Promotion Celebrations: Professors Hani Ragab Hassen and Rabee Rustum
The University extends its congratulations to Professor Hani Ragab Hassen from the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (MACS) and Rabee Rustum from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) Dubai on their well-deserved promotions to Professor in 2024.
Professor Ragab Hassen is a key figure in coordinating research activities in the field of information security, with a particular focus on AI applications. His extensive background and expertise in security have been invaluable to the academic and research communities.
In 2007, Professor Ragab Hassen earned his Ph.D. with distinction from the Université de Technologie de Compiègne in France, specialising in Cyber Security. His academic credentials were further bolstered by professional certificates in Predictive Analytics Modelling, Security Intelligence, and Big Data .
Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Ragab Hassen has a wide range of interests. He enjoys reading novels, snorkeling, and playing chess and pool. He is also an amateur astronomer, often spending his free time exploring the wonders of the night sky.
I am very delighted that my contribution to my institution and beyond has been recognised and valued in this way. I am looking forward to further developing my practice and contribution to support our students’ and community’s success.
Professor Rabee Rustum is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with a specialised focus on hydro-informatics, with experience in water and wastewater-related projects. His academic journey began with a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering from Damascus University. He furthered his expertise with an M.Sc. in Environmental Risk Management from Poitiers University, France. Professor Rustum’s early career saw him excelling as a water and wastewater hydraulic modeller for Mouchel Group in Stirling, Scotland, UK.
Professor Rustum’s leadership and influence have continued to grow, as evidenced by his appointment as the EGIS Global Director of Academic Quality (DAQ) in May 2021. Additionally, his leadership was recognised with his appointment as the Associate Dean of the University (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences) from April 2023 to March 2026. He was elected to the University Senates Council, where he served from 2020 to 2023 and was re-elected for a second term from 2023 to 2026.
Throughout his career, Professor Rustum has held several key management and leadership positions, representing EGIS in various university committees and steering groups. He has led, coordinated, and participated in accreditation visits, academic reviews, and audits for EGIS and other schools. His teaching philosophy centres around leadership in curriculum development, enhancing student experiences and feedback, public engagement, and exchanging and disseminating knowledge.
Being promoted to Professor is not just a recognition of my past achievements but a testament to my readiness to take on greater responsibilities in shaping the future of our University. I am deeply committed to driving positive change, ensuring academic excellence, and mentoring the next generation of scholars and leaders. I aim to foster inter-campus collaboration and advance Heriot-Watt's strategic objectives on a global scale. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support of my mentors, colleagues, and students. Their guidance, intellectual challenges, and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth. I am deeply indebted to them for the opportunities they provided. I am also profoundly grateful to my wife and children, whose understanding of my passion for academia and research allowed me the time and space to dedicate long hours to my work. Their unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my success.
Once again, we congratulate Professor Hani Ragab Hassen and Professor Rabee Rustum on their significant achievements and look forward to their continued contributions to our academic community.