The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi has opened applications for its first doctoral cohort in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with studies set to begin in Fall 2026. This move marks a significant step toward addressing a critical challenge in the rapidly evolving field of AI: ensuring that advanced systems remain accessible, meaningful, and aligned with human needs.
Expanding Research Focus
The new PhD program will focus on key research areas including human-AI alignment, multimodal interfaces, cognitive augmentation, brain-computer interfaces, human-data interaction, and the development of adaptive interactive systems. This expansion positions MBZUAI as a leader in the effort to bridge the gap between powerful AI technologies and their real-world application.
The HCI department is the university’s sixth specialized area, joining existing departments in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Robotics, and Computer Science. The addition reflects a strategic move towards a more comprehensive AI research ecosystem.
Leadership and Expertise
The department will be chaired by Professor Elizabeth Churchill, a renowned user experience expert formerly of Google. Professor Churchill brings extensive experience in designing user-centric technologies, having previously led teams focused on developer tools for Google’s Fuchsia operating system and research for Material Design and Flutter.
The program will draw specialists from diverse fields – cognitive science, psychology, design, neuroscience, and social computing – to explore how AI can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and ensure inclusivity in technology development.
The Broader Implications
The launch of this program comes at a pivotal moment. As AI capabilities accelerate, it is increasingly important to understand how these technologies integrate into daily life, influence behavior, and serve genuine human needs. The convergence of AI and HCI presents both opportunities and challenges :
- AI-powered interfaces can personalize experiences through predictive text, voice recognition, and adaptive recommendation systems.
- However, algorithmic bias, user privacy, transparency in AI decision-making, and maintaining human agency remain critical concerns.
- Further research is needed to address the emotional intelligence limitations of AI, ensure accessibility for diverse users, and mitigate potential negative societal impacts such as social isolation.
MBZUAI’s commitment to this research aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to build an innovation-led economy grounded in trust and inclusion. The university, already ranked among the top 20 globally for AI-related disciplines, aims to advance research into how communities adopt and repurpose AI technologies responsibly.
Applications for the inaugural Ph.D. cohort are now open, with a Master of Science in HCI program scheduled to launch in 2026 for a Fall 2027 intake. This expansion further solidifies MBZUAI’s position as a leading institution in the global AI landscape.
The success of AI depends not only on its technical prowess but also on its ability to serve human needs effectively and ethically. The launch of this PhD program is a crucial step in that direction.
