A Princeton-trained cryptographer with a PhD earned with the Highest Distinction, Dr. Najwa Aaraj leads the Technology Innovation Institute, the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council. With over 18 years of global experience spanning cybersecurity, autonomous robotics and AI, she has previously held senior roles at DarkMatter, IBM T.J. Watson Security Research and Intel Security Research Group.
She holds patents in applied cryptography and machine learning-based IoT protection, serves as Adjunct Professor at MBZUAI, and was recognised at the Arab Woman Awards 2021 in partnership with the United Nations.
