Obaid Younossi
Professor of Practice
Executive Director, The Policy Institute at KAUST
The institute aims to inform public policy and decision-making by translating KAUST’s scientific research and expertise into timely, credible, and actionable insights, while building analytical capacity in policy analysis to help the Kingdom realize its Vision 2030 for a vibrant and sustainable future.
Biography
Professor Obaid Younossi is the executive director of The Policy Institute at KAUST. In this capacity, he leads KAUST’s science-to-policy efforts, working to translate the University’s research excellence into objective, policy-relevant analysis and decision support. His responsibilities include building strategic partnerships, developing policy analysis and capacity-building programs, and strengthening the policy impact of KAUST research in areas such as water, food, energy, health, and artificial intelligence. This work aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and national research, development, and innovation priorities.
Prior to joining KAUST, Dr. Younossi spent nearly three decades at the RAND Corporation, where he held senior research and leadership roles across public policy, strategy, and institutional management. His positions included vice dean of the RAND School of Public Policy, research department director of political sciences, director of the Resource Management Research Program, and director of the RAND-Qatar Policy Institute. Throughout his career, he led multidisciplinary teams delivering evidence-based analysis to support high-consequence public and strategic decisions.
Research Interests
During his research career, Professor Younossi has used quantitative and qualitative policy research and analysis to address high-stakes technology acquisition, cost reduction, program assessment, and institutional reform. He is also keenly interested in teaching and mentoring the next generation on tools and methods of policy analysis to support decision-making and the development of impactful policies.
Education Profile
Ph.D., Public Policy and Public Administration, The George Washington University,
Washington, D.C.M.Phil., Public Policy, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
M.A., International Transactions, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA