The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and the University of Utah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, January 5, 2026, aimed at establishing a framework for joint academic and research cooperation. The agreement seeks to enhance the exchange of knowledge and scientific expertise between the two institutions and to support the development of humanities studies and scholarly research in areas of mutual interest.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies by HRH Maha bint Mohammed AlFaisal, Secretary-General of the Center, and on behalf of the University of Utah by Dr. Taylor Randall, President of the University.

The MoU aims to expand avenues of academic collaboration through the organization of joint academic activities, including scholarly lectures, seminars, workshops, and conferences. These initiatives are intended to stimulate research activity, promote the exchange of academic perspectives, and support the advancement of research in the fields of humanities and knowledge studies. The agreement also encourages the strengthening of academic dialogue among faculty members, researchers, and graduate students through discussion forums, scholarly meetings, and academic exchange programs.

The memorandum further includes support for collaborative research initiatives between the two parties, encompassing the preparation and publication of joint academic research, the production of annotated scholarly translations, the implementation of archival projects, and the preparation of edited academic volumes. These efforts aim to enrich scholarly content and broaden its accessibility at both regional and international levels.

In addition, the MoU provides for the enhancement of expertise and intellectual resource exchange through visiting scholar programs, faculty exchanges, and mutual access to libraries and research collections. It also includes short-term research residency programs, thereby fostering a supportive environment for sustainable academic collaboration and maximizing the use of research capacities available to both institutions.

The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding reflects the commitment of both parties to building international academic partnerships based on long-term strategic planning and structured institutional cooperation. Such collaboration is intended to transform academic understandings into practical, implementable programs, strengthen the integration of research expertise, facilitate the exchange of academic experiences, and enhance research outputs in the humanities in accordance with internationally recognized best academic practices.