decision-making, and supports innovation to address pressing societal challenges.

For more than 26 years at the RAND Corporation, he held several senior leadership roles, including the vice dean of the RAND School of Public Policy, director of the Political Sciences Research Department, director of the Resource Management Program, and director of the RAND–Qatar Policy Institute.

His research portfolio covers the policy implications of emerging technologies, the assessment of costs and schedules in complex systems, institutional reform, and the efficient and effective use of national resources.

He holds a master’s and Ph.D. in public policy analysis from George Washington University, a master’s in international relations from George Mason University, and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.