Introduction

The King Saud University is an illustrious educational and research institute, who prides itself on providing high quality facilities and resources from which its academics and students can fulfil their potential.

King Saud University aspires to become the leading research and teaching university in Southwest Asia and one of the leading universities in the world within the next twenty years. As part of this aspiration the university seeks international status and recognition through inclusion and a high position in international university ranking systems.

The goals mentioned above can be achieved by improving the quantity and quality of research specifically in natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. In overview, the university will focus on two primary actions which will have some immediate impact on standards. Firstly, the recruitment of outstanding international researchers will show a new commitment to broaden the existing teaching available and raise the academic profile of the university. Secondly, forging closer partnerships with industry will open a new source from which to generate new projects and funding. Encouraging an ethos for enterprise and innovation within departments will ensure that knowledge and new technologies are transferred to practical use for the Saudi Arabian society.