In Brief
Anticipating a Fire’s Sudden Takeoff
Why do some hillside fires suddenly take off? A Fire Safety Journal study by Dr. Gilbert Accary, associate professor at the School of Engineering, suggests fire front length is a key factor. Using numerical simulations, he found that wide, continuous fire fronts can generate their own pull of air, feeding flames and driving the fire forward. Shorter fronts are more likely to stay under control, helping teams anticipate when a slope fire could rapidly accelerate.
The IEEE Student Branch at LAU Keeps the Crown
Comprising six student clubs, the IEEE Student Branch at LAU has been awarded the Exemplary Student Branch Award in Europe and the MENA region, for the second-year running, marking the third time this branch has received a prestigious award during the past year. This attests to the students’ prowess, leadership and dedication to the mission and values of the IEEE, especially in one of the network’s most competitive regions.
Abou El Zeus Returns to LAU
Due to popular demand, the major production directed by Assistant Professor of Practice Lina Khoury Abou El Zeus—an adaptation of Woody Allen’s 1975 play God—will return to the Gulbenkian Amphitheater on the Beirut campus for three additional performances on January 16, 17, and 18. Featuring more than 40 alumni, the play moves between Athens and Beirut, past and present, blending drama, comedy, satire, and epic theater realism to explore enduring philosophical questions. To reserve your tickets, click here.
LAU and OMSAR Formalize Strategic Partnership
On January 14, 2026, LAU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform(OMSAR), represented by Minister Fadi Makki, on the Beirut campus, formalizing a strategic partnership to advance evidence-based public sector reform. The collaboration will link academic research with public policy design and implementation, focusing on capacity building, behavioral insights and experiential learning. “This is not a signature moment,” said LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah, “but the start of real work.”
Together for LAU: A GivingTuesday Success
LAU’s second Together for LAU GivingTuesday campaign united 509 donors in support of the university’s mission. Their generous contributions to the schools’ impact funds are helping empower students to pursue their dreams, advance research and enrich student life. Every gift made affirms a shared belief that education is the cornerstone of rebuilding Lebanon and shaping ethical, compassionate and innovative leaders. Through this collective effort, the LAU community invests in the country’s talent, fostering hope, resilience, and a brighter future for all.
Spirited Showdown Between Alumni and Varsity
An LAU alumni team faced off against a mixed varsity and junior varsity squad in a friendly co-ed basketball game at the Beirut campus on November 6, where at least two women had to be on the court at all times. The varsity team started strong, but the alumni rallied in the second half to close the gap and secure a thrilling 82-80 victory in a spirited and entertaining matchup.
LAU Renews Cooperation With Brazilian Universities
On October 22, LAU and the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB) signed an MOU on the Beirut campus to strengthen academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. The five-year agreement renews and expands upon the partnership originally established in 2017, creating new opportunities for joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchanges, and the sharing of knowledge across scientific, academic, and cultural fields. This demonstrates LAU’s dedication to international collaboration and global academic engagement.
“Reinventing Government 2030” Town Hall Engages Byblos Community
On October 3, the “Reinventing Government 2030” town hall, presented by Minister of State for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki at the LAU Byblos campus, gathered local municipalities, community members, faculty, and students. Dr. Makki outlined the roadmap for administrative reform, while interactive polls and discussions encouraged participants to share ideas on transparency, accountability, and sustainable governance. “Real reform requires the voices of youth and communities working together for Lebanon,” noted AKSOB Dean Dima Jamali.
Consulting Week Draws Over 200 Students
More than 200 students took part in LAU’s annual Consulting Week from September 22 to 26, organized by Career Development Services and the LAU Consulting Community. The event featured workshops, CV and cover-letter writing sessions, company recruitment presentations on both campuses and online, and registration in the consulting community. While most participants were from the schools of engineering and business, students from other disciplines also attended, creating a dynamic, multidisciplinary audience eager to explore careers, internships, and networking opportunities in consulting.
LAU’s Economic Policy Talk Series Delves into Sustainable Water Management
As part of its Economic Policy Talk Series, the Department of Economics hosted Dr. Sami Alawieh, executive general director and chairman of the Litani River Authority. He stressed the importance of effective water management in strengthening the economy, highlighting reforms to reduce waste, pollution and institutional shortcomings. “These enriching discussions between our faculty, students and speakers reinforce AKSOB’s role as a facilitator for innovative and sustainable solutions to national challenges,” said AKSOB Dean Dima Jamali.
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